Do you teach yoga? is most often the first question I’m asked when I tell someone I own a yoga studio. Being on the participant side of Iyengar Yoga for more than 20 years provides a perspective that centers the student experience and is unlike many other studios led by teachers. Beginning this journey, I knew there were a few principles that would be fundamental to fostering the kind of environment and community that I would be proud to be a part. These include:

1. An accepting, kind and nonjudgmental environment that welcomes people of all abilities, bodies, and backgrounds.

2. A studio connected to its local community, to a network of like-minded teachers and studios, and to the national and international Iyengar Yoga associations.

3. A group of collegial, collaborative and experienced teachers who empathize with and support their students and one another.

4. A clean, well-equipped and easily accessible studio that invites that provides a conducive space for practice, learning and connecting with others.

5. Friendly, responsive and accommodating customer service.

6. A growth mentality that strives to listen and respond to feedback, supports teacher development, and works to improve everyone’s experience.