We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tasha Brooks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tasha, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

During the covid pandemic, I’m sure I was having the same thought as other yoga studio owners and workout establishments across the nation. Is there a need for in person yoga studios anymore? If so what will I do? This thought lasted for maybe 60 seconds in my mind. I quickly knew right then, even though things weren’t looking so great. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. This studio is my baby, I couldn’t abandon it. Not only for me but for my teachers, students and community. Coming back to in studio life was surreal. Our teachers and students proved to me that they needed this studio. Everyone came back and new yogis joined us. Booking out and filling classes every week!

That’s when I really knew I’m doing the right thing. I’m doing something good. And I need to keep this going no matter what.

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

I stared practicing yoga in 2012. It only took a few classes for me to feel the benefits of the practice, physically and mentally. I jumped on the next Yoga Den 200 hour teaching program and graduated in 2014. I had to share this feeling with everyone. I did my best bringing yoga to the community in all capacities I possibly could. From special needs children yoga, brewery yoga, prenatal yoga, community classes and to gyms and studios around Jacksonville. Yoga Den then gave me the opportunity to own the Avondale Yoga Den location. There was no questionI had to take this opportunity. With the guidance and experience that Yoga Den gave me I was able to create a schedule of classes that fits my community. Classes from beginner yogis to advanced. As many styles of yoga I could offer. There is something for everyone at Yoga Den Avondale. Which is the whole reason I started teaching yoga, I wanted EVERYONE to experience the practice. No matter your age, athletic experience, health limitations we have a class for you.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

If my teachers are happy, then my students will be happy. I ask my teachers what would be your dream class style, day and time to teach? I do my best to fulfill their dreams. This way the class is a style they enjoy and are passionate about teaching. The day and time they choose gives them the capacity to teach the class well.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

This year I’ve been bringing in health and fitness entrepreneurs to the studio in between classes. These teachers promote and build their own clientele for what they offer. For example Pilates, Timed Resistance and Boot Camp classes. I love to be the foundation for them to grow their business and one day open up their own health studio. Getting the knowledge of health and well being to the community to an even bigger reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: yoga-den.com
• Instagram: @yogadenavondale
• Facebook: @yogadenavondale
• Linkedin: @yogadenavondale
• Twitter: @yogadenavondale
• Other: Tik Tok @yogadenavondale

Image Credits
Adrian May Photography