We recently connected with Chelsea Buckler and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea, appreciate you joining us today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
It all started about 5 years ago when a friend that I met in yoga teacher training purchased the domain -Austinbacheloretteyoga.com (a great decision on her part). She started running the side gig along with owning her yoga studio. She hired me teach a few of the bachelorette sessions and I immediately fell in love. The youth, the energy, the positive outlook, the vibes and the beautiful vacation rentals. I loved it all and wanted to make it my own.
There was one problem, she had the domain name and it was the number one search result on google. No one was going to find some random domain name that I came up with. I asked her to purchase the domain as it was a bit of a side hustle for her and I wanted to take it places…big places. At the time, she said no, but with a little patience and luck from the universe, a positive life change caused her to move and no longer have time to run the gig. I purchased it for 5k. Yes, I paid 5k for a domain name, something I would have never done if I didn’t truly believe in myself.
So I had the domain and the website, but there was no social media presence and I needed to get my name out there. I started the instagram with about 3 posts and 100 followers. I had no credibility. I needed followers, so I bought them. 1000 robot followers for $10. I could then keep creating content and with each bachelorette booked, I could grow my social presence, create more credibility, and in return get more (real) followers. I also started reaching out to every vacation rental in Austin that looked remotely like it could handle a bachelorette party and asked to be included in their guides. A year later, I can proudly say business is thriving and growing every day. Within the first month of 2024 I had over 20 bookings! I’m currently the top bachelorette yoga provider in Austin and I plan to stay that way. With austin being the Mecca for bachelorettes and girls trips, it can only get better!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Embarking on the journey of starting a Bachelorette yoga company in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas has been an exhilarating adventure. Fueled by a passion for both yoga and celebrating special moments, the vision behind the company is to offer a unique fusion of wellness and joy for bachelorette parties. Austin’s dynamic atmosphere, renowned for its wellness culture, provides the perfect backdrop for this endeavor, creating a space where brides-to-be and their friends can unwind, connect, and celebrate in a memorable way before hitting the town ( 0r the lake). Roll out of bed and onto your mat for an hour of customized yoga with your best friends!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
My advice for anyone starting out on social media is, stick with it! It will not grow over night. Keep posting authentic posts related to your industry. Follow every relatable account and comment/like there posts. Boost posts regularly. Team up with a similar company in your industry and do a giveaway to capture both audiences. Stay persistent, there is no where to go but up!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
My domain name being the number one search has been the best source for new clients. My website is clean and easy to navigate and I respond to new client bookings almost immediately. I have found that my target market ( young bachelorettes and their friends) are very quick to move on. I have a few competitors who outsource their teachers and have multiple loctions. My competitive edge is that I am local and I have access to some of the best teachers in Austin.
Contact Info:
- Website: austinbacheloretteyoga.com
- Instagram: Austinbacheloretteyoga