47 episodes

Join Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ studio consultant (@yogabizchamp), on the "Yoga Biz Champ" podcast, your essential guide to thriving in the yoga business world. With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, and marketing expert, I bring you the insider's perspective on making your yoga studio a resounding success.What You'll Gain:- Insightful Conversations:  Listen in as I chat with dynamic yoga studio owners and top industry experts, sharing their journeys, strategies, and secrets to success.- Practical Advice: Each episode is packed with actionable tips and practical steps tailored to help both budding and seasoned studio owners flourish- Real-World Success Stories: Be inspired by real-life examples of yoga studios that have transformed challenges into triumphs.My Approach:As your host, I blend direct, fair, and humor-infused coaching to demystify the complexities of running a yoga business. My style is about being in the trenches with you, offering guidance that's relatable and effective.Why Listen?- Experience & Expertise: Leverage my 14+ years of experience in running and selling a profitable yoga studio and my proven track record as a yoga business consultant.- Diverse Topics: From branding and marketing to pricing and sustainable growth, we cover the A-Z of yoga business management.- Join a community of like-minded individuals passionate about turning their yoga dreams into profitable realities.By tuning into the Yoga Biz Champ podcast, you'll gain the knowledge, inspiration, and confidence to navigate the yoga business landscape successfully. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, these conversations will be your roadmap to becoming the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

Yoga Biz Champ with Michael Jay Michael Jay

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 14 Ratings

Join Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ studio consultant (@yogabizchamp), on the "Yoga Biz Champ" podcast, your essential guide to thriving in the yoga business world. With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, and marketing expert, I bring you the insider's perspective on making your yoga studio a resounding success.What You'll Gain:- Insightful Conversations:  Listen in as I chat with dynamic yoga studio owners and top industry experts, sharing their journeys, strategies, and secrets to success.- Practical Advice: Each episode is packed with actionable tips and practical steps tailored to help both budding and seasoned studio owners flourish- Real-World Success Stories: Be inspired by real-life examples of yoga studios that have transformed challenges into triumphs.My Approach:As your host, I blend direct, fair, and humor-infused coaching to demystify the complexities of running a yoga business. My style is about being in the trenches with you, offering guidance that's relatable and effective.Why Listen?- Experience & Expertise: Leverage my 14+ years of experience in running and selling a profitable yoga studio and my proven track record as a yoga business consultant.- Diverse Topics: From branding and marketing to pricing and sustainable growth, we cover the A-Z of yoga business management.- Join a community of like-minded individuals passionate about turning their yoga dreams into profitable realities.By tuning into the Yoga Biz Champ podcast, you'll gain the knowledge, inspiration, and confidence to navigate the yoga business landscape successfully. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, these conversations will be your roadmap to becoming the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

    Google Loves Yoga Too: SEO Strategies for Studios with Alaina Bergen

    Google Loves Yoga Too: SEO Strategies for Studios with Alaina Bergen

    In this episode of Yoga Biz Champ, Michael Jay sits down with Alaina Bergen, the marketing mastermind behind Offering Tree, to unravel the mysteries of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for yoga studio owners.

    Alaina's insights provide listeners with actionable tips for optimizing their websites, making the most of social media, and utilizing tools like Google Business Profile and Offering Tree's integrated solutions for business growth.

     Highlights:
    - SEO Fundamentals: Understanding the basics of SEO and why it's crucial for yoga studios to get discovered online.
    - Website Optimization: Key strategies for enhancing a yoga studio's website, including the importance of authentic content, optimizing images, and the role of keywords.
    - Local SEO Tactics: Tips for improving local search visibility through Google Business Profile optimization and local keyword targeting.
    - Content Creation: The significance of blogging and content marketing in SEO, and creative ways to produce engaging content even for those who dislike writing.
    - Social Media and SEO: How active social media engagement contributes to SEO success and the growing influence of video content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
    - Tools and Resources: Discussion on essential SEO tools like SEMrush, Moz, and Google Search Console, and how they can help yoga studio owners analyze and improve their online presence.

