We were lucky to catch up with Nancy Kaul recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nancy, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

What is your destiny? How does grace move through you? What does love ask of you?

It is said that when you invite the grace of Hanuman, the knower of all hearts, into your life, the obstacles on your path will be removed, and his divine energy will lead you to your destiny.

I’ve always been drawn to Hanuman, the ideal devotee: a symbol of strength, perseverance, loyalty, and devotion. Hanuman can be called to teach us the unlimited power that resides within. Through resilience and compassion, we conquer adversity and come out stronger.

In 2017 I opened a yoga studio. Actually, I opened 2 yoga studios. One of them is still going strong.

I worked in the finance field for many years before I opened my yoga studio. I stumbled upon yoga in 2003 and immediately found the practice helped me navigate the sometimes stressful life of a wife, mother, and leader in my field. I wanted to learn everything I could about yoga and spent what free time I had on that endeavor.

It never occurred to me that I would teach yoga. It never occurred to me that I would open my own business. I just wanted to put the tools I was learning into practice. The more I practiced, the stronger I became, not just physically but mentally as well. As time went on, that strength brought resilience and self confidence.

I decided to earn my teaching certificate, not because I wanted to teach – I never thought I could be a good teacher – but because I wanted to learn more. One of my cohorts encouraged me to try teaching and pushed me into opportunities to share yoga with others. I enjoyed it. That led to teaching in many studios and corporate settings while continuing to hold down my “real” job.

I decided in the fall of 2016 to travel to India with a friend and attend an advanced yoga teacher training. We wanted to create a school and conduct our own teacher trainings. About the same time, I learned my finance job would be eliminated the following year.

In 2017 my friend and I opened our own studio. We hosted a 200 hour yoga teacher training using a manual that I wrote. Sadly, we were not compatible as business partners, and the business dissolved almost as quickly as it started. My friend and I haven’t spoken since.

I was heartbroken and disillusioned about the path I had chosen. After many years of practicing and teaching yoga, I had no idea what to do next. So, I went back to the foundations of my practice and offered myself to the universe, hoping for direction.

Many options appeared, and I was open to all of them, but I kept returning to an unassuming brick building that spoke to me like no other. On the lower level, beneath a dental office, next to a gas station, it said “yoga” to no one but me. Yet, it kept calling: an intimate studio in the neighborhood where I live, walk, shop, eat, and drink; a landlord who believes in my vision and offers support; a friendly corridor with vibrant energy; a place to demystify the practice so no one feels left out; an opportunity to teach a way of life rather than a sequence of poses.

I signed a lease on a space I named KC Yoga Kula. A week later, I taught the first class. Two weeks after that, I launched my teacher training.

In a leap of faith, I invited Hanuman’s grace to move through me, and I asked for strength as well. And though the road has not been easy, I’ve learned that even in my darkest hours when I feel the weight of responsibility, I am supported. I have so much gratitude for those who share this journey with me, for all the students, teachers, friends, and family that have helped me around, through and over the obstacles. We are truly on this path together, and together we are better.

I wanted to create a sanctuary where we can get to know one another, accepting that though we have differences, we are at our core the same; we are all connected.

I envisioned a studio where people are inspired to believe in themselves, empowered to choose their path, and able to transform their lives.

The work of yoga has become the work of my life. I took a risk when I first stepped onto my yoga mat in 2003.
I took more risks as I grew stronger. I encourage everyone who walks through the doors of my studio to tap into the passions that drive them; to be willing to risk the safety of our habits and transform; to succeed in being the best version of themselves.

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

I own KC Yoga Kula in Kansas City. I run a public yoga studio and yoga training school I spent many years in Finance and found the practice of yoga in 2003. The practice transformed my thinking about who I am and what I can accomplish. I love sharing the practice with like-minded souls.

If you can breathe, you can do yoga, and each time you step on the mat is an opportunity to tune in to who you are. Our practice is ultimately a journey inward to discover the best and brightest we have to offer. It doesn’t ask us to be perfect, it asks us to be present and focused, to trust the process, and to tap into strength and grace to live from a place of intention rather than habit.

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

One of the biggest lessons that I learned was about having self confidence. I formed a partnership with someone because I didn’t think I had the skills to do it on my own. I knew I had the training and knowledge to teach yoga and to teach others to teach yoga. I also had business skills due to my education and work in finance for many years. However, I thought my introverted nature was my downfall. I thought I needed to partner with someone who was more extroverted in order to successfully promote the business.

What I learned was that choosing the wrong business partner did nothing to promote my skills or the way I wanted to teach. The type of client my business partner drew to the business was not interested in the types of offerings I wanted to provide.

The best way to promote what you have to offer is to be authentic and true to yourself. By doing that, you will attract to clients that resonate with your services.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I have tried various marketing strategies and promotions but by and large, my clients come from friends and acquaintances of those who have practiced yoga with me.

The best way to build a good reputation is to treat people with respect, practice what you know, continue to learn, grow and evolve so that your business is up to date. Don’t compromise on your core competencies to compete with others.

Do what you do well and treat people well.

Contact Info:

• Website: kcyogakula.com
• Instagram: KC Yoga Kula
• Facebook: kcyogakula
• Linkedin: Nancy Kaul
• Twitter: kcyogakula