Overview of Starting Up A Yoga Studio

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By sunriseconcepts


First, in order to obtain a Yoga Studio, one should be accredited or hire others that are accredited by an accredited organization such as the Yoga Alliance. This organization is a world wide accepted accreditation in which your clients will feel safe and secure. One can practice of course without this certification, but that would be like confessing your sins to a non – priest for many. It can be done but they do not feel confident. Often times people are sheeple as opposed to people. This is stated plainly as day in that people are easily influenced and are not connected to their cosmic energy or God- Mind. They need self assurance from the outside as they are not in tune with their God Mind. The only way to do this is to have a piece of paper from a company in which states you are certified. Only when you do this, can others feel more comfortable and thus you may help them to become connected (per their choosing) to the Universal God- Mind they possess.

If one wishes to offer counseling services, they will want a degree and accreditation from an organization with the credentials such as the University of Metaphysics/ Sedona.

With these tools, the individuals will be more widely accepted.

Many who become Metaphysical Doctors do not begin with great wealth. By using metaphysics, we learn how to attract what we need. As a Metaphysical Doctor who wishes to branch off into teachings of yoga, a studio many times may be necessary. Though one may do one on one sessions at ones home, the setting may provide distracting or too intimate. The last thing an instructor wants to do is cross the line of professional with personal. Ones reputation is always on the line as being a Doctor of Metaphysics, one is held under much more scrutiny than one who is not.

As with many legalities, they are often frustrating. Laws have been set up encoded so that we would need code breakers (attorneys) to decode them for us for a nominal fee of course. However, one who can grasp metaphysics can certainly grasp the knowledge of basic business law.

While one needs not a business license to speak ones mind on certain topics (prayer, meditation, yoga, etc), one need protect themselves while actually instructing. The world in which we live has been extremely clouded by greed and the almighty “dollar”. If a client pulls a muscle in one of your classes or slips on the side walk in front of the studio or simply feels you took advantage of them for whatever reason, you could find yourself in a legal mess. If all of your assets are in your name and you are working as a sole proprietor, you may find yourself with nothing simply due to an overzealous (now former) client.

The structure I will describe is one which can be set up for less than $250. Lawyers will charge thousands for this. With the proper education, one can set this up and do quite well. This can become more complicated as you grow, but for a basic studio whereas you teach yoga and perhaps offer counseling sessions, this structure is what I feel most appropriate.

First, the most important thing to do is distance yourself from your pre- given STRAWMAN which was given to you at birth via your birth certificate. If you look at each legal document with “your name” on it (drivers license, birth certificate, social security card, court records, billing statements, etc), you will notice what appears to be your name, written in all capital letters. This is NOT your name. This is a legal entity which was designed as a private corporation under the US Corporation to operate in commerce. Everything we do is in commerce. Even all crimes are commercial (27 CFR 72.11). An example to point out which has worked before to prove that you and this entity (STRAWMAN) are different: Try walking into a court room and instead of pleading on a case, ask a judge if you can ask a question. As they are there to “mediate”, of course they will agree. Then accept their bond and oath of office as a valid contract on court record. You then can dismiss any case going for lack of jurisdiction as you just contracted as the flesh and blood and not the fictitious STRAWMAN. The court only has jurisdiction over the STRAWMAN and cannot have jurisdiction to the flesh and blood human. The case must be dismissed each time. There is a bit more to this example, but for the point in which was made, this is fine.

This is simply an example showing there is a STRAWMAN and a very brief foundation on it.

Why not conduct business in separation of the STRAWMAN? This way if something may arise, you will not have to represent your STRAWMAN in court and may distance yourself from this entity.

In order to make things simple, why not conduct ourselves in commerce as the bishops and kings have done. The first history of a corporation sole dates back to Leviticus in the Old Testament. “….it shall be a statute forever unto him (Aron) and his seed after him”. There are many more examples of this in the bible and throughout history. This is a brief example of the first time it is discovered.

In Genesis (1:28) it states, “God gave his children dominion all things on this earth”. The American Constitution was then written which was originally designed to protect these “God” given unalienable rights. The new person in the form of the corporation sole enjoys the natural rights by the rights of the Constitution which Americans have lost over the years through various adhesion contracts with the federal, state, and local governments. Corporation Soles are pure, clean, uncontaminated, undefiled, natural pristine and original. They remain uncontaminated by the perversions of government bureaucrats. Corporation Soles are not capable, as people are, to injure others. They are never placed into a situation of liability.

