Today we’d like to introduce you to Della Wheeler.
Hi Della, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with yoga began unexpectedly during college in 2010 when I enrolled in a yoga class for extra credit. Seeking purpose and solace amidst life’s uncertainties, I discovered that yoga offered a sanctuary beyond my anxieties, leading me to delve deeper into the practice. Post-graduation, I was drawn to a local yoga studio and captivated by their 200-hour teacher training program. This transformative experience enriched my understanding of yoga’s history and philosophy and connected me with a supportive community. Eager to share my passion, I began teaching immediately after completing the training and haven’t looked back. Over 8 years, I’ve nurtured a thriving community of students and fellow teachers. Recognizing the need to empower yoga instructors seeking to make yoga their primary source of income, I ventured into entrepreneurship. Launching ‘Yoga Teacher CEO,’ I aimed to equip instructors with effective social media strategies and tools to generate income outside the conventional studio model. Although this initiative was only partially aligned with my vision, it became a stepping stone to my next endeavor. The inception of The Chattanooga Yoga Collective stemmed from an unexpected opportunity. As the primary yoga contact for a local retreat center, I extended my reach to connect with other teachers to accommodate the growing demand. Serendipitously, the idea of a ‘mobile Yogi’ business model emerged from a conversation with my partner. This concept resonated deeply, leading to the organic formation of a team comprising over 30 passionate teachers across the southeast. We’ve facilitated numerous personalized and group sessions, catering to local and nearby city residents, leveraging Chattanooga’s central location amid various urban hubs. Building this collective has been immensely gratifying. I have created avenues for teachers and shared the transformative power of yoga with a broader audience, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I faced many challenges at the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur. The relentless demand for attention and the never-ending to-do lists were constants as a business owner. Navigating the necessity of a strong social media presence for audience growth clashed with my inclination towards quiet, unstructured time and solitude. This mismatch often drained my energy and eventually led to burnout. Closing the Yoga Teacher CEO was a pivotal decision that brought immense relief and rejuvenation. The liberation from the relentless demands of business ownership was liberating. What sets the Chattanooga Yoga Collective apart is its self-sustaining business model. I oversee the backend operations, yet the day-to-day management runs autonomously. Clients gravitate towards us, and teachers are enthusiastic about their roles. My involvement primarily involves facilitating communication between clients and teachers, allowing everything else to fall into place seamlessly. This newfound approach feels refreshing. The Collective operates smoothly with minimal effort on my part. While there’s potential for expansion, I’m embracing this foundation of ease and learning to trust the process. Cultivating a thriving community and running a successful business with significantly less exertion is possible. It’s a valuable lesson in balancing effort with allowing things to unfold naturally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us more about your business.
Our tagline speaks to the Yoga Collective’s heart: ‘Where Yoga Meets You.’ It reflects our ethos—our teachers’ ability to travel to clients while symbolizing our commitment to making yoga accessible to everyone. We’re a dedicated assembly of the finest yoga teachers in the southeast, united by our shared passion for bringing the essence of yoga right to your doorstep. Whether our clients seek personalized 1:1 sessions or immersive group classes, our collective is poised to meet them precisely where they are on their yoga journey. Each instructor in our collective is meticulously chosen, not just for their extensive expertise and devotion to yoga but also for their authenticity in sharing its transformative benefits. Our diverse team encompasses a spectrum of experiences so that we can cater to the unique needs of every individual. With our roster of instructors, we offer a broad array of services beyond yoga, including life coaching, massage, and other transformative practices. Our services extend to clients at their homes, visitors from out of town, retreat centers, and virtual sessions, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
My biggest advice to those starting their entrepreneurial journey is to embrace the freedom of creating your path. Initially, I sought so much guidance from business coaches, which provided a beneficial starting point. However, I soon realized the importance of charting a course aligned with my values and well-being. In the sea of advice on achieving success, I learned a profound lesson: prioritizing personal life and well-being over business success is key. What good is a thriving business if it leads to burnout and compromises the joy of living? By prioritizing my well-being and designing a path that demanded very little of me, I witnessed its incredible potential. Surprisingly, this approach resulted in an abundant community and a flourishing business. It was a realization that I could shape my business uniquely, contrary to conventional advice. Recognizing that success can be achieved on my terms, I encourage new business owners to trust their instincts, prioritize self-care, and forge a path that resonates with their values. The business journey doesn’t have to conform to conventional norms. Embrace the freedom to craft a fulfilling entrepreneurial path that aligns with your life.
Pricing:
- These sessions can be offered virtually in your home, or we can travel to you if you’re staying in or around Chattanooga. Price is based on the type of session and location.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chattanoogayoga.co
- Instagram: @chattanoogayogacollective
Image Credits
Sania Khan for the headshots
