We recently connected with Jack Utermoehl and have shared our conversation below.

Jack, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Motivated by the changes yoga brought into my life, I immersed myself in practice and training, eventually leading yoga classes myself. Alongside my growing commitment, I recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, sustainably sourced yoga products. This observation led to the inception of Asivana.

The business logic was straightforward. We were addressing a specific need: yogis seeking products that supported their practice both physically and ethically. We launched with premium cork yoga mats and expanded to include various props and accessories, all aligned with sustainable practices.

I was most excited about the community aspect. It wasn’t just about products; it was about supporting a lifestyle that centered on places that like-minded individuals gathered in community. Asivana provides for communities across the nationwide, fostering connections and enriching practices.

This endeavor wasn’t just a business—it was a response to a personal journey, fulfilling a broader community need to be together in-person. The growth and positive feedback from our customers validated this direction, confirming that we are filling a unique niche in the yoga world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jack Utermoehl, founder of Asivana Yoga Company. My entry into the yoga industry came through personal transformation, as yoga helped me overcome depression and find direction. Asivana offers high-quality, sustainably sourced yoga products like cork yoga mats and accessories, emphasizing eco-friendliness and supporting the holistic yoga lifestyle.

What sets us apart is our focus on community and sustainability. Asivana isn’t just about products; it’s about fostering a network of yogis and providing resources to deepen their practice. We’re proud of our role in building a supportive yoga community and our commitment to environmental responsibility.

For those new to Asivana, know that we’re here to support your yoga journey with top-notch gear and resources to help you grow. Our aim is to connect and enrich the yoga experience for everyone involved.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before founding Asivana Yoga Company, I spent over a decade in vegetation management, specializing in the removal of invasive and noxious plants for oil and gas producers in Colorado. This work was critical in protecting native grasslands and rangelands, which are vital ecological resources. While this career was fulfilling in its environmental impact, I felt a growing disconnect between my day job and my personal passion for yoga.

The pivot came as I realized that yoga was a calling that required my full attention. It provided me with a profound sense of purpose and alignment that my environmental career could no not fulfill. The decision to switch was driven by the need to align my actions with my deeper purpose in life. Yoga offered a path to not only personal transformation but also an opportunity to impact others positively by fostering a supportive community and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Transitioning from vegetation management to running a yoga business was a significant shift. It involved not only a change in profession but also a philosophical realignment of my values and actions. This pivot was about committing fully to the practice and teachings of yoga, and using my skills and passion to build a business that reflects my values of community, sustainability, and personal growth.

It was a leap of faith, but it was necessary to live authentically and fulfill my potential in helping others through their yoga journeys.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

To fund the start of Asivana Yoga Company, I leveraged my background in vegetation management as a consultant. I established a consulting business where I negotiated commission rates with various companies, then actively sold their services. The contracts I secured ranged from $1,000 to significant annual commitments of up to $250,000.

The commissions I earned from these deals provided the initial capital necessary to launch my yoga business. This strategy allowed me to build a financial foundation without taking on debt, giving Asivana Yoga a solid start and the freedom to grow organically aligned with our values of quality and sustainability.

This approach was not just about funding but also about applying business acumen gained from years of consulting to a new venture that was close to my heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://asivanayoga.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asivanayoga/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsivanaYoga/
• Twitter: https://x.com/AsivanaYoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JackUtermoehl108