A couple court cases which gives credibility to the corporation sole are: County of San Luis Bispo v. Delmar Ashurst et. al. which recognizes it as a legal entity.

The Corporation Sole is looked at as a church. It is one church as is the word “Sole” (meaning one). The church of “God” is within all of us as is our God Mind in us.

The Corporation Sole is now being used to replace your STRAWMAN and you will now operate as the Corporation Sole.

Below is an example of an exact filing in the State of Arizona of a Corporation Sole. This does appear “religious” in nature, but it works and has been filed. Though it appears religious, what we do each day in the pursuit of oneness with the Universal Source (Cosmic Energy, etc), is described by many as religion. As Jesus said the church of God is within each and every one of us, so it is. Asking anyone on the street about church, they will describe a structured religion. We know better, but to those who will be attempting to attack ones corporate entity, they do not nor do the courts determine a difference.

You may find the appropriate articles of incorporation to file a corporation sole from an attorney who has the experience in these types of filings. They are rare and misunderstood in many cases. If used properly though, they are an advanced line of asset protection.

From now on, after this is filed, if you have a company such as an LLC, you must list the member as CORP SOLE. When you sign a check or document, you will sign your name with a comma and then write, “overseer”. You the flesh and blood human are the overseer of this corporation sole.

Unfortunately in business, having an office front may become more technical than this as the county or city employees have no idea what a corporation sole is and will be so confused if you run a business like this. They do however understand the corporation and the Limited Liability Company.

As for working under an organization which teaches mediation and metaphysics through yoga and offers counseling to those who may need it, an LLC would most likely be the top choice to work under. You now have the protection of the corporate veil and have distanced yourself from your personal assets. You are also taxed differently as a limited liability company is a flow through organization. This means that the company itself does not pay tax, only the members of the LLC pay tax as it pertains to them. For privacy issues, I would recommend filing in Wyoming as the member/ manager as details on the owners of the company is not public record. This creates an extra level of privacy for you.

When filing for a Limited Liability Company, you need members or a managing member. If you are going in on this as a joint venture with someone, they may be a member as well. If you are the only one starting up this studio, you would list yourself (remember we are in commerce and you are now using your corporation sole’s name), as the managing member.

To obtain the form for filing your company, check the Secretary of State Division of Corporations which is applicable to your state in which you choose to file (http://www.coordinatedlegal.com/SecretaryOfState.html).

At this point one should be set up properly when it comes to the legal world.

The next step is finding a location. Special attention should be considered in determining a location, the size of the facility in which is needed.

When starting out your facility, a smaller locale may be appropriate. The only way one would want a large facility at first is if there is an overwhelming following you have had from previous work and they have already signed up. A realtor or due diligence by word of mouth or through your local real estate section of the news paper or local real estate publication will help you in your search for a location.

I will use for example purposes the City of Tampa, Florida. Currently, as of July 1, 2007, commercial real estate in Tampa is leasing for $14 a square foot on average. The average yoga studio in Tampa is 1,000 square feet. This brings a monthly rent for this space to $1,400/ monthly rent.

A budget on advertising will cost you around $200 at first per month if advertising by word of mouth, craigslist.org, business cards, flyers, and travel to give mini- seminars on the benefits of the art of yoga and how you are the answer.

Let us now break down all costs involved to start up the studio. These costs associated with the profits are estimated based on previous yoga studios and services offered or could be offered at a reasonable rate of growth based on a six month scale. After three months the numbers stabilized due to normal growth and member/ client retention.

Incorporation- $150

Registered Agent- $50

_______________________________________________________________

Total Up Front Costs- $200

Advertising-$200 x 6 months= $1,200

Rent- $1400 x 6 months= $8,400

Utilities- $400 x 6 months= $2,400

(see if you can have the utilities made part of the rent and turn off the lights when you are not in the room)

______________________________________________________________

Total Operational Costs (6 months)- $12,000 USD

Gross Start up Fees (to include 6 months)= $12,200 USD

PRICING LIST

Costs on average for classes:

Group: $10

Single: $15

4- Class Pass: $50

8- Pass Class: $90

12- Pass Class: $130

Private:

Single: $75

Couple: $125

Supplements- $20- $200

Counseling Sessions- $50/ per session

Let us break down the profits:

Month 1

3- members per day x 5 days week@ $15 per person/ per session= $225 wk/ $900 mo.

