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

Haley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

When we started Yogi Euphoria, hosting an event like this was a dream that seemed to be so far away. We had planned to host smaller workshops and events with hopes to one day host a huge yoga festival. Being that we started Yogi Euphoria in March 2020, everything was virtual – virtual retreats, full moon ceremonies, etc. Once we were finally able to host in person events, we hosted our first Yogi Euphoria Rave at Zydeco in Ybor City, Tampa. The event was HUGE! So much bigger than we expected and it included a combination of meditation, yoga and dancing. We knew after this event that this is why Yogi Euphoria was created.

The major challenges we faced were marketing, consistency and discipline. Neither Megan nor myself studied business in University – in fact, we really didn’t even understand it. We had to research management styles, practice trial and error, set systems, etc. We tried so many things to stay organized. Finally, we realized that we just needed to create systems to stay on top of everything. This also helped with consistency. For a while, we were just hosting sporadic events and it was taking a lot of energy to market them. We realized that the more consistent we were, the more people we had consistently signing up for our events. Consistency is key. And so is discipline to stay consistent. The truth it, just because you’re the entrepreneur and it’s your business, doesn’t mean you can just choose not to show up. Consistency, discipline and a solid game plan are key in your success.

If I would have done anything differently, I would have learned more social media tools and systems right from the beginning. Knowledge is key. Being resourceful will help you get very far in anything that you do. I found that almost every time I asked for help, or asked to work with a new venue, almost every time I had a positive response. It helped me stay excited and motivated, by always welcoming new ventures. My advice for someone who is trying to start their own business or passion project is this: Ask for help. Stay motivated. Stay consistent. Remember why you are doing what you are doing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started practicing yoga when I was in University, so about 8 years ago. I grew up as an athlete, but honestly I always hated going to the gym. I started going to these yoga in the park events at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa, FL when I discovered how much I loved in and benefitted from the practice. It helped me to focus and calm the mind and also made my body feel so expansive and flexible. I felt just overall healthy once the practice was over. It slowly became a more and more profound part of my life. I knew I wanted to take it to the next level, so I decided to become a certified yoga teacher.

For years, I was always struggling to find balance between my social/party life and my personal growth/spiritual self. Yogi Euphoria helped me to combine the two by literally throwing yoga-inspired dance parties. Our team has really mastered the combination of meditation, yoga, dancing and twerking. It really doesn’t make sense on paper how this could provide such a profound and powerful experience for attendees, but trust me, it does. We always have people laughing and filled with joy, but also people crying and feeling very moved by the whole experience. It’s honestly very difficult to understand until you’ve been to an event. Then it just all makes sense and you keep coming back because there is nothing else like it.

I am so proud of the community that we have created. Everyone I meet at these events is an INDIVIDUAL. Everyone is unique in their own way and brings their own authenticity and individuality to the table. This is a community of people who are actively trying to better themselves and live their life to the fullest all while having fun doing it. It is really a blessing to attract these types of people into my life. I love it.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would 100% choose the same route. Yogi Euphoria is new and exciting. There is nothing like it that I have ever been to. It’s an event that is truly indescribable. The way we are able to make people feel is something that I could do again and again and again. Our mission is to get people out of their comfort zones, to peel back a layer and allow themselves to be vulnerable. This vulnerability inspires authenticity and growth. We inspire people to be the best version of themselves and help them realize that anything is possible. Magic is a perfect word to describe it. I would never give that up.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think our personalities and our energy helped build our reputation in the health and wellness market. Megan and I are both outgoing and friendly when we are out a local bar or restaurant and also when we are at the gym or a spiritual event. We love to try new yoga, meditation or personal growth events and we also love to go out and socialize and meet new people. I think that because we are actively putting into the community and attending events in the community that attract similar people is very helpful in building a good reputation and also a good community. I believe you have to put out what you want to receive. For example, if you are not going to new wellness events or music events and supporting other people or businesses, how can you expect someone to attend an event that you just would not be willing to attend if it wasn’t your own? I think being friendly and supportive and being an active member of the community is key to building a solid reputation for your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yogieuphoria.com
• Instagram: @yogi.euphoria
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogi.euphoria
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/haley-longo

Image Credits
Chris Cruz