Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pudji Lestari, Founder of Bilik Yoga, LLC., located in San Francisco, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bilik Yoga is a small yoga business that offers in-person and remote classes for individuals and groups. We strive to share the benefits of yoga with adults and children, and to nurture the body, mind, and spirit through a yoga practice that is safe, challenging, informative, and fun.
Tell us about yourself
My yoga journey began in a small apartment. That tiny physical space was the starting point for my inner journey. As I developed my practice, I realized I enjoyed teaching others—not just the physical poses but also the philosophy and healing.
Over time, I built up my experience with diverse groups, from young kids to people with trauma to pre- and post-natal women. I want to help every student find the key to their yoga room and fall in love with the practice—that motivates me daily.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to share the gift of yoga with so many people—of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience—and seeing its positive impact on their lives. From a business standpoint, my proudest accomplishment has been to organically grow the class I teach in the park every week. It started with just 1 or 2 students two years ago. Over time, it has grown through word of mouth into a consistently sizable group.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many challenges that come with being a business owner. Still, one of the hardest things is making tough decisions. When it's your business, you have to be the one to make the decisions, even if they're not famous or if they might upset some people.
When COVID started, we decided to adopt an all-remote practice instead of risking the health of teachers and practitioners. We had to throw away the plans to lease a space and instead invest in high-quality video/audio equipment. It was a disruptive change, particularly adjusting the cues and feedback to account for the format. But it worked out well - and allows us to run hybrid in-person and remote even now.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Follow your passion. If you do what you love in a way that makes you happy, people will feel that it is much more genuine than copying someone else's model.
Find a good accountant - so you do not have to worry, and 100% of your headspace can be focused on product and customer.
Know your customers and become friends with them; they are your strongest advocates to attract more people.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bilikyoga.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pudjiponcin/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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