Join Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ studio consultant (@yogabizchamp), on the "Yoga Biz Champ" podcast, your essential guide to thriving in the yoga business world. With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, and marketing expert, I bring you the insider's perspective on making your yoga studio a resounding success.
What You'll Gain:
- Insightful Conversations: Listen in as I chat with dynamic yoga studio owners and top industry experts, sharing their journeys, strategies, and secrets to success.
- Practical Advice: Each episode is packed with actionable tips and practical steps tailored to help both budding and seasoned studio owners flourish
- Real-World Success Stories: Be inspired by real-life examples of yoga studios that have transformed challenges into triumphs.
My Approach:
As your host, I blend direct, fair, and humor-infused coaching to demystify the complexities of running a yoga business. My style is about being in the trenches with you, offering guidance that's relatable and effective.
Why Listen?
- Experience & Expertise: Leverage my 14+ years of experience in running and selling a profitable yoga studio and my proven track record as a yoga business consultant.
- Diverse Topics: From branding and marketing to pricing and sustainable growth, we cover the A-Z of yoga business management.
- Join a community of like-minded individuals passionate about turning their yoga dreams into profitable realities.
By tuning into the Yoga Biz Champ podcast, you'll gain the knowledge, inspiration, and confidence to navigate the yoga business landscape successfully. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, these conversations will be your roadmap to becoming the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
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"If you’re planning a Mother’s Day promo the week before, it’s already too late. Studios need to be at least 8 weeks ahead."
In this episode, Stephanie Breaux Bradley and I talk about something every studio owner struggles with: planning your year before it runs away from you.
We dig into how studio owners can finally stop winging their promotions and start using strategic calendar planning to drive revenue, build community, and keep their members consistent all year long.
Stephanie shares examples from her own community events — from football-themed challenges to car shows to candlelight yoga for charity — and how these grassroots promotions worked because they were planned with intention and tied to the local community.
We also talk through: • Why being at least 8 weeks ahead on your marketing calendar is the minimum standard for success • How to use local events, health days, and holidays to anchor your promotions • The importance of documenting events right after they happen so you can refine and repeat them next year • Balancing holiday promotions like Black Friday without overwhelming your members • Creative ways to appreciate your staff and members through events and celebrations • How planning provides control, structure, and routine for both you and your community
I also share a sneak peek at Plan26 — my upcoming free resource with World Health Days, seasonal prompts, and planning tools to help studio owners map out their 2026 calendar with less stress and more strategy.
If you want to start the new year with a plan instead of scrambling week to week. 👉 DOWNLOAD MY 2026 PLANNER www.yogabizchamp.com/plan26
What makes a yoga studio thrive? It’s not the logo, the schedule, or even the space — it’s the teachers and the point of view that your studio holds.
In this special “podcast buddy” episode, I sit down with Francesca Cervero, host of The Mentor Sessions Podcast and long-time private yoga teacher and mentor. Francesca has been teaching yoga full-time for over 20 years, runs a teacher training called The Science of the Private Lesson, and mentors yoga teachers to develop a strong, authentic teaching voice.
Together, we explore the evolving yoga industry, the role of studio owners in elevating their teachers, and why having a clear point of view is more powerful (and sustainable) than trying to be everything to everyone.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
• How yoga studios have shifted from community-led to franchise-driven — and back again • Why teachers fresh out of training aren’t always ready for studio life (and how to mentor them well) • The difference between “niching down” and developing a true teaching point of view • Why your yoga studio is only as strong as the teachers who represent it • How community studios today can compete with franchise-level tools • Real talk about industry changes, competition, and what makes studios sustainable in 2025 and beyond
What does a former hobby project turned all-in-one studio platform have to teach us about the future of yoga studios?
In this episode, I chat with Eddie Arpin, co-founder of OfferingTree and a longtime partner of mine in supporting studio owners. We go beyond software to talk about what actually drives success for yoga studio owners today. From the rise of Zoom and automation to the hidden accountability gap in many studios, Eddie brings a grounded, real-world perspective that new and seasoned owners alike will benefit from.
