From flight attendant to yoga instructor; this young entrepreneur is pretty happy to be running her own yoga business.
What’s your story?
I was a flight attendant for a major national carrier for 6 years, worked full time for a private jet for 2 years before turning freelance. I had lots of free time as a freelancer so I picked up hot yoga and I got hooked! In 2013 I took a RYT200 teacher training certification and decided to teach yoga.
I took the training in Koh Samui and came back and taught for 6 months and then stumbled upon an awesome space for a yoga studio. I dived in head first and rented it on a whim with very little planning and zero market research. 4 year later, I have 4 branches, running over 180 classes per week, taught by 24 instructors. I’m still amazed at how fast Yoga Inc has grown and continues to grow.
What excites you most about your industry?
The ability of yoga to provide preventative health care to others. At Yoga Inc we are now also approved to run teacher certifications, so we are able to spread the benefits of yoga further and faster.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Singapore and raised in Malaysia until the age of 5.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore, it’s the only place I know how to do business, and it’s been pretty conducive until now!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Do not invest If you are not prepared to lose all the money.“
Who inspires you?
One of my yoga teachers is turning 50 this year and she is damn fit! It’s inspiring to witness living proof that we can be better and become stronger with age; inside and out.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That we have not 5 senses but at least 22. We can experience some of these in advanced yoga practise.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t have studied at university and would’ve started flying straight after my A levels.
How do you unwind?
I watch brainless Taiwanese talk shows on TV with my dog Ah Bui on my sofa!
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I love Taipei – the hot springs and great food.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I haven’t read any books for at least 10 years!
Shameless plug for your business:
Yoga Inc is one of Singapore’s leading studios with over 180 classes weekly, taught by 24 friendly instructors across 4 great locations. Contact any branch to enquire or reserve classes. Check www.yogainc.sg for schedules and merchandise. You also get to meet our mascot Ah Bui the dog!
Our studios:
Guillemard: 100 Guillemard Road #01-08 S399718. Tel: 93261789
Punggol: 9 Sentul Crescent #01-03 S828654. Tel: 97990818
Tiong Bahru: 21 Yong Siak St S168651. Tel: 90923922
Tampines: 1 Tampines Walk, # B1-06 S528523. Tel: 93609860
How can people connect with you?
Email me at [email protected]
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
