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

Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I opened Hot Yoga Sanford 2/2020. This is right before the pandemic. I repeated wise words of two successful businessmen, “the key to success if consistency.” I stayed consistent with my goals, schedule, and dreams through the pandemic. I made it through without having to close my doors and giving up on Hot Yoga Sanford.

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 was in the Real Estate business, and I didn’t feel fulfilled. I took my first Bikram Yoga Class and only six months later I ended up at Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Hawaii 2007. I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to share this yoga with the rest of the world. I knew immediately that this yoga could positively change and save many peoples’ lives.

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

This yoga definitely makes you bulletproof. I threw in the real estate towel, and I went to Bikram Teacher Training in 2007. I made more money in my final real estate commission than I did the first entire year of teaching Bikram Yoga. I taught full time at a local studio until 12/2019. I had to make a decision about what I was going to do because the studio had some financial issues. I decided to open my own studio 1/2020. I open my doors 2/2020. I had a grand opening/ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and the Sanford Mayor scheduled 3/2020. I had a detox retreat in Costa Rica scheduled 6/2020. I also scheduled my first Detox Retreat in Peru 10/2020. Then the pandemic hit. Everything was cancelled. We had to physically close the doors for over a month for due to the orders of Shelter in Place. The studio went virtual during this time. The students and I never gave up on Hot Yoga Sanford. They continued to come throughout the pandemic. I am so proud of this community locking arms with me during this very difficult time. It has truly taught me that anything is possible. Hot Yoga Sanford not only survived its first few years, but it also survived a world pandemic.

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

I went to school for psychology. Right out of college I worked at a mental health facility. I decided to leave that facility because I felt like I wasn’t helping anyone. I got into real estate by the recommendation of my mother. It wasn’t for me. I made really good money, but I knew it was not my passion. I read the book Living by the Seat of Your Soul. The next morning after finishing the book and surrendering to the next door that opened, I took my first Bikram Class. I remember walking up to the building and every hair on my body stood up. I thought to myself, “I’m going to be yoga teacher??” After that class, I knew immediately that I needed to figure out what I needed to do to teach this yoga. I knew that I had to just buckle my seat beat and enjoy the ride. Six months later I was at Bikram Teacher Training in Hawaii. The training is nine weeks long and super intense. I am so grateful for that book and the guts to do what I love. Now, I created a place Hot Yoga Sanford where people can come together to learn and experience the best version of themselves. It’s been an amazing journey and I really look forward to what’s to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: hotyogasanford.com
• Instagram: hotyogasanford
• Facebook: hotyogasanford

Image Credits
Adena Rose Photography Jim Uhing Photography