This is a must-listen if you're planning to open a studio—or feel like you’re running one on fumes.
“The studios that thrive aren’t the ones with the perfect setup—they’re the ones with the clearest vision and consistent follow-through.” – Eddie Arpin
Topics We Cover:
• The behind-the-scenes journey from side project to studio platform • What changed in the yoga industry post-2020—and what hasn’t • How new studio owners can avoid the tech trap • Why accountability (not features) is the game changer • Eddie’s favorite “studio hero” story and what made it work • How automation, marketing, and reporting are evolving in 2025
🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about OfferingTree Book your free strategy call with Michael Jay: www.yogabizchamp.com/book Download the Ultimate Yoga Studio Business Plan: www.yogabizchamp.com/businessplan Catch up on past episodes: www.yogabizchamp.link/podlink
🙏 Sponsors: OfferingTree – Tech built with yoga studios in mind Boutique Business Brokers – Your go-to for buying or selling a studio The Sales Arms – Helping yoga studios close more leads with less stress
“Until you find your why, everything else is external.” – Arundhati Baitmangalkar
What happens when you build a studio without a business plan—but with a rock-solid purpose? In this episode of Yoga Biz Champ, I sit down with Arundhati Baitmangalkar, the founder of Aham Yoga and host of the Let's Talk Yoga podcast, to talk about the deep-rooted why behind everything she does.
We go beyond the surface of yoga studio ownership and get into what really sustains a teacher or studio owner long-term. From teaching her first community class to leading international trainings, Arundhati’s clarity around her mission—to teach and be of impact—is what’s kept her grounded, energized, and successful for over a decade.
In this honest, heart-forward conversation, we talk about:
• How your “why” becomes your compass when everything else feels unclear • Why she started small—and why that was her biggest advantage • Moving from yoga teacher to team leader with integrity • Redefining boundaries, burnout, and what success actually looks like • Creating content and showing up online in a way that feels aligned • How to build systems, not chaos, even if you’re a one-person show • Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, over it, or just overthinking your next move—this episode is your nudge to come back to your why.
Connect with Michael Jay: 💼 Business coaching & free resources: www.yogabizchamp.link/podlink📸 Instagram: 🔥 If this episode hit home, share it with a studio owner or teacher who’s ready to reconnect with their purpose.
Niche Down to Rise Up: Christina’s 6-Month Yoga Studio Launch Journey
"You can't be everything to everyone, but you can be something amazing to someone." – Christina Garcia
In this episode, Michael Jay talks with Christina Garcia, owner of Yoga for One, a niche yoga studio located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Christina shares how her personal journey through yoga, initially sparked by recovery from injury, guided her to opening a uniquely positioned, Christ-inspired studio. She discusses the challenges and rewards of serving a niche community, staying true to core values, and practical insights for creating targeted marketing and meaningful connections.
Key Highlights:
• Christina’s transformative experience with yoga after injury.
• How clearly defined niche positioning helps a yoga studio thrive.
• Overcoming hurdles specific to launching and growing a niche yoga business.
• Practical tips for community building and impactful marketing.
• The importance of staying aligned with your mission and values.
Michael Jay sits down with Rebecca Sebastian—founder of WorkingInYoga.com and owner of Sunlight Yoga & Apothecary—to explore real-world challenges around fair pay, teacher retention, and sustainable growth. Drawing on her experience as both a studio owner and industry advocate, Rebecca shares why shifting from contractors to employees can cultivate a more consistent student experience, foster teacher loyalty, and create healthier business practices. Whether you’re contemplating compensation structures or simply aiming to strengthen your culture, this episode is packed with insights for building a thriving, people-first yoga business.
Key Topics
Rebecca’s Journey How she went from dedicated teacher to advocate for fair labor practices in yoga.
Pay & Compensation Why it’s crucial to rethink “per-class contractor” pay in favor of transparent models that impact finances and teacher morale.
Teacher Retention & Workplace Culture Strategies for keeping teachers motivated and committed—like coaching, mentorship, and community-building.
Balancing Revenue & Mission Tips for finding the sweet spot between running a profitable business and staying true to your values.
