We were lucky to catch up with Yolander Rivers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yolander, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

My scaling up, the growth of YoSoul Yoga has been by the familiar process of “who you know” accompanied with the use of social media and networking. Specifically, my business started by teaching class at my church for free. One of the yogis had a high school classmate who was opening her own fitness studio. This emerging business owner was looking for a yoga instructor and my yogi recommended me. From that experience till today I have taught at 10 spaces within the Chicagoland area. These spaces include a grammar school, local parks, Stay Essential Fitness and Studio Yogi. The growth has been due to one person suggesting me to another entity. As the commercial stated, “tell two friends, and so on and so on.”

Considering social media, I promote YoSoul Yoga on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The promotion varies among sharing affirmation quotes, contact information, demonstration of yoga poses, upcoming events and where I will be teaching. Along with social media, I use social apps Thumbtack and Lessons. From the apps leads are created whereby an entity will contact me based on my profile or I will contact them based on their needs. The results of engagement on these apps have been very fruitful. I have taught at Atmosphere TV and Children’s Research Institute (a department within Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago).

Finally, I have put in rewarding time networking. Yogis share with me other opportunities which result in me being an instructor at other wellness spaces and securing multiple private clients. Additionally, I have been able to promote YoSoul Yoga by being a guest on WVON AM Radio, My Vision My Journey (Facebook live show) and Tiff the Truth Podcast. .

In conclusion, to scale up in business I was intentional and consistent in sharing my brand and showcasing my God given talent, skills and abilities.

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

Yolander Rivers has an A.A. in Medical Assisting, B.S. in Biology, and a M.S. in Health Administration. She has been practicing yoga for over 15 years. Her love for yoga came from wanting to find an intimate space to connect with her mind, body and spirit. Yolander also wanted to share her love and passion for yoga with others. As a result, in 2017, she decided to become a certified yoga instructor. She completed 200-hours at the Chicago School of Yoga and started YoSoul Yoga, LLC. Between 2017 and 2020, she obtained additional certifications in Chair, Children and Prenatal yoga. Yolander teaches a Vinyasa Flow which is a style of yoga characterized by stringing a multitude of postures together so that your movement from one to another is seamless and uses the breath/breathing practices. You will find that Yolander’s yoga style is warm and caring. Likewise, during her meditation sessions she carefully takes you through the process of being aware of your breath and being intentional about quieting your mind. Further, her favorable personality and engaging approach often draws individuals to her and many seek her yoga classes and meditation sessions on a regular basis. With YoSoul Yoga, LLC be ready to enter a Vinyasa practice that will comfort the mind, relax the body, and enlighten the spirit.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been my clients sharing their experience with YoSoul Yoga. The sharing by word of mouth has resulted in one weekly free class in 2017 to the present day where I teach on average 7 paid classes a week.

I realize my business is not an essential need. Also, historically in the wider circle of humanity yoga has been thought of as new age wellness. In recent years more people are engaging in yoga practice and sharing the benefits. The pandemic really propelled people to find new ways to ease tension, alleviate anxiety and find a new way to relax. With this in mind, I am very aware that the experience my clients have with YoSoul Yoga will directly impact my growth or my demise. Therefore, I make sure I present my best self, varied classes (no two classes are the same) and provide a comfortable space to practice.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my clients and foster brand loyalty by offering myself and personally engaging with them. For example, I inquiry with the client if there is any need or focus they may have. I sincerely ask how they are feeling and actively listen to their response. I also follow up with a phone call to inquiry about their well-being if I have not heard from a client in a week. A few days after a practice, I will contact a client who may have shared concerns or struggles during a practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yosoulyoga.com
• Instagram: YoSoul Yoga
• Facebook: YoSoul Yoga