    Apps, Websites, and Tools Mentioned:

    - Offering Tree: An all-in-one platform offering booking, website building, and automation tools for yoga studios and wellness professionals.
    FREE TRIAL WITH YOGA BIZ CHAMPS LINK

    Offering Tree Checklist Mentioned in Podcast

    - SEMrush: A comprehensive SEO tool for keyword research, competitive analysis, and website optimization.
    - Moz: An SEO software suite that provides tools for site audits, keyword research, and more.
    - Google Search Console: A free tool by Google that helps website owners monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot their site's presence in Google Search results.
    - Google Business Profile: Essential for local SEO, allowing businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
    - ChatGPT: Mentioned as a useful tool for content creation, keyword research, and even SEO analysis.
    ________________________________
    Michael Jay - Yoga Biz Champ
    Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ, stands as the go-to Yoga Business Consultant, embarked on a mission to elevate yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving.
    With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, marketing expert, and yoga studio business coach, he possesses the insider knowledge necessary to elevate your yoga venture to new heights.
    His passion for yoga, combined with a sharp business acumen and a sincere desire to see studio owners excel, encapsulates his professional ethos. Michael is not one to offer one-size-fits-all advice; instead, he's dedicated to providing tailored guidance, tangible outcomes, and supporting your studio to emerge as the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community. 
    Certified Yoga Biz Consultant • FitTech Partner •Yoga Studio Launch & Growth SpecialistFREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
    FREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

    • 40 min
    Finding ‘Home’ in Yoga: Martine Hamers on Building a Studio around Community

    Finding ‘Home’ in Yoga: Martine Hamers on Building a Studio around Community

    In this episode of Yoga Biz Champ, Michael Jay welcomes Martine Hamers, the visionary owner of Home Studio Yoga in San Anselmo, California. 

    Through her story, we explore the complexities of starting and running a yoga studio that prioritizes community and connection, and the innovative strategies she employs to grow her business and support her clients.

    Highlights:
    Cultural Integration through Yoga -  Martine’s background in corporate anthropology and her experiences in Brazil influence her studio’s emphasis on community and cultural integration.Creating Community in the Pandemic: The isolation Martine experienced as a new mom during the pandemic led her to create Home Studio, a place for meaningful connections and support.Innovative Community Building: Home Studio hosts unique offerings like donation-based community classes and partnerships with local musicians for live music yoga sessions, fostering a strong local network.- Business Growth Challenges: Martine discusses the challenges of marketing, finance, and finding the right help, highlighting the importance of investing in services like The Sales Arms for improving client retention and engagement.- Embracing Leadership: Martine shares insights on the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and the journey to confidently stand in her role as a studio owner, making tough decisions for the betterment of her studio and community.Apps, Websites, and Tools Mentioned:
    http://www.yogabizchamp.link/podlink to find all of my partner resources

    - Canva: Utilized for marketing and branding, allowing for creative and professional-looking promotional materials.
    - FitDegree: The studio management software used by Home Studio, noted for its community features that facilitate communication and engagement among members.

    - The SalesARM: A service employed by Home Studio to enhance client retention and engagement, demonstrating Martine’s strategic approach to building and maintaining her yoga community.
    BOOK A FREE CHAT WITH THE YOGA BIZ CHAMP DIRECT BOOKING LINK WITH THE SALES ARM OWNER CHRIS APPIAH

    Martine Hamers' story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga not just as a practice, but as a foundational element for building community and connection in challenging times. 

    https://www.homestudio.yoga/
    https://www.instagram.com/homestudio.yoga/
    ______________________________________________________________

