Sharing an exchange I recently had with the Melrose Commision on Women back in November. Perhaps I'll be popping up on their FB page soon:)
The Melrose Commission on Women Facebook page is featuring a series of profiles on female entrepreneurs and business owners in Melrose. We're looking for some insights from you on being a woman in business, what may have changed since you started your business, or what still needs to change, what special challenges you see for yourself or others, advice you'd offer, or other specific ways your business experience is different because you're a woman.
I have lived in Melrose for 15 years. Melrose Boot Camp has been going strong for over 10. It is the success of MBC that inspired me to take on an additional challenge: to open a physical location. I opened Joy Yoga on Green St. in February of 2014. Now not only am I able to provide physical training opportunities but also yoga and enrichment programs for all ages. I am also in a position to support the dreams of others: local artists, therapist, yoga instructors and many more who need a place to share their gifts. When I hear someone describe Joy Yoga as a community center, it makes me smile!
Authenticity is key, and my advice to anyone considering opening a small business is to make sure your business aligns with your gifts and that you really, really want to make it happen and truly love what you do. I suggest starting small, being patient, volunteering, offering your services or goods free or at discount and taking the time to get to know the community in which you want to build your business.
As a woman in business, and more specifically, in the business of health and wellness, I face some unique challenges. The work I do is built on relationships, which aligns perfectly with the emotional connection I am inherently driven as a woman to have have with people. However this can sometimes be a hindrance to my making tough but necessary business decisions.
I am proud of what I do and hope I may serve as a role model for the young girls I teach that anything is possible! I want to be the person for them that I needed when I was younger. I am grateful for the amazing opportunity I’ve been given and the loyal clients who have entrusted me with their health and well being. I am blessed to be doing something I love and I never take that for granted.
The Melrose Commission on Women Facebook page is featuring a series of profiles on female entrepreneurs and business owners in Melrose. We're looking for some insights from you on being a woman in business, what may have changed since you started your business, or what still needs to change, what special challenges you see for yourself or others, advice you'd offer, or other specific ways your business experience is different because you're a woman.
I have lived in Melrose for 15 years. Melrose Boot Camp has been going strong for over 10. It is the success of MBC that inspired me to take on an additional challenge: to open a physical location. I opened Joy Yoga on Green St. in February of 2014. Now not only am I able to provide physical training opportunities but also yoga and enrichment programs for all ages. I am also in a position to support the dreams of others: local artists, therapist, yoga instructors and many more who need a place to share their gifts. When I hear someone describe Joy Yoga as a community center, it makes me smile!
Authenticity is key, and my advice to anyone considering opening a small business is to make sure your business aligns with your gifts and that you really, really want to make it happen and truly love what you do. I suggest starting small, being patient, volunteering, offering your services or goods free or at discount and taking the time to get to know the community in which you want to build your business.
As a woman in business, and more specifically, in the business of health and wellness, I face some unique challenges. The work I do is built on relationships, which aligns perfectly with the emotional connection I am inherently driven as a woman to have have with people. However this can sometimes be a hindrance to my making tough but necessary business decisions.
I am proud of what I do and hope I may serve as a role model for the young girls I teach that anything is possible! I want to be the person for them that I needed when I was younger. I am grateful for the amazing opportunity I’ve been given and the loyal clients who have entrusted me with their health and well being. I am blessed to be doing something I love and I never take that for granted.