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I had the privilege of traveling to super cool and awesomely weird Austin, Texas a few weeks ago for a long weekend retreat for yoga teachers. This retreat was a bit different from the norm - not much down time, and not really a vacation, this retreat was more a focus on helping people in the yoga world grow their business. One of things that really stuck out to me when I started YogaByCandace®, was how little I was prepared for the business aspect of things when it came to yoga. I’d graduated from a fantastic training, but I just had no idea about the logistics of creating a viable business from it. Luckily, I come from a family of small business owners and entrepreneurs, so I figured it out, and realized I wasn’t half bad at it!
I’d been getting lots of feedback from other yoga teachers that they wish they’d had a bit more business education in their training, so I created a retreat specifically for them, and so far have hosted it in Scottsdale, Connecticut, Austin, and most recently, I debuted the online version of the Business and Marketing Intensive Program. The entire experience thus far has been so rewarding not only because of the deep connection everyone makes at these retreats, but also because getting to watch them take the tools and put them into place in their lives and businesses - and then seeing the RESULTS(!!!!) - is just the best feeling.
Here are some of the photos from our most recent Biz and Marketing Retreat.
Ashley came and led two morning yoga practices on the patio before we ate breakfast together. We had homemade yogurt, fruit, muffins, and the most delicious paleo granola from Nora’s Food Company. The main ingredient is shredded coconut, held together with egg whites, for a protein boost we couldn’t stop snacking on.
Amavi Coffee provided the smoothest blend to go with breakfast. They slow roast their coffee beans for a lower acidity, never bitter flavor; we went through quite a few pots!
After breakfast we jumped straight into workshops. Each attendee received a workbook for taking notes, planning their own content, and brainstorming for their businesses as I covered everything from social media management, to successful event hosting, passive revenue streams, building partnerships and more.
Between workshops, I was available for ask-me-anything style question and answer sessions, and the attendees bounced ideas off one another, took advantage of the time and our beautiful venue to take photos and get content, and processed all they learned.
We were lucky enough to receive healthy snacks to keep us focused - no one learns when hangry. SuperFat sent us these keto, paleo and vegan friendly nut butter packets that are great on toast, an apple, or just straight out of the convenient pouch and into your mouth. So. Good.
We also had these GoodTo Go keto bars from GoodTo Go Snacks for a quick bite between meals. With only 2g of sugar per bar, I felt good about grabbing one as a snack. The Cacao Coconut flavor was by far the group favorite.
Since I love supporting small, local businesses, I was excited to share Siete Family Foods’ grain free tortilla chips, a product born from a family’s need for an alternative to a meal time staple that wouldn’t aggravate their daughter’s autoimmune conditions. Besides, when in Austin, Texas, chips and salsa are a must.
Local kombucha creators, Buddha’s Brew, gave us Tangerine Turmeric and Ginger flavors to try, and both were tasty, but the Tangerine Turmeric was my favorite. Thanks to these and the homemade yogurt, we all got our dose of probiotics in!
After snacks or lunch, we came back together for more work sessions. We added in a crash course for grant writing, some tips for managing business finances, and troubleshooting.
Around 6pm, we took a break for dinner. Some of us cooked at the house, but it was fun to explore Austin and try some new things, too. Ashley and I got ramen one night at Ramen Tatsu-Ya, and I’m still dreaming about that broth.
We ended the days with another question and answer session followed by a guided meditation with aromatherapy. A local business collective, Just Be Wellness, sent the sweetest self care kits with palo santo, rose petals, and these uplifting essential oil rollers to try. They’re handcrafted and infused with flower petals for a really unique and beautiful gift. I used one to brighten my mood and clear my mind before a new workshop, and we sent a kit with each of the attendees.
One of the women who attended our Biz and Marketing Retreat in Scottsdale last year, Stephanie Fowler, created this line of lavender scented eye pillows for her business, and we got to use them in our relaxation practices. If you’ve never tried using an eye pillow, the light pressure really helps soothe your brow in savasana, and the lavender scent is so calming. You can order one from Stephanie here.
Frooze Balls made a great dessert or snack before bed. With only real food ingredients, they were a great sweet treat. I ate a few while journaling before bed or reviewing my notes and work for the next day.
All in all, the weekend was a huge success. All of our attendees were amazing and had brilliant business ideas that I can’t wait to watch take off. If you’re interested in having the in-person experience, the next Business and Marketing Retreat for Yoga Teachers will take place in Connecticut this winter, so sign up now!