    Michael Jay - Yoga Biz Champ
    Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ, stands as the go-to Yoga Business Consultant, embarked on a mission to elevate yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving.
    With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, marketing expert, and yoga studio business coach, he possesses the insider knowledge necessary to elevate your yoga venture to new heights.
    His passion for yoga, combined with a sharp business acumen and a sincere desire to see studio owners excel, encapsulates his professional ethos. Michael is not one to offer one-size-fits-all advice; instead, he's dedicated to providing tailored guidance, tangible outcomes, and supporting your studio to emerge as the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community. 
    Certified Yoga Biz Consultant • FitTech Partner •Yoga Studio Launch & Growth SpecialistFREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
    FREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

    • 55 min
    Conquering Invisible Workloads for Studio Owners with Kristine Irving - Coach KI

    Conquering Invisible Workloads for Studio Owners with Kristine Irving - Coach KI

    In a deeply engaging discussion, Michael Jay reconnects with Kristine Irving, a life coach and hypnotherapist, for her third appearance on Yoga Biz Champ Podcast. Kristine, once a yoga student and a business coach, delves into the complexities of the "invisible workload" and its impact on individuals, particularly those in nurturing or leadership roles like yoga studio owners. She emphasizes the overwhelming responsibilities that often fall on women, leading to stress, resentment, and a feeling of powerlessness. Through her personal experiences and professional insights, Kristine illuminates the path toward acknowledging these challenges, sharing methods to manage and redistribute these burdens effectively. This conversation is not only about identifying the roots of overwhelm but also about empowering oneself and others to create a balanced, supportive, and joyful life and work environment.

    Highlights:
    Invisible Workload Recognition:
    Kristine talks about the "invisible workload" that many carry, especially women, which includes the mental and emotional labor of managing households, businesses, and relationships.

    Emotional Awareness:
    Understanding the emotions underlying the feelings of overwhelm, such as anger, loneliness, and powerlessness, is key to addressing the root causes.

    Empowerment Through Delegation:
    Kristine emphasizes the importance of delegating responsibilities, not as a means to relinquish duties, but to empower others around us and share the load.

    Creating Support Systems:
    The significance of building strong, supportive networks both in personal life and business to combat loneliness and promote a sense of community.

    Reframing Mindsets: The journey from feeling powerless to recognizing one's own power and capability to make changes, including setting boundaries and learning to say, "Not my responsibility," to avoid overextension.

    DIAGRAM MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
    & MORE INFO ON THE HIDDEN WORKLOAD
    WITH COACH KI

    Find Kristine on Instagram

    This episode shines a light on the often overlooked aspects of mental and emotional labor, providing yoga studio owners and others with practical advice and strategies to mitigate stress, improve relationships, and foster a healthier, more balanced approach to work and life.
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    Michael Jay - Yoga Biz Champ
    Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ, stands as the go-to Yoga Business Consultant, embarked on a mission to elevate yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving.
    With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, marketing expert, and yoga studio business coach, he possesses the insider knowledge necessary to elevate your yoga venture to new heights.
    His passion for yoga, combined with a sharp business acumen and a sincere desire to see studio owners excel, encapsulates his professional ethos. Michael is not one to offer one-size-fits-all advice; instead, he's dedicated to providing tailored guidance, tangible outcomes, and supporting your studio to emerge as the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community. 
    Certified Yoga Biz Consultant • FitTech Partner •Yoga Studio Launch & Growth SpecialistFREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
    FREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

    • 39 min
    Turning Grief into HOPE Yoga with Jackie Walsh

    Turning Grief into HOPE Yoga with Jackie Walsh

    In this heartfelt episode of Yoga Biz Champ, Michael Jay is joined by Jackie Walsh, the inspiring founder of Hope Yoga. Jackie shares her profound journey through grief and resilience, which led her to establish a yoga studio that embodies healing, growth, and thriving. 

    Their conversation unfolds Jackie’s early encounters with yoga, how it became her sanctuary during her father’s battle with cancer, and the loss of both her parents at a young age. The episode delves into how these personal experiences deeply influenced Hope Yoga's mission and approach, making yoga accessible and removing the intimidation factor for newcomers. Jackie's story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga, not just as a physical practice, but as a pivotal support system through life's toughest moments.

