Let’s Celebrate Local!

By Katie Hodge, who is the yoga instructor at Katie J Yoga who helps students to connect, breathe and discover through classes, workshops & retreats.

How are you feeling about your business?  

I love the challenge of growing and scaling my business. The best part is seeing the positive effect classes are having on students, especially throughout lockdown where it’s been more important than ever to look after both our physical and mental health. 

During lockdown I transitioned from in person classes to online classes. This has created a new business offering, and I have just launched an on-demand platform which hosts pre-recorded yoga classes. 

I also run an outdoor class once a week  (Fitness & Flow) with Jo from Sustainable Fitness. I have recently started working in gyms and studios again including Fly Fitness, Bath Yoga Studio and Balance the Countryside Gym; it has been great to see students in person. 

How are you feeling about business in general? 

Lockdown has pushed most businesses to think outside their own box, forcing them to be creative and come up with new ways to stay profitable. It has been amazing to see so many companies embrace the uncertainty and keep going during these tough times. I think that for the fitness industry there will be a hybrid approach of online and in person classes moving forward, the feedback I’ve had from my online classes indicate they are here to stay.

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

Lockdown has given me the opportunity to slow down and to take more time to rest, which was definitely needed after working a full time event management job and teaching yoga in my spare time. 

I spent the first three  months of lockdown living with my family in Devon and was able to spend some quality time with them and really appreciate being in the beautiful countryside. I was also able to turn my attention fully to growing and building my business which I did not have the opportunity to do previously. 

What makes a good local business?

Supporting and collaborating with other local businesses where possible. Looking out for and giving back to their local community. 

Can you name a local business which you support around food & drink? 

Goodness Grazers, I will be using them for my retreats next year. Cannot wait for the incredible grazing platters they produce. 

https://www.goodnessgrazers.co.uk

Can you name a business which you support around clothing or accessories? 

Boudavida, they are a women’s sportswear brand, I have recently become an ambassador.

https://boudavida.com

Can you name a local business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness? 

Balance the Countryside Gym, I have been working with them over lockdown to help provide their clients with online yoga classes. 

https://www.balancethecountrysidegym.co.uk  

Can you shout out to any local suppliers you wish to celebrate? 

Wizz & Wild - incredible florist based in Upton Cheyney - https://www.wizzandwild.com

Kitty Clark Photography – amazing photographer based in Keynsham - https://kittyclarkphotography.com 

Can you name someone who has really helped you during this time? 

I would find it very hard to single out one person in particular, as my friends and family have been so supportive during this time. As classes are now online it means that anyone can take part and they have helped to share the word and in turn grow my business. 

What are your business plans for Q4? 

Continuing to develop my on demand yoga platform which hosts a variety of pre-recorded classes. Also I’ll be organising and advertising retreats from 2021. Along with continuing to teach in person and online.  

Any special offers you’d like to mention? 

My on demand yoga platform is now live! You can purchase membership access for a month for only £12.99.

The following videos can be accessed at any time and as many times as you wish:

• Variety of 15, 20, 30 & 45 min classes
• Meditations
• Pose tutorials
• Breath work practice

Visit: https://instabook.io/s2/katiejyoga

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Find On Demand Unlimited

Any questions contact me [email protected]

Your parting thought? 

Thank you to Total Guide to Bath and Fiona Scott for giving me the opportunity to take part!

For more information visit www.katiejyoga.com