Conversations with the Inspiring Yvonne Schwartz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Schwartz.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated in 2005 from Appalachian State University in NC with a degree in Music. After graduating, I took a job in Phoenix, Arizona as a Music Therapist. While in Arizona, I completed my first 200-hour RYT at the South West School of Healing Arts.

In 2007, I relocated to the Vail Valley and was finding it difficult to find work as a music therapist so I began teaching yoga at several yoga studios around the valley. During this time, I started managing the yoga programs at The Westin Hotel and Yoga Off-Broadway. Fast forward a few years, I had my son and left my job at the Westin. A few months later, the owner of Yoga Off Broadway offered me the opportunity to purchase her studio. At first, I had to say no as I didn’t have the money and wasn’t sure how I would find the money to purchase the studio for her. During that time, I continued to manage for her (she had moved to Boston) and I started meditating, manifesting, and setting intentions around purchasing the studio. In 2011, I was able to pull together the money and purchased YOB.

Since purchasing the yoga studio, I have grown it’s membership by 75%. We now have two locations (one at the new Eagle Climbing+Fitness) and over 42 classes a week between the two locations.

In 2016, I started Yoga+Beats with a local DJ Kirby K. Yoga+Beats started as an extension of YOB in which he and I took yoga classes with live House Music to festivals, retreats, and other studios. This practice was a result of my desire to combine my love for music, my trained ear, and my love for yoga. The result was an all-levels practice with an approachable and masculine vibe that took off. Since then we have taken Yoga +Beats to a variety of events including Telluride Yoga Festival, GoPro Mountain Games, YOTM festival, and yearly retreats. Yoga+Beats is now a separate LLC from YOB.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have found the journey to owning my own business to be challenging and rewarding. Some of the struggles I experienced were finding the money to start my business, most recently competing with a local franchise when they moved in next door. And learning to navigate the challenges of owning a business without a formal business education.

My advice would be to enter a field that you feel passionate about and to remember “why” you chose to start a business. If you don’t know why it makes it difficult to stick with it through challenging times.

I also would encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities to learn from others! I have continually taken advantage of free (and paid) opportunities to learn more about marketing, PR, business strategy… I read books and take classes.

Find someone you can intern or apprentice with.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You can’t learn how to improve your game without making some mistakes along the way.

Finally, stay in your lane. Know what makes you the expert in what you do and do it well rather than continually being sidetracked by everyone else.

What should we know about Yoga Off Broadway/Yoga+Beats? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Yoga Off Broadway is known for being an inclusive yoga studio that literally offers something for everybody. With my degree (and experience working with people with special needs) it was important to me to create a space in which everyone was welcome. This means a variety of teachers and classes. My mission is to bring together communities through yoga and to do that we need to be inclusive. I should also mention I am known for providing classes in which all students of all levels are welcome. I provide options and space for everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. To me, yoga is more than just asana. It’s breath, it’s a community, it’s friendship…

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love to read and I listen to podcasts weekly while I get ready for work.

Favorite podcast for business learning is Ready, Aim, Empire. These are short podcasts on owning and managing a studio.

My favorite book related to yoga is Meditations from the Mat. I am also very much looking forward to Seane Corn’s new book Revolution of the Soul.

My favorite book that I read for personal growth was Girl Stop Apologizing.

Pricing:

• New Students One Month Unlimited $50
• AutoPay (unlimited month) $99

Contact Info:

• Address: 717 Sylvan Lake Rd
  Eagle, CO
• Website: www.yogaoffbroadway@gmail.com
• Phone: 970-328-YOGA
• Email: Yogaoffbroadway@gmail.com
• Instagram: Yogaoffbroadway
• Facebook: Yogaoffbroadway/2008
• Other: IG: yogabeats_

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.