We recently connected with Viviana Gago and have shared our conversation below.

Viviana , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

A few years ago, I began nurturing the aspiration to establish a yoga studio. One of my primary concerns about yoga studios pertains to the limited diversity observed not only among clients but also among instructors. I made a personal commitment that, upon opening my own studio, I would prioritize hiring teachers who embody the essence of yoga—genuine, authentic individuals fostering an environment devoid of judgment and steeped in authenticity. Along my journey, I’ve encountered various yoga teachers and owners, sensing both the right and wrong energies. Some individuals pursue yoga for misguided reasons, while others share my vision. For me, yoga embodies healing, experiencing, and releasing what no longer serves us. I aspire to offer my instructors a platform where they can openly express their true selves, sharing their backgrounds without fear. My core values revolve around empowerment, diversity, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, fostering an environment that embodies these principles and more.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Viviana- the creator behind Sana Yoga NJ.. Coming up in a Latinx environment, I swiftly grasped the significance of making room for both others and oneself. I’ve always taken pride in bringing my complete self into every space, allowing me to unlock a liberated version of who I am. This belief of mine cultivated what I like to call my “spice,” a blend of being a mother of two, embracing my Chilean heritage, a deep love for music, my Spanglish teaching style, and the atmosphere I create as an instructor.

As a wife, mother, friend, and fellow human, I understand that life can often crowd our schedules, making it tough to carve out time for self-care. Consequently, we tend to withdraw without even realizing, becoming more introverted and less engaged, which can breed nervousness when trying new experiences.

But here’s the crucial thing: Yoga doesn’t need to be intense or a competition. It’s about showing up as yourself and leaving with something profound each time you step onto the mat. It’s a beautiful, transformative practice enabling us to shed past trauma and obstacles, allowing us to fully embrace the present moment.

In my classes and those offered at SANA, our goal is to guide our bodies in releasing the pain and emotional baggage we’ve carried. SANA Yoga was born to peel away those inhibiting layers and spark the existing fire within each person. Our aim is for you to depart our studio feeling empowered, confident, lighter, and unburdened. We’re thrilled to meet your different facets and witness the unique ‘spice’ you bring to the mat.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I strongly believe in connecting with my clients on a personal level. Understanding why you walked through my studio doors initially and what keeps drawing you back is important to me. What is it about Sana Yoga NJ that resonates with you? Is it the bilingual wall fostering connection? The diverse range of instructors and classes? For me, building relationships with clients and understanding their motivations is fundamental in growing a business. I’m confident that forging these connections sets Sana apart from other studios. We’re not a corporate chain solely driven by financial goals. At Sana, our aim is healing—hence the meaning behind our name. There’s a Hispanic saying, “Sana Sana colita de Rana,” essentially translating to “heal, heal little tail of the frog.” I know-sounds silly, right? But it works I promise! I aspire to share my culture authentically and create a welcoming space for everyone, where healing is at the core of our mission.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I strongly advocate for transparent communication. Please hold me responsible and point out anything I might overlook. Empowerment is pivotal—let’s support and uplift one another. It’s essential to have each other’s backs. Within my policy, one non-negotiable term is fostering a culture devoid of negativity or gossip. If any issues arise, please feel comfortable addressing them so we can collaborate on solutions. Kindness and being a good person are core values that I prioritize.

Contact Info:

• Website: sanayoganj.com
• Instagram: sanayoganj
• Facebook: sana yoga nj

Image Credits
@laurenanzevino