Stephanie Ball-Mitchell, the founder and lead trainer of Online Yoga School, reflects on her 30 years of experience teaching yoga and how the industry has evolved over time. She notes the changes in styles and methods, the increase in marketing and branding efforts, and the larger and more diverse classes. Despite these changes, she emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s core mission and brand identity.
One important lesson Stephanie has learned is that you can’t please everyone. She shares her experience of trying to cater to everyone’s needs in her classes, only to realize that it’s impossible to make everyone happy. Instead, she suggests focusing on staying authentic to one’s teaching style and core mission, even if it means not resonating with everyone. By staying true to oneself, it becomes easier to meet the needs of students who are aligned with that approach.
Stephanie also warns against falling into the trap of chasing after shiny objects, or the latest trends and fads in the industry. She advises against feeling pressure to match what competitors are doing, especially if it doesn’t align with one’s approach or philosophy. Setting limits consciously and staying true to one’s authentic brand is key to avoiding distractions and maintaining integrity in the business.
Managing emotional sensitivity is another important aspect of teaching yoga, according to Stephanie. She acknowledges that yoga can be emotionally affecting and may bring up personal challenges or trauma for students. By holding a safe space for students to express themselves without trying to influence their experience, teachers can empower students to feel whatever they need to feel while respecting proper boundaries and avoiding offering solutions outside their scope of practice.
When it comes to launching a yoga business, Stephanie stresses the importance of focusing on marketing and getting the word out about offerings. She advises having a clear, concise message that resonates with potential students, along with details on how to find the business. As the industry and one’s understanding evolve, being open to change and adapting based on new information is crucial. For example, Stephanie and her team have shifted towards emphasizing personal choice and individualized practice, rather than correcting students’ postures.
In conclusion, Stephanie Ball-Mitchell shares her wisdom and insights gained from her years of experience in the yoga industry. Through lessons learned about staying true to one’s core mission, avoiding distractions, managing emotional sensitivity, and adapting with the changing times, she offers valuable advice for yoga teachers and studio owners looking to succeed in the business. Her perspective provides a thoughtful reflection on the challenges and opportunities present in the modern yoga industry.
