We recently connected with Shanika Pichey and have shared our conversation below.

Shanika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

When I started my Yoga Teacher Training, I knew I didn’t want to own a studio or have a huge space as I’ve always preferred private sessions or smaller groups. Finding an affordable (and appealing) space was my challenge. Around the time when I knew I really wanted to start my business, I met an esthetician who was offering her services at FemmeX, a Coworking Space in Downtown Columbia. What I found appealing is how this esthetician took a practice that is usually done in a medical setting and made it feel for accessible. A lot of times yoga studios can be intimidating to beginners so I wanted to make sure I made clients comfortable. A lot to times when you are starting a business you get overzealous and go too hard too quick. There is nothing wrong with starting small (especially when you’re trying to grow your revenue).

Shanika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I aid in providing stress relief in the body and mind through different healing modalities such as Yoga, Assisted Stretching, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Meditation/Breathwork, and Reiki. Additional services: helping incorporate Ayurveda rituals into daily life, Inclusivity and Diversity Training (for yoga studios, small businesses, or larger corporations), yoga for the office through workplace wellness programs or departmental/group retreats (implementation guides are provided to participants for ongoing support). Available for private and semi-private lessons as well as workshops for individuals, groups, and/or businesses/corporate offices.

One of the main “problems” I solve for clients is debunking their thoughts of not being “stretchy/flexible enough” for yoga or not “quieting their mind” to meditate. When they come to me for a stretching session, I am able to go “deeper” with certain poses and often say “don’t help me” or “relax” so they enjoy the benefits of stretching without having to do the work.

What I am most proud of is my continued growth – business and personal. I’ve definitely become more confident in my knowledge (goodbye, Impostor Syndrome) and have decreased comparing myself to others. Lately I have been doing more workshops, programs, and discussions. Knowing people trust and learn from my knowledge and experience is truly rewarding.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Do not compare yourself to others! Yoga is a profession that has definitely become Instagram-able and Pinterst-y so you may feel like you are not good enough (skills and aesthetics wise). If you have an idea, put it out there. Don’t get caught up on the numbers. Sometimes a post, idea, or workshop may not be popular at the time but post and share anyways. Batch your content – take a couple of hours and make some videos. Share them quarterly – it’s ok to go back to “old” content.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, and I would have started earlier.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shanikapichey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanikapichey/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanikap

Image Credits
Shanika Pichey Crush Rush Photography