CAREER ADVICE

Small Business Owner Doing Business As Yoga Instructor

A 5,000-year-old practice is alive and well in Cedar Rapids.  That practice is yoga.  Yoga is a system of exercises involving the breath and mind with precise natural alignments of flowing and sustained postures performed to achieve greater physical and mental growth.  If you are interested in promoting overall health to people and have the desire to own your own business, take a moment to learn how one person combines these interests for her chosen career.

Ms. Jennifer Strike-Smith, co-owner of Serenity Center for Yoga in Cedar Rapids, knew she would not be happy sitting at a desk, in front of a computer for her career.  Ms. Smith turned to what she loved to do which is working towards a healthier lifestyle, not only for herself, but for her clients as well. 

She readily admits that all the computer skills she learned while attending college at the University of Northern Iowa have been immensely helpful to her as she started her own business.  To manage her business she uses a computer and industry-specific software.  She uses the computer to prepare training and class schedules, for email and to design promotional brochures and marketing materials. 

Ms. Smith emphasizes that high school students who believe that owning their own business some day is a possibility, should study as many courses related to economics and business as possible.  These areas, as well as marketing, should also be emphasized while in college. 

Special skills are necessary when you own a small business.  Ms. Smith said that strong communication skills are essential.  Her clients come to her with varying needs from all age groups and walks of life.  By asking leading questions and then listening carefully to their responses, she is able to determine their specific needs.  Once she thoroughly understands their individual needs, she is able to tailor her yoga training to meet those needs. 

In addition to managing the day-to-day business operation, Ms. Smith is a certified yoga teacher.  She became interested in yoga when she was a certified fitness instructor at the University of Northern Iowa and incorporated yoga instruction into the total wellness program.  As she studied yoga, she learned that there are many styles, each of which specializes in specific aspects of the practice.  She focused on a style known as Kali Ray TriYoga and began to learn that style.  Once she had learned the basics of TriYoga, she began to teach yoga in an apprenticeship program under the guidance of more experienced practitioners.  Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, she became a certified yoga instructor.  The amount of time to become certified depends on the individual’s commitment and desire and the degree of one-on-one training and private lessons.  The State of Iowa does not require a licensure for yoga instructors. 

An important trait possessed by small business owners is self-confidence.  This self-confidence is a belief in the value of what you are doing and knowing that you possess the specific trade-related skills to actually provide the quality services and products you offer.  Ms. Smith said that in addition to this self-confidence, the small business owner must be self-motivated.  She said “You answer to yourself so you are only limited by your own standards.”  She knows that if she doesn’t work hard and provide quality yoga classes when clients want them, she will not be successful. 

Ms. Smith’s goal is to introduce new students to the value of yoga and to make current students continue to grow and feel good about their practice.  When asked to describe what makes her career rewarding, she said “Knowing I am providing a service that is so beneficial to our clients and that yoga has a positive affect on their lives is very rewarding.”

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