What I learnt from over 10 years of running a Yoga Studio…
What I’ve Learned from Running a Yoga Studio for More Than 10 Years.
To be honest, I write this with a sigh of relief. Making the choice to walk away from something I’ve quite frankly given my life to for the past 10 years wasn’t easy—but it sure feels like a huge weight off my shoulders. That weight has lifted with the realisation that this is the right decision, at the right time.
Tears, blood, and sweat have gone into keeping this little community alive—and I wouldn’t change it for the world. But I am, without a doubt, ready to move into a new era of my life.
The studio has been our world (John’s and mine): an all-consuming, ever-evolving, borderline-charity passion project. A project that not only gave us so much purpose, but also took its toll on other areas of our lives.
Key things we’ve learned over the past 10 years:
Create clear, firm boundaries—and stand by them.
Watch out for ‘hippy’ love bombing and other forms of narcissism.
Cashflow is king. No money = No business (no matter how idealistic it is).
There are NO free classes. Those who are truly in need always find a way to pay. Those who expect things for free seldom require them.
We run a business, NOT a charity.
Yoga for ‘everyBODY’ is a myth. Every style has its own form of exclusivity.
‘Care’ less to care more.
Doing what you love is a privilege. Enjoy it.
Learn from others, read relevant books, always be open to new ways of doing things.
Lead with love, not fear.
At the end of the day, the student always knows what they need. As teachers and studio owners, our job was simply to create the space for their magic to unfold.
Most of all: cultivate humility and grace. Know when to push forward — Know when it’s time to walk away.
Since 2014, my world has been Raw Yoga: teaching weekly classes, working privately with hundreds of students to support their yoga practice, mental health, and overall well being, and mentoring beginner yoga teachers.
John and I have also run eight 200HR teacher training courses, three 300HR advanced teacher training courses, two aerial yoga teacher training courses, and hosted many workshops, charity yoga events, corporate yoga classes, We have hosted many Acro yoga workshops, aerial yoga classes as well as kids yoga, and even a yoga retreat in Fiji. We’ve done ongoing training ourselves and kept up a consistent meditation and asana practice.
One of my biggest personal realisations? I was wearing too many hats. Head teacher, head teacher trainer, boss lady, admin lady, cleaner lady… the list goes on. Meanwhile, John was the marketing guy, computer whiz kid, accountant, teacher, and teacher trainer— and for the last few years also holding down a full-time job.
I don’t share this for sympathy. I share this to shed light on what it takes to run a small business. As dreamy and relaxing as a yoga studio may seem from the outside, the truth is: it’s hard work. Long hours, low pay, and very little time off.
I can’t count how many times people have asked for free classes or assumed everything should be free because—You know…it’s yoga. Love and light, baby…
‘No, Susan. It’s a small business with a ton of overheads that I have to manage while teaching you how to calm your nervous system—meanwhile, I’m quietly spiralling into a hole of debt and doom.’
Okay. Thanks for listening to my rant. As you might recall from point 12 above:
Know when to push forward—Know when it’s time to walk away.
I’ve decided it’s time to walk away.
Not because I don’t love what I do. But because I believe I’ve learned all I can in this form—and I’m ready to experience life in new and wondrous ways.
Yoga has taught me the art of letting go. The value of discernment. The deep power of trusting my own intuition.
It became undeniable in my body what I needed to do. I set aside the expectations of others and reached a place of clarity: I was ready to walk away.
Doing the inner work allowed me to release any agenda or attachment to outcomes. I came to understand that my time running Raw Yoga was complete—and if it meant closing it down, so be it.
Yes, there were tears. There was heartbreak, overwhelm, and grief. But also—relief. A lightness I hadn’t felt in years.
I didn’t want to sell Raw Yoga. I was ready for a transformation.
I believe that when we align with our heart’s truth, the universe meets us with synchronicity and flow.
And we’ve watched that magic unfold: Raw Yoga has beautifully evolved into Hōm Studio.
As I move into a new era of my life, I feel filled with excitement, momentum, and freedom.
So, where to now?
I’ll continue teaching group classes at Hōm Studio and other studios across the North Shore.
I’ll run workshops, share online content, and keep the podcast going.
And I’ll continue to expand my private practice—because this is what truly lights me up.
The most rewarding part of my work has always been supporting individuals one-on-one. My private work evolves depending on who I’m with and what their specific needs are—no two sessions are the same.
I’ve been working privately for nearly 13 years, supporting people in their asana, breath, and meditation practices, as well as helping clients navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and stress. I use a blend of yoga, talk therapy, energy psychology, and somatic techniques, all through a trauma informed lens to discover vitality and empowerment.
I’m also currently training as a Health & Wellness Coach, because I believe behaviour change—around diet, lifestyle, and habits—is foundational for sustaining a meaningful yoga and mindfulness practice. Most of us know what we want to change; we just need the right support to make those changes stick.
Everyone I’ve worked with has the capacity to make profound change—with the right tools and guidance. My role is to meet them where they are at and help uncover what works best for their life.
If you’re curious to learn more about my one-on-one work, [CLICK HERE].
In Summary
Running a yoga studio has changed my life in ways I’ll forever be grateful for.
I’ve learned so much—about teaching, about people, about myself.
I’ve been pushed to honour my own worth. I’ve figured out how to run a business alongside my husband and keep our relationship strong. I’ve had hard conversations, held people through their darkest moments—and taught joyful, powerful classes even when I was in my own.
I’ve learned how to hold grace and humility when everything felt like it was falling apart.
Raw Yoga has been my baby. She changed my life. And I will always carry her with love.
Thank you for coming along for the ride.
x