Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tina & Ruth of Shala Yoga Loft. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, which we’ve shared below.

Hi Tina & Ruth, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Our story begins a decade ago when Ruth and I met during yoga teacher training. We formed an immediate connection that evolved into a deep friendship based on our shared passion for yoga and its transformative power.
For me, yoga has been a cornerstone in my life since 1998 when I first discovered it in Western Canada. As I relocated to the US, I explored various yoga disciplines, each deepening my practice and understanding. For Ruth, yoga provided essential balance as she navigated life as a busy mother. We both had strong yoga practices and teachings, and we were drawn by how they had changed our own lives.

Then COVID-19 hit, and we watched in heartbreak as studios closed, communities fragmented, and teachers lost their livelihoods. During a conversation in early 2022, the stark reality of the aftermath became clear.

The idea for Shala Yoga Loft emerged organically from our shared concern: “What if we created a home for these displaced teachers? Displaced studio owners? Displaced students?”

The emotion in that moment was powerful—a mixture of excitement, purpose, and even a bit of fear. But the logic was compelling: people were desperate to reconnect in person after years of isolation. Teachers needed spaces to rebuild their communities. And existing studios were either closing or struggling to adapt to the post-pandemic reality.

What excited us most wasn’t just opening another yoga studio—it was creating a true “Shala,” which in Sanskrit means “home” or “sanctuary.” We envisioned a business model where studio owners and teachers could find stability again, where students could reconnect with each other, and where yoga could once again be practiced in community rather than through screens.
By September 2022, we opened our doors. The response validated our instincts—our free outdoor summer yoga series quickly became a community favorite, drawing practitioners of all levels. What makes our approach unique is that we built Shala Yoga Loft not just as a business but as a giving back to the yoga community that had sustained us through our own life journeys.
Every day since, we’ve witnessed the healing power of bringing people together in a physical space dedicated to wellness and connection. When we see former studio owners teaching classes filled with engaged students, or watch beginners practice alongside advanced yogis in our tight-knit community, we know we made the right decision in that moment of shared inspiration.

Shala Yoga Loft isn’t just a studio—it’s the manifestation of our belief that human connections matter, especially in our increasingly digital world. And that, ultimately, is what makes this endeavor so worthwhile.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What truly helped us build our reputation at Shala Yoga Loft was our authentic commitment to serving the yoga community rather than just running a business. From day one, we approached this venture with a genuine desire to provide a home for displaced teachers and reconnect fragmented communities after the pandemic.
Several key factors strengthened our reputation in the local market:

First, we identified and addressed a real need at the perfect time. People were craving in-person connection after years of isolation, and teachers needed stable places to rebuild their practices. By creating a space that served both these needs simultaneously, we quickly became known as problem-solvers rather than just another yoga studio.
Second, our free outdoor summer yoga series became our signature offering and a powerful community builder. By making yoga accessible to everyone regardless of financial means, we demonstrated our values in action. This series attracted diverse practitioners and created wonderful word-of-mouth throughout the area.

Third, we prioritized creating a welcoming environment for all skill levels. We’ve intentionally cultivated a space where beginners feel comfortable practicing alongside advanced yogis, fostering a supportive community rather than an intimidating or competitive atmosphere.

Perhaps most importantly, our reputation grew because we stayed true to the meaning of “Shala” – a sanctuary or home. Teachers who come to Shala Yoga Loft know they’re valued partners rather than just contractors. Students feel they belong to something meaningful rather than just attending classes. This authentic approach to community-building has resonated deeply in our market.

The foundation of our reputation wasn’t built on flashy marketing or gimmicks, but on consistently delivering on our promise to create a genuine yoga community that honors both teachers and students. That integrity and purpose-driven approach continues to be our strongest reputational asset today.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Our approach to Shala Yoga Loft centers on equity and respect, which we’ve found naturally fosters high morale. The foundation of our philosophy is simple but powerful: treat everyone equally.

One of our most effective policies is our equal compensation structure. Every teacher receives the same pay regardless of their experience level or class popularity. This eliminates competition and comparison among our teaching staff and creates a sense of fairness that permeates our entire studio. When teachers know they’re valued equally, they collaborate more freely and support one another’s success.

We’ve deliberately avoided tiered pricing models that create divisions. We don’t participate in ClassPass or offer Groupon discounts that devalue our services and create an imbalance in what students pay. Every student pays the same rate for classes, which means teachers never have to wonder if their class is filled with discount-seekers who might value the experience less.

Responsibility is also distributed equally among our teachers. We don’t have hierarchies that place certain teachers above others. Each teacher shares in studio upkeep, community building, and decision-making processes. This shared ownership creates natural accountability and motivation that top-down management simply can’t achieve.

What’s equally important is that we stand firmly behind our teachers. When difficult situations arise with students, we support our teachers’ decisions and judgment. This demonstrates our trust in their expertise and decision-making, which is essential for maintaining teacher confidence and open communication.

We’ve found that this equality-based approach creates an environment where morale largely takes care of itself. When teachers feel fairly treated, respected, and supported, they bring their best selves to their practice without needing external motivation or incentives.

The most valuable advice I can offer other studio owners is to examine where inequalities might exist in your compensation, pricing, or responsibility structures. Often, low morale stems from perceived unfairness rather than insufficient perks or benefits. By creating genuine equality in how you treat both teachers and students, and by consistently supporting your teachers’ authority, you build a foundation for sustainable high morale that doesn’t require constant maintenance or intervention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shalayogaloft.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalayogaloft/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shalayogaloft/

Image Credits

http://lucytphotography.com