Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bodhini Hridaya, owner of Bodhi Aspirations, located in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a meditation and yoga teacher who is particularly inspired by yoga philosophy, devotional practices, and the power of sound. I find these support both myself and my clients in having a more meaningful and uplifting yoga experience.

People who attend my classes and events tend to be looking for more than just temporary relaxation benefits. They want to understand themselves more fully, find purpose and joy in life and experience the spiritual dimension of yoga as well as enjoy the well-being benefits.

Tell us about yourself

My journey into this way of life began with meditation when I was just fifteen years old and experiencing intense anxiety as a result of being bullied at school.

Within just weeks of going to regular meditation classes and beginning a daily practice under the guidance of an experienced meditation teacher, I really noticed profound benefits that took me pleasantly by surprise.
I had more clarity, courage, and a sense of contentment and inner peace that I had never felt before.

Meditation became a permanent part of my life. It inspired me to look at other holistic and spiritual ways of living that enhance our enjoyment of life, such as spa and massage therapy, reiki, sound therapy, yoga, and philosophy.

I enjoyed a twenty-year career in the spa and wellness industry as a holistic therapist, trainer, and spa owner before deciding in 2019 to become a full-time meditation and yoga teacher.

While I have always felt deep gratitude for the physical, emotional, and mental health benefits of living an alternative and yogic lifestyle, I came to appreciate it even more, when the pandemic arrived. Sharing the teachings, practices, and benefits that I have received over the last two decades and seeing them bring great relief to others at such a difficult and challenging time has really motivated me to continue with this work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Leaving behind a well-established twenty-year spa career and business to start again from scratch as a solo self-employed meditation and yoga teacher just months before the pandemic began could have been a disaster.

However, I took the time to learn how to grow a business all over again at a challenging time in a different way. I balanced my time between supporting my clients, investing in personal and business development, and being there for my family.

The last two years, I have learned so much and been able to help so many more people as a result of taking chances, following my intuition, trying new ideas, and not panicking. As a result, my business is growing steadily, and I feel excited about the future.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Finding your own unique way to work and promote yourself, that feels in alignment and in integrity with your values. It is very easy to get swayed by what other people are doing and how successful they are, especially on social media. I learned that what works for other people and their business is not necessarily right for me, and that is OK. It is OK to be different, and actually, that can be why people are drawn to you in the first place because in being true to yourself, you are more sincere. People will always see through you eventually if you are not being authentic. Just be yourself, even if it is daunting to be different.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Do what you love and believe in. If you don't fully believe in and feel passionate about the services or products that you are offering, why should anyone want to invest in them?
  2. Love and believe in yourself. We often can underestimate our knowledge, undersell our skills, and feel shy about telling people what we do for fear of rejection. This will not grow our business or get us new opportunities. If you have the knowledge and the experience to really help people, tell the world about it. It is not being big-headed or blowing your own trumpet. It is letting people know who you are and what you can do, and how they can find you. Otherwise, how will they know?
  3. Be prepared to make mistakes sometimes and always to keep learning.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make sure that you rest before you get tired. Running a business can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Making important decisions or taking on big tasks or admin when you are tired can result in bad choices or avoidable mishaps. Look after your health and make rest a priority.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bodhiaspirations.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodhiaspirations/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bodhimeditation/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.