Supplements= $100 wk/ $400 mo.

Counseling= 1 client @ $50/ wk/ $200 mo.

___________________________________________________________________

Month 1 Gross Profits= $1,500

Month 2

10- members per day x 5 days week @ $15 per person/ per session= $750 wk/ $3000 mo.

Supplements- $125 wk/ $400 mo.

Counseling- 2 clients @ $50 ea/ wk/ $400 mo.

_______________________________________________________________________

Month 2 Gross Profits= $3,800

Month 3

15- members per day x 5 days week @ $15 per person/ per session= $1,125 wk/ $4,500 mo.

Supplements- $150 wk/ $600 mo.

Counseling- 3 clients @ $50 ea/ wk/ $600 mo.

_______________________________________________________________________

Month 3 Gross Profits= $5,700

Month 4

16- members per day x 5 days week @ $15 per person/ per session= $1,200 wk/ $4,800 mo.

Supplements- $150 wk/ $600 mo.

Counseling- 3 clients @ 50 ea/ wk/ $600 mo.

_______________________________________________________________________

Month 4 Gross Profits= $6,000

Month 5

17- members per day x 5 days week @ $15 per person/ per session= $1,275 wk/ $5,100 mo.

Supplements- $150 wk/ $600 mo.

Counseling- 4 clients @ $50 ea/ wk/ $800 mo.

_______________________________________________________________________

Month 5 Gross Profits= $6,500

Month 6 (repeat Month 5 due to fluctuation in economy as well as member retention)

17- members per day x 5 days week @ $15 per person/ per session= $1,275 wk/ $5,100 mo.

Supplements- $150 wk/ $600 mo.

Counseling- 4 clients @ 50 ea/ wk/ $800 mo.

_______________________________________________________________________

Month 6 Gross Profits= $6,500

6 Month Gross Profits= $30,000

-6 Month Gross Debt= $12,200

______________________________

Net profit $18,000 = $3,000 per month

*This figure should be +/- 3%

We will take 10% (which through experience I have learned is the amount which should be set aside into the company for unexpected occurrences. This leaves a net profit of $16,200 divided over six months accrues to $2,700 per month.

When broken down per hour, this is not nearly enough for your time as one will be spending each and every waking moment on this project. If this is your goal and dream though, then this should be an enjoyable project and a wondrous experience.

I would recommend these basic guidelines written into each and every agreement for classes/ services. The client/ member should sign off on these basic guidelines to show that they do understand. If for some odd reason a client/ member is giving you problems by being disruptive for some reason such as their cell phone keeps going off in class, you will have grounds to stand on if they must be removed in order to keep semblance and peace within the class.

This may never happen, but in case it does you will be prepared. There is a lot to be said on preparing for a storm before it gets to your house. Boarding up one’s windows while the wind is blowing will not do much good when objects are already flying.

What to Wear:

· Bare feet (no socks).

· Comfortable workout-type clothing that is not baggy or oversized (this helps the instructor to see the body and assist the student in proper alignment).

Class Guidelines:

· Cell phones must be turned off.

· Let instructors know of any injuries, limitations, or special conditions before class begins.

· Do not eat two hours prior to class.

· Arrive hydrated but leave water bottles outside the studio.

· Please enter the studio space quietly.

· Be prepared to begin class on time.

· Please be aware and respectful of any class in progress. Enjoy browsing through the books and music or relax with some tea before class. Great, healthy food is available in the cafe after class.

· Follow studio procedures located at front desk.

· Return props neatly and orderly at the end of class.

One will want to implement a proper sign up form which will keep you and the other members protected. This should be utilized upon sign up. No one shall be permitted to participate in any Yoga Class until this is completed and signed. A copy shall be given to them and the original kept on file. You may obtain these forms from an attorney or by doing a google look up. Another idea to obtain these forms is to go into an existing health club to sign up and obtain the forms that way.

Now that we have a company and clients set up, what do we teach?

There are five different core types of yoga. These types are Hatha, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana and Raja yoga.

When starting a Yoga Studio one must determine what types of yoga one will teach and practice. One may use all types within a class or spread them out. It is up to the owner and instructors what they will do.

