We were lucky to catch up with Katie Schiffgen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Owning my own business as a full time yoga/breathwork instructor has required taking lots of risks. When I first decided to pursue yoga as my full-time job, I quit my job waiting tables and just crossed my fingers that I’d be able to find enough teaching gigs that would pay enough money to be able to make ends meet. I worked my ass off in the beginning. I hustled all around town teaching multiple classes at multiple different places each day… most of the time for very little pay because sadly yoga instructors at studios typically don’t get paid much. But that’s what I had to do to build my own following and also build up my own confidence as an instructor.
When I facilitated my very first yoga retreat, that was a big risk in many ways. I struggled getting people to sign up, I made almost no money, and I learned about a million lessons that I’ve now used to facilitate over 20 retreats worldwide. They are a risk every time but now I know what questions to ask and what to look out for when planning and selling the retreat.
Over Covid, my home studio closed and I went out on my own as a “private contractor” teaching donation-based yoga in parks, backyards, and coffee shops. It was a risk because I was never sure how much money I’d make and I still had to pay my rent either way! I didn’t know if people would follow me or if I’d be able to keep good attendance in my classes. But they did! The people came! And now a few years later I am still teaching all my classes by-donation at a studio that runs that way because a small group of instructors (myself included) wanted to change the status quo and, for me, it’s been hugely successful. I’m grateful.
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.
Hi! I’m Katie Schiffgen and I’ve been teaching yoga for about ten years and practicing on and off for over half of my life. I have learned so much as a practitioner and instructor of yoga and am so passionate about sharing it with anyone and everyone who is willing to open their mind and heart to discovering a deeper part of who they are!
When I first started teaching I was more interested in the physical benefits of yoga. I loved studying alignment and made it a goal for myself as a teacher to find clear, concise, and accessible ways to incorporate sound and sustainable alignment principles into every class. I wanted my classes to be physically accessible to a beginner yogi, but still challenging and stimulating for a more seasoned practitioner. In most of my classes, I use many alignment principles I picked up from years of practicing and studying Anusara Yoga… but I also incorporate teachings from many different styles of yoga that have resonated for me over the years.
After a few years of teaching mostly power classes, I became increasingly interested in the spiritual side of yoga. I began opening up to slower, more restorative and meditative classes as part of my own personal practice and then eventually as part of my teaching as well. In 2018, I had a life changing experience in a Breathwork class and started diving deeper and deeper into different types of Breathwork and Pranayama. When my husband an I separated for a couple years in 2019, I discovered the power of various somatic movement practices to release emotions, reconnect with lost parts of myself, process feelings, and even heal old traumas. When my dog was tragically killed in 2020, I realized how powerful somatic modalities can be in helping to process and heal GREIF. I am now passionate about sharing this type of healing work with others. I have been facilitating various types of “Breathwork Ceremonies” since 2020 and in 2022 I became certified as a Somatic Breathwork™ Facilitator which has helped me expand my Breathwork offerings to a whole new level!
Beyond facilitating classes, my retreats have become a big part of my offerings as well. Since 2016, I have facilitated or co-faclitated over 20 retreats internationally and domestically. I absolutely LOVE exploring the world and different cultures and sharing that with people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to adventure with me! Retreats are an excellent way to see the world; they are expansive and transformative; they are a perfect blend of mindfulness, movement, relaxation, and adventure!
Over the years, I have become a more intuitive practitioner and facilitator because of my own continuing studies, experiences, and exploration of the many different avenues of these practices. I am often attending various classes, workshops, immersions, and trainings. 10 years later, I now teach from a more integrated and embodied place than when I first began as an instructor. My yoga classes are authentic, heartfelt, and personal with a focus on the breath, physical alignment, and functional mobility. My Breathwork offerings are approachable and transformative for many people even after just one class. I believe that alignment in our bodies goes hand in hand with alignment in our lives… the more aware and aligned we become inside, the more that is reflected outwardly; as above, so below.
My sincere hope is that I can provide a safe, loving container for my students/clients to have whatever experience they need most in that moment. I hope they step back out into the world feeling a bit more aligned, connected, and inspired to walk through life with more playfulness, curiosity, openness, and surrender; with the capacity to feel it all and embrace it all.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I think what’s helped me succeed as a full time instructor is my connection to my students and the sense of community I’ve somehow managed to create over the years.
Many yoga instructors don’t even ask their students names. Very few instructors take time to intentionally connect with and get to know their students. This isn’t bad or wrong but I think the reason I’ve been successful is because my students feel seen and acknowledged by me. They feel like they matter. I try my best to learn names of new students and remember them every time they come to class. I try to listen when students have something to share and be open to answering any questions before or after class.
As my students have followed me from place to place over the years and many of my students have attended numerous international retreats with me, my community has grown. Now people come to class and see old friends or people they met on a retreat in Costa Rica last year or in Bali 5 years ago. Most of my students who have been attending my classes consistently for years, are now friends with each other. The community I’ve created just keeps growing in different ways and it makes me so happy!
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
YES! I LOVE WHAT I DO. However… I think many people look at what I do and think — “Oh she’s so lucky. She just teaches a few classes each week and goes on a bunch of vacations!” That’s what many people see on the outside. But what they haven’t seen is all the WORK that has gone into it and how much time, energy, and dedication it’s taken me to get here.
My first few years of teaching I got paid very little per class and I taught SO many classes every week. I taught a couple volunteer classes for years just to get teaching practice and help build a following. I taught at studios, gyms, corporate settings, and even senior centers. I was constantly having to reevaluate how I was using my time and how many classes I could sustainably teach each week. I had to say no to so many weekend camping trips and even one-nighters because consistency is key in building classes! When I started facilitating retreats I learned lots of expensive and STRESSFUL lessons. SO much work goes into the backend of planning these big group adventures, but nobody ever sees that part!
When all is said and done, I do love what I do. I am grateful I get to do what I do for a living. But it’s still a JOB and it’s still time, energy, and showing up over and over again :) 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katieschiffgenyoga.com
- Instagram: @for_the_love_of_yoga
- Facebook: Facebook.com/kschiffgen
- Linkedin: Katie Schiffgen
- Youtube: YouTube.com/c/katieschiffgen
Image Credits
Matt Balard and Maggey Barker