What’s the origin story of your business?
I started the studio in 2012. Our son was in mother’s day out and I stayed at home so I started going to different workout classes. I really wanted to do a yoga class but I couldn’t find one in the area. Randomly, I was asked to teach a yoga class and I loved it. My parents and my husband have all owned small businesses, but my background is in health care. So, I thought why not collaborate with someone and focus on the anatomy side of yoga. Jen Ashcraft was about to open Bar Studio so we decided to share a space. I didn’t have start-up funds or anything like that but I just went for it. When starting out, I followed the models I saw from other cities and just mirrored them for my own. Group settings that relied on managing people, but after working like that I realized I prefer working with people in a more one on one setting so I pivoted the style of my business to privates only.
What is unique about owning and running a business in Murfreesboro?
I love how loyal Murfreesboro is to its small businesses. Murfreesboro is a loving and supportive place. My husband owns a business here as well and sometimes people will either go to mine or my husband’s business because they know our name. Even when your business is growing, Murfreesboro supports you.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
I am kept awake by trying to figure out how to serve my customers while also making sure I am home enough to be there for my family. Trying to keep it small and keep it all is the best way I’ve found to help me keep a good balance between my work and my family.
If you could travel back in time to the day you started your business, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself to not be afraid of pivoting my business. The initial passion you have may be what you need to start the business, but that passion and that idea might not be what the business turns out to be. Let it be organic.
What’s one thing you’d say to a person starting a new business?
I would say two things. Your motivation for your business should come from wanting to be of service. Lasting success comes from service. The other thing would be to keep your overhead small. You don’t need the big beautiful buildings or the newest and nicest things all at once.
Learn more about Arden Yoga & Wellness by visiting their website!
