5 minutes with Yoga Hens

We sat down with Angela Yildiz and Stacey Richardson of Yoga Hens to find out a little bit more about April’s Business of the Month 

What does your business do? 

Yoga Hens are qualified nurse yoga instructors who deliver nurse-led yoga classes to aid flexibility, fitness, sleep, relaxation & wellbeing.

Classes are available for men, women & children.

What made you set up on your own? 

Together we were frustrated by some of the challenges and constraints we faced in our nursing profession and we wanted to be able to offer more with our nursing skills. Through our own health journeys we recognised first-hand the role that yoga can play in improving both physical and mental well-being and so decided to set up our own yoga business.

What have you found the biggest challenge to date? 

The biggest challenge to date has been demystifying society’s preconceived ideas about what yoga is and who it is for. There are some clear barriers that prevent individuals from trying yoga as there is an overwhelming expectation that yoga is only for the super bendy and super fit! We aim to dispel all of these myths and highlight that yoga is for EVERY BODY!

What do you find most rewarding about running your business?

The most rewarding part for us is the transformation we see in the people who attend our sessions. This transformation is displayed through improvement in physical posture and fitness but probably more so in self-worth, self-confidence, outlook on life, ability to relax, enhanced sleep and general wellbeing. It’s extremely moving to follow individuals’ journeys from arriving at their first yoga session visibly unconfident and anxious to a few weeks down the line when they walk into the session with their head held high with a more positive attitude towards themselves and their abilities.

What makes North Tyneside a good place to run a business?

The North Tyneside community is very welcoming and supportive to small local businesses, which helps to generate interest in these businesses. Also we have found the wealth of support available from The Business Factory to be invaluable.

What one piece of advice would you offer to somebody looking to start out in business?

Just do it! Let go of any fears of failure and trust in your own ideas. Be creative and keep you clients at the centre of all that you do.

Believe in yourself and the doors will start to open!

You can find out more about Yoga Hens on Facebook – facebook.com/yogahensltd

 

Any SME in North Tyneside can nominate themselves or somebody they know to be crowned Business of the Month; simply provide a reason for selection and come along to the monthly business coffee morning held the first Friday of every month.

As Business of the Month, The Business Factory will help to promote the chosen company via a range of digital and traditional communication channels – including support from the News Guardian.

Nominations can be tweeted to The Business Factory using the #NTCBiz, posted on its Facebook page or emailed to info@businessfactorynt.co.uk