Advice for New & Growing Studios Fundamental steps—like crafting clear mission, vision, and values—for hiring (and keeping) the right team.
Quote “You’re hiring teachers to deliver a really good class. You’re not hiring them to market for you. That’s your job. Pay them fairly for the job you want them to do.” – Rebecca Sebastian
About Rebecca Sebastian Rebecca is the founder of WorkingInYoga.com, a platform dedicated to fair labor practices, pay equity, and community-building in yoga. She also owns Sunlight Yoga & Apothecary, implementing transparent pay, mentorship, and robust teacher support.
Resources & Next Steps
Connect with Rebecca: WorkingInYoga.comConnect with Michael Jay: YogaBizChamp.link/podlinkEnjoying the Podcast?Please subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite platform!
Breaking Down Barriers: How Yoga Studios Can Become More Accessible to Everyone
Michael Jay welcomes Jivana Heyman, founder of Accessible Yoga and a leading voice for inclusive teaching. Jivana shares how AIDS activism drew him back to yoga, eventually centering his work on adaptive classes for marginalized communities. They discuss how studio owners can remove physical, financial, and cultural barriers to help “every body” feel a true sense of belonging.
Key Points
Jivana’s Journey Learned yoga from his grandmother; returned to it during the AIDS crisis for self-care. Taught at a San Francisco hospital for people with HIV/AIDS, refining accessible teaching methods. What Is Accessible Yoga? Goes beyond props—embraces universal design, inclusive class titles, and deeper yogic teachings. Recognizes that physical ability doesn’t correlate to inner peace. Studio Culture & Community Cultivate a welcoming space: chairs, flexible pricing, clear class descriptions. Focus on relationships—small gestures like introducing newcomers can transform the studio vibe. Practical Tips Offer variations in mixed-level classes. Provide short private sessions for absolute beginners before group classes. Couch and chair yoga can encourage home practice and draw in more diverse populations. Resources & Links https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/couch-yoga/ https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/training https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/accessible-yoga-podcast-30-years https://www.instagram.com/jivanaheyman/
About Jivana Heyman Founder of Accessible Yoga, author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body and Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage and Compassion. Through workshops, trainings, and events, he promotes an inclusive approach to yoga’s deeper message of unity and social justice.
Connect with Michael Jay Subscribe to the Yoga Biz Champ Podcast for more expert insights on growing your yoga business. Ready to dive deeper?Visit YogaBizChamp.link/podlink to book a call and explore coaching options.
Leaping Ahead – How Yoga Strong Bet Big on Coaching, Software & Team Support
n this episode of Yoga Biz Champ, I sit down with powerhouse studio owner Samantha Harrison from Yoga Strong in Greenville, NC. Samantha has built a thriving yoga business by blending yoga and strength training, embracing her niche, and doubling down on business strategy. We discuss how she transitioned from a small backroom space to a bright, bustling studio, the power of niching, and how coaching, team support, and smart software choices helped take her business to the next level.
If you're a yoga studio owner looking to refine your business model, strengthen your niche, and scale your studio with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can use!
Key Points:
🔥 Niching for Success: How Samantha carved out a unique space by blending yoga & strength training. 💡 The Studio Growth Journey: From a tiny backroom to a thriving, fully booked studio. 📣 Marketing & Social Media: How Samantha confidently shows up online and attracts the right students. 📊 Betting on Business Systems: Why she invested in coaching, software, and hiring the right team. 🚀 Stepping Into Leadership: Transitioning from solo teacher to empowered studio leader.
Episode Highlights:
Samantha’s journey from private classes & corporate yoga to running a full-scale studio.
The challenge of transitioning from a class series model to a membership model—and why it worked.
The role of OfferingTree in streamlining her operations.
The power of knowing your audience and ignoring feedback that doesn’t align with your niche.
How investing in coaching, bookkeeping, and virtual assistants has transformed her business.
