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 train as an actor. Life as an actor was exciting: I was taking gigs and going on tour alongside working in various bars, gyms, and hospitality roles. In addition to this, I was regularly practicing yoga as an escape from the pace and unpredictability of my professional life. I embarked on my teacher training in Rishikesh, India, and taught at various Hotpod Studios in London for 2 – 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 growth- both personal and professional; I wanted to build something. With performing and yoga teaching, I felt like there was a ceiling to how much I could achieve. With acting, you can hustle super hard but the results are not necessarily reflective of the work you put in, which can be demoralising over time. On top of this, I had a pretty full-on teaching schedule, and there are only so many classes one can teach in a week. Come lockdown, all my work disappeared; it was kind of a reckoning 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 live a life that was both financially sustainable and fulfilling.
How would you describe the Hotpod Dulwich Community?
I would describe the Hotpod Dulwich community as genuinely more than I ever could have imagined. It’s a group of interesting, diverse, passionate, kind humans, and I count myself privileged to be a part of it. It’s a testament to every single person who comes through our doors- 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 and forming bonds that extend beyond the studio. These connections go beyond just these walls, beyond just our mats. This is my first experience of true ‘community’ in the madness that is London, and that’s really special.
How has HQ supporting you in running your business?
Despite picking up things quickly, I don’t have a business background. The HQ support has been invaluable and constant through my HPY journey. Everything from the initial purchase, to a rocky first year, to now where things are running smoothly, the support has been there every step of the way. The systems and structures that are in place are very well explained, so at a bare minimum, if you are good at just following those instructions, you will be well on your way to a successful business. Then, once those basics are solid, you’ll have the freedom to add your own creative flare and make it your own.
What does your work/life balance look like?
My work life balance is in flux. I think that can be a good thing. Some days I feel I get the balance right, other days I miss the mark, but I think that’s being a business owner for ya! I do have some control as to how I spend my days. If there’s an emergency at the studio, I can be here. If not, I can be doing something some forward thinking and planning. I find that in general, 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. Even though it’s not always perfect, I’m definitely afforded the amount of control over my time that I would have dreamed of just a few years ago.
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.