Many think Yoga is standing and sitting in many different positions. What they are not aware of is that most forms of Yoga are forms of meditation. Though a Yoga studio is mainly designed for sitting and standing whilst contorting ones body, it would be greatly beneficial and revolutionary to incorporate or dedicate the other forms into the schedule.

Hatha Yoga is essentially the beginners Yoga. This focuses on finding harmony and balance between the mind, body and spirit. Hatha yoga teaches basic poses (known as “asanas”) and breathing exercises (known as “pranayama”) with an emphasis on relaxation and meditation. Hatha routines involve slow and controlled movements, and most classes start with sitting quietly and reflecting. One is encouraged to be very aware of their body as they move through the poses, which range from easy to very challenging. This practice, which is the foundation of most types of yoga, will stretch and strengthen your body.

There is a newer type of yoga which is essentially a type of Hatha known as Bikram. This is extremely popular in the United States. Bikram is also commonly known as “Hot Yoga”. This vigorous, challenging practice is taught in a room that’s around 100° Fahrenheit and 40 percent humidity. The heat loosens muscles while one moves through a 26-pose sequence that incorporates two breathing techniques. Each posture is designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles you need for the next posture. Classes are typically 90 minutes long. Experts believe that this practice’s sauna-like atmosphere releases toxins from your body and improves circulation. Bikram yoga will also reduce stress, increase stamina and improve your flexibility.

Karma Yoga is a complex which Yogi’s developed for those who are engaged in the “rat race” to help lead to union with the Cosmic Mind. In this, one is taught that when good happens, it should be credited to the God Self rather to ego. All negative experiences are released to peace of the God Mind.

This practice is something which is to be taught to all but not something in which a typical yoga experience is about. By teaching this through general conversation, perhaps selling books etc, this technique may be taught and utilized.

Bhakti Yoga is an attempt to awaken the mind and create union through the heart. The best way to describe this is through a technique called Hooponopono which originated in Hawaii. The translation of Hopoonopono is, “heart flow love”. Through one’s heart flows love and through love we are brought to a deeper and higher unity with the Universal Source. We are all made in His image. By loving one another and being grateful and thankful to all for all experiences, we are brought closer to God. If one has wronged you in life, many put this deep down within and hide it. Over time this negative seed which was planted begins to grow, often resulting in unwanted results. By one simply stating over until they are comfortable and believe, “With all my heart, I forgive xxxxxxx, with all my heart I love xxxxx”. There was actually a reported case of an incurable psychiatric hospital being cured and cleared out by a doctor who practiced this technique.

In the studio, one may wish to take advantage of utilizing Bhakti during sessions.

Jnana Yoga is a sense of meditative yoga which is one of the most complex and should be taught as a specialty to only those who seek it and are ready for it.

Jnana simply stated means knowledge. To identify oneself with the illusory vehicles of body, mind, Prana and the senses is ignorant. To say, " I am the doer, the enjoyer, I am a Brahmin (absolute reality), a Brahmachari, this is mine, he is my son," is Ajnana. Jnana alone can destroy ignorance or Ajnana, even as light alone can remove darkness. (see how it gets complex in simply a sentence in the philosophy of this form of yoga?) Brahman, the Supreme Self, is neither the doer of actions nor the enjoyer of the fruits of actions. The creation, preservation and destruction of the world are not due to Him. They are due to the action of Maya (the Lord's energy manifesting itself as the world-process).

As this is quite a complex way of thinking, the instructor themselves must demonstrate a total and complete understanding in order to teach this practice.

Self-realization of the Supreme Self is necessary for attaining freedom and perfection. This Jnana Yoga or the path of Wisdom is, however, not meant for the masses whose hearts are not pure enough and whose intellects are not sharp enough to understand and practice this razor-edge path. Hence, Karma Yoga and Bhakti are to be practiced and understood first, which will render the heart pure and make it fit for the reception of Knowledge.

Lastly there is Raja Yoga. Raja means, “Royal or Kingly”. Raja yoga is a form of meditation. This form of yoga is based on directing one’s life force to bring the mind and emotions so into balance that the attention may be easily focused on the object of meditation, or the God Mind directly.

This is another form of Yoga which may be practiced during Hatha Yoga sessions or more influentially afterwards while in meditation.

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