15 Essential Tips for Yoga Teachers Opening a Yoga Studio

Aspiring to turn your passion for yoga into a thriving business? We sought advice from seasoned founders and CEOs, gathering their invaluable insights. From the importance of starting small and growing gradually to delivering a top-notch quality experience, explore the fourteen pearls of wisdom that can guide any yoga teacher dreaming of opening their own studio.

• Start Small and Grow Gradually

• Build a Supportive Community

• Invest in Business Support Upfront

• Embrace Personal Growth in Business

• Prioritize Excellent Customer Experience

• Create a Detailed Business Plan

• Collaborate with Local Businesses

• Choose an Accessible Location

• Hire Skilled Tradespeople for Design

• Leverage Social Media for Visibility

• Differentiate Your Studio with a Specific Focus

• Develop a Unique Brand Identity

• Understand Client Travel Preferences

• Deliver a Top-Notch Quality Experience

• Become a Registered Yoga Teacher

Start Small and Grow Gradually

Owning a yoga studio is a dream for many teachers, but the transition from teaching to business owner can be surprising. My best advice is to start small and gradually grow. Don't dive headfirst into a large brick-and-mortar space—begin with a smaller venture like pop-up classes or online rentals. This allows you to test the waters, understand the market, and learn the business side of things without overwhelming yourself.

Remember, running a studio involves both business and community. While the financial aspect is important, don't let that overshadow the incredible impact you can have. Witnessing people grow, connect, and transform in a space you helped create is truly priceless. The connections, friendships, and sense of community you build can be incredibly rewarding, even if financial gain isn't always immediate.

Echo Wang, CEO and Founder, Yoga Kawa

Build a Supportive Community

One crucial piece of advice for a yoga teacher aspiring to open their own studio is to prioritize building a supportive and inclusive community. Cultivate an environment where students feel welcome, valued, and connected. Create a sense of community through regular events, workshops, or social gatherings.

Creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere not only enhances the overall experience for students but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of your yoga studio. Building a community that shares the values of mindfulness and well-being can lead to loyal students and word-of-mouth referrals, essential elements for a thriving yoga studio.

Manobal Jain, Founder, Trainerfu

Invest in Business Support Upfront

Opening a yoga studio is an incredible way to build a local yoga community that aligns with your values. My best advice is to keep showing up. It takes a lot of heart and hard work to build a successful yoga studio, and it is also the most rewarding job I could ever imagine. Invest in the support you need upfront to set up a successful business (marketing, legal, HR, etc.). It will pay off tenfold and allow you to focus on your strengths.

Amy Greywitt, Owner and Founder, Metta Yoga studios

Embrace Personal Growth in Your Yoga Business

Most business advice addresses only planning and strategy and misses the deep, personal inner work required for success. I like to say that 'business is spiritual,' because you will learn so much about yourself through running a business—and most of it is uncomfortable! 

You'll rub up against fear, perfectionism, procrastination, resistance, scarcity, ego, and disappointment. Do the inner work of knowing how to turn these difficult, albeit very human, qualities into superpowers, and the external result will flow with more ease, feel more joyful, and yield more students and/or income.

Michelle Marlahan, Proprietress, It's All Yoga

Prioritize Excellent Customer Experience

As a business coach who regularly helps yoga studios and fitness brands, I would tell yoga teachers that there is so much more to a yoga studio than just great teaching! The customer experience needs to extend beyond the yoga space and has to be excellent from the moment they engage with your content to the time they are leaving your studio. A great yoga studio isn't just built on great teaching but on great customer experience as well.

Matthew Sanjari, Founder and Business Coach, PRIME Consulting

Learn More: Top Benefits of Using Yoga Props

Create a Detailed Business Plan

Because of my own entrepreneurial experience, I have been asked specifically if there is any advice I could offer those interested in owning their own yoga studios. From a business perspective, I feel there are consistent points of advice any business owner should adhere to, especially in the space of service-centered offerings.

No yoga studio is an island, so those interested in opening one should formulate a business plan that contains detailed methods of management, financing, marketing, staffing, overhead needs, and their company mission.

As any business owner will tell you, it is not enough to have a life-changing service offering or a mind-blowing product. A yoga teacher may have a litany of students who can verify their skills and methods, but praises alone do not carry a business, and they certainly do not guarantee quarterly profits.

My advice to anyone who desires to open a service-offering enterprise such as a yoga studio is to think about their business from the following angles: physical locations, financial, operational, service offerings, staffing, legal requirements, and current competitors.

In all this, the name of the game (or business plan) is preparation and research, so make sure any step into entrepreneurship is deeply considered to pave the way for productive success.

