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

Alright, Erin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the challenges I’ve witnessed in the yoga industry, especially in large cities/metro areas is saturation of the market. Where I live in DFW, there are countless studios – private, chains, gyms, etc. – which means job opportunities for teachers, but a lot of competition within the community. To take that one step further, many studios offer teacher training programs to remain profitable, but that also adds saturation to the pool of teachers. Even with specialization such as sound healing, breathwork and retreats, all of which I offer, there are a lot of talented folks in my area doing very similar things. The key for me has been remaining true to myself and my own strengths as a teacher, not trying to do it all, and the realization that this will attract the students and folks I’m meant to work with.

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

I began practicing yoga and meditation 25 years ago as a dance student, looking to gain flexibility. The more I’ve practiced through the years, the more I have realized how much there is to learn, especially beyond the physical side of the practice. Yoga as a practice is thousands of years old and still has so much to teach us about ourselves. I became a teacher in 2016, and then furthered my studies in 2020 when I became 500 hour certified. That was also when I started to introduce sound healing into my teachings, which I became certified in a year later.

I teach from an inclusive place, and want to make sure everyone feels welcome and empowered on their mat in every class, workshop & retreat that I teach. Yoga meets every person where they’re at, no matter age, body type or level of ability, and it’s my job as a guide to help folks find what works for them to reach their goals and intentions. I have also realized through the years of practicing and teaching that we need the quieter, gentler practices as much (if not more than) the sweaty power flows, not only for our bodies but for our minds and nervous systems. Sound healing, meditation, and breathwork really lend themselves to this other side of the practice, and it has been inspiring to see how students are drawn to and respond positively to it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I began teaching, I was VERY focused on anatomy and physiology, making sure I did the poses “correctly” and taught them as such. The unlearning came for me via students – encountering people in my classes from all walks of life, backgrounds, ages, body types and levels of ability, and realizing there truly is no universal alignment. There are cues and assists that help people stay safe in their bodies on the mat, but at the end of he day we’re all built differently, and there are as many “correct” ways to do a pose as there are students practicing that pose. Even two people seemingly doing something exactly the same are experiencing something different internally.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020 when we went into lockdown, I had to pivot very quickly to take my teaching online. Although it was an uncomfortable (& unwelcome!) change, it ultimately sparked my resourceful side in a big way and made me more creative in what I was putting out there, how I was reaching people, and where I wanted to go with my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erincruzyoga.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: @erincruzyoga
• Facebook: Erin Cruz Yoga
• Youtube: @erincruzyoga

Image Credits

Leanne & Dan Schulz