We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Silbernagel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
We opened River Yoga in 2020–right in the middle of the pandemic and pending shut-downs. We knew there would be a need for a healing space and a safe space to gather when people were ready to do so. At first, most of our classes were online due to restrictions, but once those lifted, people came to us with all sorts of desire (and some with fear) to be in community. We continue to build our community and dispel fears every day — there’s new faces at our studio every week and it’s amazing to share space and energy together!
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’ve had an on-and-off yoga practice for over 20 years. Sometimes we leave this practice, and I completely understand that. Hey… life happens! But what I’ve learned in the recent years of owning a studio and practicing with all sorts of folx (pregnant, disabled, blind, athletic, recovering, old, young, and everything in-between), I’ve come to the conclusion that I need consistent practice in my life. And I hope to share that energy with others and help them find consistency. We want to keep our space open and comforting to all people, whatever journey they are on right now. All are welcome here!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I feel that the most important knowledge in starting a new business is asking for help. We have developed a group of new-business owners who meet monthly and share helpful hints, encouragement, and LOTS of support–both physical and emotional. We all do better when we do better together.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The business of owning a yoga studio is not a very lucrative one… in the past, I’ve relied on my partner and my other jobs to help support the studio. Well? Last winter my partner passed away suddenly and now it’s my own energy to keep this business running. And I’m hell-bent to do that… he and I started this business together and I will ask for help and I will find ways to keep the studio running. Our community loves the studio and I don’t want to let them down!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: weloveriveryoga
- Facebook: RiverYoga
Image Credits
Angie Banks