    Highlights:
    - Jackie’s initial skepticism turned passion for yoga, sparked by her personal need for a refuge during challenging times.- The evolution of Hope Yoga, rooted in Jackie’s personal journey of loss, aiming to transform grief into resilience through a supportive community.- The importance of inclusivity in yoga, creating a space where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background or experience level.- Insights into running a yoga studio with a profound mission, the significance of aligning business operations with core values, and the impact of community involvement and support.- Practical advice for yoga studio owners, including the benefits of professional coaching, the value of clear communication through tools like Slack, and the importance of self-care and setting boundaries for sustainable business management.This episode is a beautiful narrative of how personal loss and resilience can fuel a purpose-driven business, making a significant impact on both the owner's life and the community it serves. Jackie’s story and insights are invaluable for anyone looking to infuse their personal values into their business practices, especially within the yoga and wellness industry.

    Apps, Websites, and Tools Mentioned:

    MindBody Online - Studio Management Platform / Go to Resources
    Slack - For efficient team communication and organization, crucial for running the studio smoothly.
    Hope Yoga's Website www.hopeyogacle.com
    Hope Yoga Instagram
    Jackie Walsh Instagram
    ______________________________________________________________
    ______________________________________________________________

    Michael Jay - Yoga Biz Champ 
    Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ, stands as the go-to Yoga Business Consultant, embarked on a mission to elevate yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving.
    With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, marketing expert, and yoga studio business coach, he possesses the insider knowledge necessary to elevate your yoga venture to new heights.
    His passion for yoga, combined with a sharp business acumen and a sincere desire to see studio owners excel, encapsulates his professional ethos. Michael is not one to offer one-size-fits-all advice; instead, he's dedicated to providing tailored guidance, tangible outcomes, and supporting your studio to emerge as the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community. 
    Certified Yoga Biz Consultant • FitTech Partner •Yoga Studio Launch & Growth SpecialistFREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
    FREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

    • 50 min
    Elevate, Exit, Evolve: Jill Agonias - Adventures in Selling & Starting Anew

    Elevate, Exit, Evolve: Jill Agonias - Adventures in Selling & Starting Anew

    In this  episode, we reconnect with Jill Agonias, a cherished guest from season two, as she shares her journey post-selling her beloved yoga studio, Sol Seek Yoga, and diving into her new venture in real estate. This episode is packed with insights, from the importance of community and branding in the yoga business to embracing new challenges and opportunities.

    Highlights:
    - Jill's successful sale of Sol Seek Yoga, including her strategic approach to finding the right buyers and securing offers 30% above asking.

    - The pivotal role of systems, marketing automations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in preparing a business for sale or scalable growth.

    - Jill's transition into real estate, leveraging her entrepreneurial skills and passion for supporting fellow entrepreneurs.

    - Advice for studio owners on resilience, navigating change, and the importance of self-care and community support.

    Jill Agonias : http://jillagoniasrealtor.com

    Mentioned Links
    - Sol Seek Yoga
    - Mitch McGinley, Boutique Fitness Broker

    - Women's Economic Ventures, where Jill teaches entrepreneurship classes: 

    ______________________________________________________________
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    Michael Jay - Yoga Biz Champ 
    Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ, stands as the go-to Yoga Business Consultant, embarked on a mission to elevate yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving.
    With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, marketing expert, and yoga studio business coach, he possesses the insider knowledge necessary to elevate your yoga venture to new heights.
    His passion for yoga, combined with a sharp business acumen and a sincere desire to see studio owners excel, encapsulates his professional ethos. Michael is not one to offer one-size-fits-all advice; instead, he's dedicated to providing tailored guidance, tangible outcomes, and supporting your studio to emerge as the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community. 
    Certified Yoga Biz Consultant • FitTech Partner •Yoga Studio Launch & Growth SpecialistFREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
    FREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

    • 44 min
    The Yogalebrity Effect: Building a Bold, Authentic Online Presence

    The Yogalebrity Effect: Building a Bold, Authentic Online Presence

    In this inspiring episode of Yoga Biz Champ, Michael Jay welcomes Angelica Govaert, a trailblazer in the yoga community, known widely as Yogalebrity.

