From Corporate Burnout to 6-Figure Yoga Business

Hi! I’m Sarah, the founder and lead instructor at Serenity Flow Yoga Studio. I’ve been practicing yoga for over 15 years and teaching for nearly a decade. Serenity Flow opened its doors five years ago with the goal of creating a welcoming, inclusive space where people of all levels could explore yoga in a supportive environment. We offer a variety of classes—from gentle Hatha and Vinyasa flows to restorative and meditation sessions. What sets us apart is our focus on community and mindfulness; we often hold workshops, retreats, and even social events to bring our students together beyond the mat.

The studio isn’t just a place to practice yoga—it’s a sanctuary where people can unwind, reconnect with themselves, and find balance in their busy lives. We’ve built a strong community of regular students, and I’m proud to say that many people who were brand new to yoga when they first walked through our doors are now regular practitioners, some even pursuing teacher training themselves.

My journey into yoga started during a particularly stressful time in my career. I was dealing with burnout, anxiety, and a general sense of disconnection. A friend invited me to a beginner’s yoga class, and I remember feeling an immediate sense of relief—both physically and mentally. It was the first time I’d slowed down and truly focused on my breath and body. Over time, yoga became my anchor, helping me navigate life’s ups and downs with more ease and mindfulness.

The turning point came during a yoga retreat in Bali. Surrounded by nature and like-minded people, I realized I wanted to share this transformative practice with others. I left my corporate job, completed my 200-hour teacher training, and the rest is history. Serenity Flow was born from that desire to create a safe space where others could experience the same healing and self-discovery that yoga gave me.

When a student tells me they’ve found relief from chronic pain, managed their anxiety better, or simply feel more confident in their body, that’s the ultimate reward. Seeing students progress, both physically and mentally, reminds me why I started this journey.

Of course, running a business means balancing passion with sustainability. From a practical standpoint, success also looks like a thriving studio where instructors are well-compensated, classes are consistently full, and there’s room to grow. But at the heart of it, it’s about community and connection—if people walk out of the studio feeling better than when they walked in, I consider that a win.

Looking back, one thing I would’ve done differently is invest more time into understanding the business side of running a studio before launching. I was so focused on teaching and creating a beautiful space that I underestimated the importance of solid marketing, financial planning, and even things like scheduling software. In the early days, I wore all the hats—teacher, marketer, accountant—and it was overwhelming.

I’d also focus more on building an online presence from the beginning. The pandemic forced us to pivot quickly to virtual classes, and while it was a challenge, it also opened up new opportunities. If I could go back, I would’ve incorporated an online component sooner, allowing us to reach a broader audience and offer more flexible options for our community.

My biggest piece of advice is to stay connected to your "why." Teaching yoga and running a studio can be incredibly fulfilling, but it’s also hard work. There will be moments when the administrative side feels overwhelming or when classes aren’t as full as you hoped. In those moments, remembering why you started—whether it’s to help others heal, build community, or share your love for the practice—will keep you grounded.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s hiring a part-time assistant, working with a marketing expert, or collaborating with other local businesses, building a supportive network can make all the difference. And lastly, keep learning. The yoga world is always evolving, and continuing your own education—whether it’s new styles, anatomy workshops, or mindfulness training—will keep your teaching fresh and inspiring.

Like many small business owners, especially in the wellness space, income has fluctuated over the years. In the first couple of years, I was mainly focused on breaking even, covering rent, instructor pay, and basic expenses. But as our community grew and we diversified our offerings—adding workshops, retreats, and online classes—the studio became profitable.

Currently, Serenity Flow brings in around $150,000 annually in revenue, with my personal income averaging between $50,000 to $60,000 after expenses. It’s not a get-rich-quick kind of business, but it’s enough to live comfortably and, more importantly, do work that I love every day. Plus, there’s the non-monetary wealth that comes from building a community and doing something that truly makes a positive impact.