Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christine Stein. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Christine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Throughout the ‘70s I was always interested in yoga practice and life philosophy from India. It was the times! In the early ‘80s I took a yoga class. The class was “Iyengar Yoga.” The yoga master was BKS Iyengar. I fell in love with the way he taught the poses and yogic breathing techniques.
From that day I started my yoga practice under the renowned yoga master BKS Iyengar. I studied in LA at the yoga institute, I practiced in India every year, and came to realize that this ancient Ayurvedic science was so much more than I first thought.
After ten years of study, I thought about opening a small studio to teach. Yoga was not as popular then, it was 1993, but I found a perfect studio with skylights and open windows and considered taking the risk.
Many friends thought it may be too risky, to open a studio and expect people to come in and take classes. I considered their points, but I had this desire to share what I learned.
I took the risk! I knew I loved and believed in this practice. I now know that if you love what you do, you believe in what you practice, this is enough to take a risk to share.
My yoga studio is called “GOVINDAS YOGA STUDIO.” It has been thriving since 1993. Taking chances, with a plan in mind may be successful or not. Either way, it becomes a beautiful learning experience!

Christine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a teacher of yoga. My teacher is Yogamaster BKS Iyengar. I start my day with yoga practice. Classes usually begin 8 am or 10 am and continues through the day. I taught at Yogaworks for 25 years and still teach at the BKS iyengar Yoga Institute of LA.
Yoga practice is a science of health and well being. People who practice yoga are of many types. Some are maintaining their health, some are taking medical classes which address their health issues … everyone is welcome to yoga class.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the beginning of any business, the success story may be sparce. It takes some resilience, it takes love of your own practice and knowledge to continue with a positive mindset. And that to me, is the important factor. Keep that positive mindset, do not allow the negative energy to set in when times are slow. Believe in your study of the business and reach out to others. Let people know you have something worthwhile to give.
Resilience is strength and resilience allows us to move forward.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

In the mid ‘90s, I had an idea of taking students to India. I myself had been touring India every year, it was just an idea, a dream. I developed an itinerary of where we can travel, what tour guide I can use in India, etc.
I decided to make a beautiful flyer. Taking a chance and getting my message out there. The flyer had photos of places to visit in India. Yes, we would practice yoga together as well. Beautiful hotels to stay in, safe travel arrangements … all starting to look very organized! And fun!
I put the flyer out to my students and on my website. It was nothing fancy, but people responded and asked questions. and were interested. Very interested!
I took my first group to India and have been doing this every year or every other year since! Pure joy to travel together and explore and learn and practice yoga in Mother India!
I learned that advertising does not need to be expensive or complicated. Put your ideas, your art and words out there. People will respond!

Contact Info:

• Website: 108yoga.com
• Instagram: christinesteinyoga
• Facebook: Christine Stein

Image Credits
Christine Stein