    Angelica shares her journey from being unrecognized by her real name to embracing her identity as Yogalebrity across various social media platforms. We dive into the power of personal branding, the courage to stand out in the digital world, and the importance of authenticity in building a successful yoga business.

    Michael and Angelica discuss overcoming challenges, leveraging social media for growth, and the significance of consistency and resilience in achieving personal and professional milestones.

    Key Takeaways:

    Embrace Your Brand:
    Your personal and business brand's power lies in its unique identity. Angelica's journey from anonymity to Yogalebrity highlights the importance of embracing and owning your brand.

    Overcome Challenges:
    Angelica shares her experiences of overcoming negativity and body image issues, emphasizing resilience and self-acceptance.

    Social Media Strategies:
    Learn how to leverage platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for business growth, focusing on consistency over perfection.

    The Power of Coaching:
    Both Michael and Angelica stress the value of seeking guidance through coaching to navigate the complexities of business and personal growth.

    About Angelica:
    Angelica Govaert, most recognized as @Yogalebrity, has been teaching yoga for 20 years and practicing for 40. She is most known for her Online Yoga Teacher Training.
    Featured Resources:
    Angelica's Website: https://www.angelicagovaert.com/
    - Yogalebrity on Instagram:
    - YogalebrityYouTube:
    - YogalebrityTikTok:
    - ClickFunnels: [Create Sales Funnels]
    - CapCut: [Video Editing App]
    - Endel
    _______________________________________________________________
    ______________________________________________________________

    Michael Jay - Yoga Biz Champ 
    Michael Jay, the Yoga Biz Champ, stands as the go-to Yoga Business Consultant, embarked on a mission to elevate yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving.
    With a rich background as a yoga teacher, former studio owner, marketing expert, and yoga studio business coach, he possesses the insider knowledge necessary to elevate your yoga venture to new heights.
    His passion for yoga, combined with a sharp business acumen and a sincere desire to see studio owners excel, encapsulates his professional ethos. Michael is not one to offer one-size-fits-all advice; instead, he's dedicated to providing tailored guidance, tangible outcomes, and supporting your studio to emerge as the next Yoga Biz Champ in your community. 
    Certified Yoga Biz Consultant • FitTech Partner •Yoga Studio Launch & Growth SpecialistFREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
    ________________________________
    Subscribe, Rate, and Review:
    Don't forget to subscribe to Yoga Biz Champ. Follow us on social media @yogabizchamp, rate, and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us grow our community and reach more yoga enthusiasts like you.
    FREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINK
    https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

    • 58 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

ConnieDesigns ,

Great listen!

Michael is great at breaking things down and keeping things real. Highly recommend this podcast for all yoga studio owners!

sarahespe ,

The best in yoga studio podcasts!

Michael’s podcast is an amazing and valuable tool for any yoga studio or yoga teacher running their own practice. I’m just opening a studio, and I’m so impressed with the topics Michael chooses for his podcast; they’re often important and overlooked aspects of starting and running a yoga business/practice. Michael is humble, down-to-earth, and brilliant—he genuinely loves helping other studios, and you can feel it in everything he does. I admit I sort of binge on the shows to grasp as much info as I can get! ✨Thank you, Michael!

teamvalley ,

Inspiring and motivating!

I love hearing the processes of other studio owners and professionals and gathering ideas to make my own business better. Great conversations led by a person who knows the yoga industry through years of personal experience. Thanks, Michael!

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