We recently connected with Samantha Harrison and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

During my initial yoga teacher training, I was working at Starbucks. I loved talking to customers and because I was also in yoga teacher training, I loved talking about yoga. I would show customers neck stretches or share the benefits of yoga through the drive-thru window. I was passionate and wanted to help people but little did I know that this was the best marketing I could ever do. I got my first corporate and private yoga clients through that drive-thru window and my business continues to connect back with people I met while working at Starbucks. You never know what small interactions will play a big part in your life.

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

In college, my degree was in Public Health and I was pre-med in college but after a shadowing program, I decided I didn’t want to go into the medical field. After a bit of post-grad flailing trying to figure things out, I decided to follow my passion for yoga but didn’t see it as a career or business opportunity. While working part-time at Starbucks I shared my passion for yoga with customers and it was there that I got my first private and corporate yoga clients.

Now, I mostly work with people 1×1 in-person or virtually while also bringing yoga into the workplace. I love helping stressed, busy professionals, take better care of themselves so that they can be the best version of themselves at home and work. I love hearing how yoga impacts their lives outside of yoga class such as being able to get on the floor and play with grandkids or be less reactive to a co-worker or boss.

In the 1×1 setting, I mostly work with people with chronic pain and recovering from various injuries. I’m most proud of how my clients transition from feeling like their physical condition or pain will never get better to watching them thrive and experience their own resiliency.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

2020 was the ultimate pivot for all of us. As a yoga business, I had to quickly my in-person business into a virtual, online one. I honestly didn’t know how this was going to go and it was a very stressful time but almost 3 years later and moving online during that time was one of the best things I could have done not only for the safety of myself and my clients but also for my business. While I’m back to working with people in person, I also teach students from around the world and have developed online courses and an app. Embracing instead of resisting change has been one of my biggest lessons over the last two years.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Investing in mentorship and communities with like-minded business owners has been critical for me to grow and avoid burnout over the last 8 years of running a yoga business. I highly recommend investing in mentorship and/or group coaching that connects you with similar businesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yogawithsamantha.com
• Instagram: @samanthaharrisonyoga
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaharrisonyoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SamanthaHarrisonYoga
• Other: Yogepedia App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yogepedia/id1638776392

Image Credits
Seated cross-legged picture was taken by Mady Noel Photography