We spoke to two of our studio owners, Allie of HPY Belgravia and Lindsey of HPY Dulwich, about the journey that brought them here. From finding the confidence to take the leap to creating spaces where people feel welcome, connected and supported, their stories offer an honest look at life as a Hotpod Yoga studio owner.
Lindsey, Hotpod Yoga Dulwich Owner.
What did life look like before becoming a studio owner?
I moved over from Canada to become an actor. As an actor, I was taking gigs and going on tour alongside working in various bars and hospitality roles. I ended up doing my Yoga Teacher Training at Hotpod Yoga and taught at various Hotpod Studios in London for 2 or 3 years before taking over Hotpod Yoga Dulwich.
What made you want to become a studio owner?
Coming out of lockdown, I desired an opportunity for more growth within my own life. With performing and yoga teaching, I felt like there was a ceiling to how much growth I could achieve. With acting, you work super hard but the results are not necessarily reflective of the work you put in, which can be demoralising over time. Come lockdown, all my work disappeared. And it was kind of a reckoning point where I had to decide, is this sustainable long term? I wanted to build something more stable that could stand on its own and allow me to visit my family in Canada.
How would you describe the Hotpod Dulwich Community?
I would describe the Hotpod Dulwich community as just amazing. I am so proud of the community that everyone here has managed to build and that’s not just me. It’s the teachers that we have, who are the friendliest people you will ever meet and will make even the most terrified first- timers feel welcome. It’s also our students, who are chatting with each other on the way in, getting to know each other’s lives in really nice and intimate ways. There is community outside of this space that people are forging, it’s connections beyond just these walls, beyond just our mats. It feels like this is the first chance I’ve had in London to feel like I’m a part of a community and that it’s a good place to be.
How has HQ supporting you in running your business?
Despite picking up things quickly, I don’t think that I have a business background whatsoever and come much more from a creative standpoint. The HQ support has been invaluable. Everything from the initial buying, down to now where it’s running as a nice little business, there have been people there every step of the way. The systems and structures that are in place are very well explained, very easily graspable and if you are good at just following those instructions, you will already have a successful business. You have the freedom to put in your own kind of creativity and your own flare.
What does your work/life balance look like?
My work life balance is in flux. I think that’s a good thing, that’s how I want it. The day is mine and I can choose how to spend it. If there’s an emergency at the studio, I can be here. If not, I can be doing something a bit more forward thinking. I find that I get out what I put into it. So, if I’m if I’m prioritising the work, I will get outcomes that are positive in the studio. That it is elastic enough that it can accommodate me. It’s flexible enough that I can decide what to do with my day.
Allie, Hotpod Yoga Belgravia Studio Owner.
What was the biggest factor that gave you the confidence to move forward with Hotpod Yoga?
I really love everything that the brand stands for. Bringing yoga to a wider community is something that I’m deeply passionate about, so Hotpod Yoga felt like the perfect fit. I had confidence moving forward knowing that our values aligned and that we share the same goal, so I would receive the support needed to bring my dream to life.
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome as a studio owner that you’re particularly proud of?
There are challenges every day as a studio owner and your resilience definitely grows quickly! I would say the challenge I am most proud of so far is building the confidence to find my voice in lots of settings where imposter syndrome would usually kick in. Studio owning has helped me grow my confidence in ways I couldn’t have imagined and I feel so comfortable being in the drivers seat of my studio.
Can you share a customer story or moment that reminds you why you opened your studio?
Having one of our students reach their 2500th class! We threw a big party to celebrate and hearing her speak about all the ways Hotpod Yoga has been there for her was inspiring. Our studio became the safe haven for her during a really tough grief journey and I felt so proud of all of our teachers and community members that we all held that space for her and made the studio a place of positivity that she could escape to. It’s safe to say we all cried a lot that day.
What would you tell someone who’s sitting on the fence and wondering whether now is the right time to take the leap?
I would say that if yoga and community is where your passion lies, then go for it. It will be one of scariest yet most rewarding things you do. Every day in this job is different and there are days that are really incredible and days that are really hard but regardless of all of that, when you get to watch your community thriving it is all worth it.