How I Built a Yoga Studio with $5,000

Ten years ago, I took a leap of faith and opened my first yoga studio. With no savings or investments—just a $5,000 credit card—I was driven by my passion for movement, wellness, and a desire to share this with corporates in the heart of the Sydney CBD.

I sublet a small space above a chiropractor's office, setting up my mats and energy with a mix of excitement and self-belief. At 6 a.m., I'd open the doors, always hoping to hear the footsteps of new clients climbing up the creaky staircase, hoping they’d be kind and eager to join what would soon become a thriving community.

The journey wasn’t easy. There were early mornings filled with doubt, quiet days, and moments where I had to remind myself to stay true to my intentions. I knew I wanted to provide a peaceful haven for busy professionals, and that clarity helped me grow the studio quickly. Despite external challenges and uncertainties, the studio—Flow Lab—evolved into an inner-city sanctuary that our community loved. Even after closing our doors in 2021, I still receive messages from members asking if we’ll reopen, eager for the energy we created together.

While I’d love to return to the CBD for those dynamic days of packed classes and smiling faces, Flow Lab has since taken a simpler, slower approach to delivering yoga to corporates. Reflecting on this chapter, I’m grateful for the lessons it taught me—lessons about resilience, community, and staying true to my purpose. These insights have shaped not only my personal life but also how I approach my career today in the tech and fitness space.

From running my own business to diving into marketing strategies for SaaS, I’ve learned that at the core of any venture is the ability to connect with people and deliver value. Flow Lab may have closed its doors, but the lessons learned there continue to open new ones for me.

Here’s what I learned from building my yoga studio:

Stay True to Your Intention

It’s easy to focus solely on the numbers and stress over whether your classes are full. But if you build a space around your authentic purpose, the right people will come.

Community first, Profit will follow

I didn't obsess over profits in the beginning. Instead, I focused on creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere. People were drawn to that energy, and as the community grew, the revenue followed.

Embrace the Ups and Downs

There will be highs and lows and factors beyond your control. Cold and rainy weeks when clients stay in bed, or new competition that draws your audience away. Embrace these moments as part of the journey. Your core audience will find you and stay.

How to Set Up a Successful Yoga Studio: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re dreaming of opening your own studio, here’s a few pointers to help you get started.

Space Planning

Determine capacity: How many students can fit comfortably in your space during a fully booked class?

Instructor pay: Decide on a fair and sustainable rate for your teachers.

Pricing options: Consider different models (e.g., drop-ins, class passes, and memberships) that offer flexibility for your clients.

Financial Forecasting

Operating expenses: Factor in all overhead costs, including rent, tech subscriptions, utilities, and wages.

Break-even point: Calculate how many clients you need each month to cover your expenses.

Per-class profitability: Figure out how much revenue each class needs to generate for you to turn a profit.

Membership cap: Determine the maximum number of members you can handle while maintaining a high-quality experience.

Marketing & Growth

Stay true to your mission: Don’t chase trends. Focus on building a community based on your core values.

Build relationships: Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful in the wellness industry. Every student should feel like part of the family.

Adapt to demand: Be prepared to adjust your schedule, pricing, and offerings as you learn more about your community’s needs.

By staying aligned with your vision and being strategic about your operations, you can build not only a profitable business but also a space that truly serves your community.?