We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Candy Gibson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Candy below.

Alright, Candy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

So many things! It has been really fun learning. Marketing is more important than I thought. People won’t just come. I would have acted a little more seriously so people took me more seriously.

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

8 years ago I was getting a divorce, so doing lots of yoga. The owner wanted to sell the business. I was working on getting my Master’s in Health Promotion, and although I didn’t know much about proper yoga it seems like health promotion to me. I still think it is one of the healthiest hobbies people can have. The fountain of youth!
I help people who don’t know much about proper yoga feel comfortable walking into a yoga studio. Then those people get all the health benefits and community that the studio provides. I think that people know yoga and stretching are good for them. It helps balance and blood pressure. People get intimidated by the fancy brand outfits, and posters of people putting their feet to the back of their heads.
The 10:30 classes Monday through Friday are all Gentle Flow classes. After class the crew of participants talks and lingers connecting with each other. It makes me so happy! They are so friendly with each other. I am very proud. Connecting with other people is important and healthy. I’m doing my part to slow the loneliness epidemic. I feel like that MPH is at work. The teachers are all excellent and there are challenging serious classes which is wonderful. Gentle Flow has a special place in my heart because it’s such a regular group.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Friends. Customer’s friends. So that means keeping customers happy and making sure we have retention. I try to use A frames around town but they keep getting stolen. I wish I was better at social media. I think I’m just good at making people feel comfortable and like they are apart of something when they are here. No one is an outsider. It is a very welcoming space. Bring your friends! It helps me out.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Beer yoga! Galentine’s Day!
Random celebrations. I write a very compelling newsletter that includes my favorite recipes. Maybe that is it. We also have monthly all women dance parties because we really value dancing and being silly in a safe environment. I guess nonsense is ‘on brand’ for the studio, or is fun loving a better way to frame it than nonsense. FUN! We try to have fun. Always room for enjoyment in this crazy life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carlsbadvillageyoga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadyoga/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlsbadyoga/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18818092/admin/dashboard/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carlsbad-village-yoga-carlsbad?osq=yoga