Stefan Campbell, Owner, The Small Business Blog

Learn More: How Much to Charge for Yoga Class

Collaborate with Local Businesses

When starting your yoga studio, team up with local businesses, such as health food stores or fitness shops. Offer joint discounts and host events together. It brings in more members and builds a supportive community.

Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager, Olavivo

Choose an Accessible Location

One piece of advice I'd offer is to really hone in on your studio's location and how accessible it is. Location can make or break a business, especially in a service industry like yoga, where convenience matters a lot to clients. Aim for a spot that's easy to get to, ideally with good foot traffic or parking options nearby. 

At the same time, consider the demographics of the area—does it align with your target market? Accessibility isn't just about physical location—it's about making sure your studio is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of ability or background.

Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO, JohannesLarsson.com

Hire Skilled Tradespeople for Design

My top piece of advice is to team up with skilled tradespeople who can bring your design vision to life. A welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space can make a huge difference in creating the right atmosphere for your yoga studio. Whether it's carpenters, painters, or interior designers, find reliable tradespeople who understand your concept and can execute it. This will set the foundation for a successful and visually appealing studio. 

Don't just settle for the basics; invest time in finding professionals who align with your style and are passionate about helping you create a unique and inviting yoga haven for your classes.

Henry Brook, Founder, The Page

Leverage Social Media for Visibility

Opening a yoga studio offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to share their love of yoga and get the word out about their new studio. Like launching any other small business, there is one task that is non-negotiable. If I could offer one piece of advice to entrepreneurs thinking of starting their own business, it would be to effectively leverage social media to get the word out about your business.

You don't get to just start an Instagram account and call it a day, though. Whether you stick to IG or branch out to other platforms like TikTok, engagement is key.

For a yoga teacher starting a new business, social media provides a unique way to share your skills and love of yoga with the masses. Going live on Reels or on TikTok and showing people how to do simple moves, or even offering free classes on either platform, at least in the short term, is a great way to get your name out there and to build your business.

Ryan Carrigan, CEO & Founder, moveBuddha

Differentiate Your Studio with a Specific Focus

Not only are you competing with other yoga studios, but you are also up against big-box health clubs. You will need to distinguish yourself from these competitors by being known for something more specific than "yoga." 

What can you do to stand out to yoga enthusiasts? Are you more geared towards weight loss, mobility, or mental strength? Find a position in the market and then thread it into your branding and marketing.

Filip Maric, Senior Fitness Writer, Rucking Basics

Learn More: How to Open a Yoga Studio: 10 Steps to Business Ownership

Develop a Unique Brand Identity

Cultivate a strong, unique brand identity that resonates with your target audience. In the crowded wellness market, differentiating your studio through a unique brand experience is crucial. This can involve focusing on a particular yoga style, creating a welcoming community atmosphere, or integrating additional wellness services that complement yoga, such as meditation classes or nutritional counseling.

Matthew Ramirez, Founder, Rephrase

Understand Client Travel Preferences

Get to know your clients and their travel preferences before diving into a physical space. Understanding who your clients are and how far they'd travel for classes helps pick a good location, set convenient schedules, and offer the yoga they love. This way, when you open up, you'll have a loyal client base all set to book!

Diane Howard, RN and Founder, Esthetic Finesse

Deliver a Top-Notch Quality Experience

One piece of advice I'd offer to a yoga teacher aspiring to open their own studio is to prioritize delivering a top-notch quality experience to their clients. I run a men's grooming brand, and we have a similar goal to that of a yoga studio in creating a place that people want to spend time in.

In the lifestyle space, particularly in industries like yoga, customers seek more than just a service; they crave an immersive and transformative experience. To stand out in this competitive landscape, focus on creating an environment that not only facilitates physical and mental well-being but also leaves a lasting impression on your clients. From the ambiance of the studio to the expertise of the instructors and the personal attention given to each student, every aspect should exude excellence and reflect your commitment to providing an exceptional experience.

Also, think beyond just offering yoga classes and consider how you can elevate your studio into more of a lifestyle brand. Incorporate elements that foster a sense of community and belonging, such as hosting workshops, wellness retreats, or social events. By cultivating a strong brand identity and positioning your studio as a holistic lifestyle destination, you can attract and retain loyal clients who value the comprehensive experience you provide. In essence, by making your yoga studio more than just a place for exercise but rather a sanctuary for personal growth and well-being, you can carve out a niche and pave the way for long-term success in the industry.

Ben Davis, CEO, The Gents Place

Become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

If you aren’t already a certified yoga instructor, now is the time to get started. Earning your RYT-200 certification not only advances your own knowledge and education but also demonstrates your dedication and experience to clients. The ISSA Yoga and Wellness Academy offers a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course. This course is approved by the Yoga Alliance and enables you to earn your yoga certification online, at your own pace.