Meet Hotpod Studio Owner, Kelly Brown, owner of HPY Norwich

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We sat down with Kelly Brown, owner of HPY Norwich, to talk about how running a Hotpod studio has given her more flexibility in her day-to-day life. The transition of working in corporate 9-5 jobs to running your own small business can be a lot, but you can read more about Kelly’s experiences.

What was your career background before joining Hotpod Yoga

I’d worked in London for around 10 years in various roles, from a Letting negotiator/progressor, Recruitment, to the buyer for the toys on children’s magazines (yes, I did Barbie!)

My latest role of 3.5 years was working as a generalist HR Advisor for a company that was fortunate to have a big budget and a small team so I had a lot of exposure to salaries/bonus structures and stats, recruitment, learning & development, employee motivation and general day to day admin.

What made you want to step away from that environment and start something of your own?

Two weeks into lockdown I realised how much time I’d gained back without my commute from Essex, nearly 3 hours a day! I was able to work in short bursts rather than glued to my desk like I was in the office, which works so much better for me.

My family had always run their own businesses and I knew at some point I’d want to do the same, but in something I was truly passionate about. When I found out Hotpod was a franchise, it just made sense. What better way to learn to run your first business? You have a helping hand and it’s in an industry that is just generally lovely and helps people. I wanted freedom, something that revolved around wellness and wasn’t just behind a computer screen.

Moving from a structured role into running your own business must have been quite a change — what was that transition like for you?

I’m just over 3 years in now and I think it does take a while to find a routine that works for you, especially in a business where you might have to drop everything that day and deal with something that needs your immediate attention.

For me, I revelled at the idea of working on my own! But the reality is it can be lonely; reaching out to fellow Hotpod owners, working in a cafe with teachers or other local business owners and working in the studio whilst classes are on makes a big difference. It gives you inspiration and reminds you of the heart of the business.

One thing that has helped recently is having a Monday morning check-in call with other local business owners, discussing what we want to achieve that week, what are your frogs, spit balling ideas etc. It really sets you up for the week ahead.

Otherwise, the change from a structured role has been great – I have gained back so much time that I don’t even know what to do with it all. Avoid doom scrolling at all costs!

What does flexibility mean to you now, compared to in your previous career?

Flexibility means freedom. Being able to do things for myself in the middle of my day, not just on evenings or weekends. Within reason (of course sometimes it’s not possible) but I have relaxed mornings, start work when I’m ready. I get to incorporate exercise into my day rather than 5am or 7pm at night. Every day is enjoyable as it’s not just ‘work.’

I now work when my focus is sharpest, that might be of an evening, a Sunday morning or it could be the traditional 9-5. But it’s my choice. If I need a nap – no one’s there to tell me otherwise! I can now choose to work the hours/day I want to best suit me rather than worrying what a Manager might say.

I don’t see Hotpod as a job; it’s ingrained in my everyday, a bit like looking after your pet dog – you don’t mind because you love it! 

How do you shape your days and weeks in a way that suits you?

It honestly changes every week/day. At the beginning, I was working more IN the business; teaching, cleaning etc. Around 1.5-2 years in it was time to step back and work more ON the business.

So I try to work from home or a coffee shop at least 2-3 days a week, and go into the studio for the other days. For me, it works better to compartmentalise all the hats you wear as a business owner. So Monday might be all marketing/admin. Tuesday might be studio improvements, Thursday social media!

I’ve got to a place where I tend not to work on weekends, although I often find I want to pop in or do a class anyway. Because you’re your own boss, I fit it around my life. So if I want a Thursday off, I’ll make it happen – there might be an email that needs replying to but otherwise I’ll have done what was needed before/after that day so I can enjoy it.

What’s been the biggest benefit of having control over your own schedule?

I could never go back to working for someone else. EVER. The idea of having to ask someone for annual leave is mind-blowing now! I absolutely love my lifestyle and it wouldn’t have been possible without my own business/Hotpod.

Like I said, Hotpod doesn’t feel like a job, it’s just something that’s a way of life now. The biggest impact for me has been freedom of time and schedule. I don’t feel like I’m in the rat race anymore because no one is there to tell me when I must start and finish and what I can do. I’m no longer looking for the next pay increase or better company benefits, because all of that is within my own control if I want to make it happen. Ultimately I have control over my life.

How has this shift in lifestyle affected your wellbeing or mindset?

It’s been a great impact, I’ve moved cities to a much more wellness focused lifestyle. The Essex/London commute was a killer and being forced to work behind a desk just wasn’t for me. I’ve gained so much more time and seeing the community/studio flourish has been a huge achievement.

Sometimes the urge to procrastinate can be hard because no one is there to check you’ve met your deadlines! But that’s why working with others and creating boundaries helps. Eg. not working on weekends; the work you want to do must be done by Friday and making sure you stick to this.

Has the flexibility allowed you to focus more on other areas of life outside the studio?

Yes – I’m still grappling with what I actually want to do with the extra freedom/time. A big goal has been to open Hotpod which I’ve achieved, but I guess that’s the beauty of it, there’s no rush and it’s okay just to be doing everyday life (you don’t always have to be improving!)

It’s given me more time to focus on my health and fitness. And explore hobbies that I’d given up when I started working in London, and also to explore new hobbies and just more time to look after myself, spend time with friends/family as well. It’s much easier to do all this when you’re not tied to one place 8-9 hours 5 days a week!

My dream is to start flying lessons and renovate a house in Italy for retreats/wedding venue and for friends and family. Whether it’ll happen, I’m not sure! But it’s fun working towards it anyway.

Looking back, what do you see as the biggest difference between your old career and running your Hotpod Yoga franchise?

My role before already spanned several areas so I did have quite a holistic overview of a business. However with running your own business, the responsibility is all down to you. There’s a lot more marketing and social media involved which was one area I didn’t have much experience in but Hotpod HQ are great at offering support in areas that you’re unsure of.

Another big difference is that I genuinely get to see the positive impact Hotpod has on people’s lives, they’re always grateful (unlike in HR!) You get to give back to others. It is just the most wonderful business to run, you hear horror stories of people running businesses in restaurants or construction. I have a wonderful teaching team and customers, many of which I consider friends. Working in wellness/yoga was the perfect area for me.

Curious about opening a Hotpod Yoga studio of your own? Find out more on our franchising page here.