Getting a yoga studio up and running requires a significant investment. This includes securing or renovating studio space, purchasing equipment, and executing pre-opening and opening marketing plans.
Some yoga rooms in health clubs are quite noisy, and some use music with a beat to get people moving. Other yoga studios strive for a peaceful environment that emphasizes quietness.
Location
Choosing the location of a yoga studio is one of the biggest decisions that you will make. You want to choose a town that has a large population of potential customers to market to. It is also important to look at the proximity of other yoga studios and even big-box gyms that may compete with your classes.
A good yoga studio should have a small intimate space where students can get one-on-one attention from their instructors. It should also have a variety of classes, ranging from beginners to advanced yogis. This intimate space helps build a connection between the instructor and student. This is especially important in the digital age where face-to-face connections are becoming less and less common. You can find yoga studios in strip malls, stand-alone buildings, or even in existing gym spaces.
Space
This yoga studio in Brooklyn offers a light and airy space that is home to a large number of yogis. Its membership-based system offers classes ranging from $25 per class to $210 for 10 classes. It also includes a mat, non-slip towels, and unlimited access to all studios.
Merchandise like branded yoga clothes, supplements, books, and meditation gear can be great revenue streams for a yoga studio. It is also important to have a lounge area where people can socialize before and after their sessions.
Many yogis open yoga studios because they want to spread their spiritual pursuits and connect with other people. However, it is essential to remember that passion does not pay the bills. The biggest mistake many new yoga studio owners make is undercharging for classes or offering them for free, which devalues the experience.
Atmosphere
A great yoga studio should have a calming atmosphere that inspires peace and focus. It should also be clean and inviting to help students feel at home. It should not have loud colors or excessive decoration, as it can be distracting and distract from the main practice.
Some yoga studios use scent diffusers to create a relaxing environment. They can choose from a variety of fragrances, including orange, lemon, and lavender oils. These oils have natural aromatherapeutic properties and can make the yoga room more inviting.
Some yoga studios use incense sticks to add a soothing scent to the space. However, it is important to note that these are harmful to lungs and can cause breathing difficulties in some people. Instead, consider using essential oil for a calming aroma that is safer for everyone.
Teachers
Yoga studios help build a community for students and teachers. Teachers often use their skills in a variety of ways, including teaching classes, assisting students, and managing the studio’s retail sales.
Some studios pay instructors based on class attendance, while others offer them a base salary per class. This model encourages teachers to work hard as they know they will be paid for each class. It also reduces envy and competitiveness among yoga teachers as the best instructors earn more money.
The downside of this model is that instructors are expected to be both yogis and marketers, as they must attract students and retain them. This is difficult, especially for teachers whose style of yoga does not mesh with the studio’s brand. These teachers will eventually leave for another studio where they feel more comfortable.
Pricing
When starting a yoga studio, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your business costs and net profit margin. Running costs include things like taxes, rent and equipment, while time costs are the amount you pay to instructors.
Offering creative pricing packages is a great way to create loyalty and initiate a healthy stream of revenue for your yoga studio. Many students will appreciate the flexibility of unlimited monthly packages that provide them with an affordable rate for every class they attend.
In addition to the unlimited package model, you should also offer classes in multi-class packages such as ten or twenty classes per month. This will allow your clients to build their practice with more frequency and consistency. It’s also a good way to introduce new students to your studio.