Quotes:
💬 – Samantha Harrison 💬 – Michael Jay 💬 – Samantha Harrison
Welcome to 2025! Kicking Off Season 5 with Big Changes & What’s Next for Yoga Biz Champ
Happy 2025, Yoga Biz Champs! Season 5 is officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring you bigger, better, and more impactful episodes. But first, I’ve got some explaining to do…
In this episode, I open up about the challenges that kept the podcast inconsistent last year and why 2025 is going to be different. From overcoming obstacles (construction, sickness, and life!) to securing three incredible sponsors, I’m setting the stage for a more consistent, valuable, and game-changing season ahead.
What’s Inside This Episode:
🔥 Why Season 5 is a Fresh Start – A look back at last year’s challenges and what’s changing. 💡 The Power of Hiring & Delegation – How bringing in a video editor & writer is helping me level up. 🚀 Meet the Sponsors! – How OfferingTree, Boutique Fitness Brokers, & The Sales Arms are helping support the podcast. 🎯 Lessons for Studio Owners – Just because you can do it all, should you? The importance of outsourcing & focusing on your strengths. 🔮 Looking Ahead to 2025 – Trends, predictions, and what’s in store for this season of Yoga Biz Champ!
Episode Highlights:
✅ Overcoming personal and business setbacks in 2024 ✅ The behind-the-scenes systems I set up with the help of Shannon Crow ✅ Why hiring a team is essential for growth—whether in podcasting or studio ownership ✅ How sponsorships are allowing me to create more content and serve you better ✅ A sneak peek at what’s coming next on the podcast
Quotes You’ll Love:
💬 "Just because you can do it all, doesn’t mean you should. It’s time to focus on your superpowers."💬 💬
Raw and Real: Shannon Crow’s Journey to Niching in Yoga
In this episode, we welcome Shannon Crow, host of the acclaimed Connected Yoga Teacher podcast, a yoga business consultant, and a seasoned yoga teacher. Shannon shares her journey from discovering yoga as a busy mom to building a thriving yoga business rooted in authenticity and community. Together, we explore the art of niching, embracing vulnerability, and adapting to the evolving landscape of yoga marketing. This episode is packed with actionable insights for yoga teachers and studio owners looking to grow their practice sustainably.
Key Points:
- The Power of Niching: Shannon’s success story of focusing on pelvic health and creating her signature series.
- Authentic Marketing: Why raw, unpolished content resonates in today’s yoga world and how Shannon embraces it through storytelling.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Insights on starting as a yoga teacher and growing confidence through experience.
- Building Community: How Shannon’s podcast and Facebook group offer support and connection to yoga teachers worldwide.
Episode Highlights:
- Shannon’s journey from teaching diverse yoga styles to niching in prenatal and pelvic health yoga.
- The shift in marketing trends: From polished branding to raw, relatable storytelling.
- How technology and systems can empower yoga teachers to focus on what they love.
- The role of vulnerability and authenticity in attracting and retaining students.
- Grassroots marketing strategies for teachers and studio owners with limited budgets.
“If you know your market and who you're meant to serve, don’t change what you’re doing just because of outside opinions.”
“Marketing is like throwing a party—you have to send the invitations, or no one will show up.”
“I knew I could spend years figuring things out—or I could hire a coach and expedite the process.”
Actionable Insights:
✅ Get Clear on Your Niche: The more specific you are, the more successful your studio will be. ✅ Leverage Social Media: Show up consistently, embrace video, and connect with your ideal students. ✅ Invest in Smart Business Systems: Tools like OfferingTree can simplify admin, so you can focus on teaching. ✅ Hire Support Early: Whether it's a bookkeeper, a VA, or a coach—outsourcing can help you scale faster.
"This podcast started as a passion project, but now it’s time to take it to the next level."
"When you run a yoga studio, you wear every hat. But if you want to grow, you need to delegate."
What’s Coming Up Next?
👉 New Episodes Every Week! Expect more strategy, behind-the-scenes insights, and expert guests to help you grow your yoga business. 👉 A Fresh Approach to Content – More marketing insights, real-world strategies, and actionable takeaways for studio owners. 👉 Tech & Business Trends for Yoga Studios – Learn how to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.
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