We were lucky to catch up with Bobbi Baker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bobbi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

There’s a current trend in yoga that suggests, my way is the right way. But let’s be transparent: your way is the right way for you, and mine is the right way for me. As a studio owner for the past decade, I’ve witnessed a lot of noise about what yoga is “supposed” to look like, what it should or shouldn’t be. The truth is, yoga is deeply personal—it’s about how it connects with you and implements into your life. We need to allow the practice to meet us where we are in this moment, and in a room full of people on their own unique journeys, at their own pace, we, as an industry, cannot impose expectations on our students.

It’s also essential to recognize that what feels good in one person’s body doesn’t necessarily feel the same in another’s. Our bodies are different, and expecting us all to move and look identical in a posture is simply unrealistic. However, what does connect us in our practices is the shared approach: we open ourselves to curiosity, treat ourselves with kindness, and honor how far we’ve come from where we started.

This past year, despite saying I’d always just be a studio owner, I began my own 200-hour yoga teacher training. Through this journey of self-discovery, I’ve realized that while I was initially drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, the emotional and spiritual aspects of the practice have become the heart of my experience. I find myself questioning old belief systems and carving out new pathways for growth and healing. Yoga has transformed my life, and it has the power to transform yours too, if you allow it.

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

My entrepreneurial journey began in 2009, but it didn’t start with yoga. I often tell people I found yoga in 2013, but the truth is, yoga found me. I stepped onto my mat just before a great personal loss—little did I know, the universe was preparing me for a new chapter in my life. What followed was nothing short of transformative. Yoga shifted everything in my life. It challenged me to rediscover what it meant to truly have a relationship with myself—and with others.

Along the way, I opened a yoga studio, found my life partner, expanded my family, and began building the life I was always meant to live. The studio and the journey of running it over the last 10 years have brought profound insights. I always knew I was on the right path as an entrepreneur, but I struggled for many years with understanding my why. At the time, I couldn’t see the connection or meaning behind any of it. But looking back now—at the growth of my businesses, the challenges I overcame, and the lessons I learned—I realize that everything I went through was leading me to this moment, to serve my true purpose: to make an impact.

My story starts with humble beginnings, but the perseverance to grow into something greater than I could have ever imagined has become my reality. And for that, I am deeply grateful. I am now in a space of giving and supporting others—without attachment or expectation—and that’s something I hold close to my heart.

This yoga studio, which I truly believe is an extension of me, has been a decade-long cultivation of vision, purpose, and community. Building a team with the same passion and goals has been a beautiful and humbling experience. I wouldn’t be where I am today without every manager, instructor, admin, cleaner, and laundry person. I believe that anyone who works at Namaste, teaches at Namaste, or practices at Namaste becomes part of something much bigger than just a yoga studio. It’s a community of powerhouse individuals, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than stepping back and watching this multifaceted business operate like a well-oiled machine.

It’s empowering to lead others who are leaders themselves. I know my brand is different because I give my team every tool, resource, and opportunity to outgrow me. And I do this with full confidence and joy, knowing that true leadership isn’t about holding on—it’s about empowering others to grow and thrive, even if that means they eventually leave. A true leader is not threatened by their team’s success.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As a business owner, you wear many hats, and one of those hats is often that of a social media brand manager. Unfortunately, you can’t be great at everything, though you can certainly try. I came to realize that even with organic growth and success, without dedicated marketing and advertising, my brand risked being left behind. Social media isn’t just the future—it’s the now.

I found myself slipping into the habit of forgetting to post, struggling to decide what to share, and, as a result, my brand began to suffer. Social media is critical to your brand’s success. If it doesn’t provide your audience with an experience that mirrors what they feel when visiting your space, you’re essentially wasting your time. The connection you build online should be just as strong as the one you create in person.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Investing in my team is my highest priority. If my team is not aligned with our purpose, showing up authentically, feeling fulfilled, or struggling with professionalism, it will show in every corner of the studio. What’s happening in their personal lives behind the scenes inevitably translates into the energy of the studio. That’s why I believe it’s crucial to equip my instructors with every tool they might need—even if they don’t always use them.

On a quarterly basis, I bring in a life coach to meet with the team in a group setting. We provide food and create space for everyone to connect with one another. This time together allows them to voice their opinions, seek advice, or simply show up for each other in a loving and supportive environment. My team is like my family, and I’m deeply loyal to their personal growth, just as we are to our students. No other yoga studio that I know of offers this to their teachers and I believe it is what sets us apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.namaste-stl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namasteyogastl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namastestl
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbi-baker-43274a2b/