Every single one of us is affected by the same crisis but every single consequence is different. I have a small Pilates, Barre, Yoga studio in Melbourne’s Inner North. Thankfully I can still keep classes going but with a max of 8 people per class and every hygiene measure I can think of to reduce contact with any surfaces other than the mats and props they bring in themselves. Our community is incredibly supportive and not cancelling memberships so far.
Our attendance is very low but we are hanging in there and laughing and smiling as much as we can. I am now streaming classes through a private Facebook group for my paying participants which is not ideal but enough to keep the ball rolling whilst I set up something better. And really, getting the technology right is my biggest challenge and my next step is to reach out to our group to do this. Each day presents new challenges and variables but my aims are staying the same and having this focus is helping
- Keep people moving to maintain physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Keep my contracted instructors in whatever work I can for as long as I can.
- Be generous and kind in what I can offer for free and realistic in what I need to be paid for to survive this crisis.
I am sure that I am not alone in saying that my brain does not stop. I am learning so much. I said to someone this morning that running small business right now is like being the Ring Master, Clown, Acrobat, Juggler and Lion Tamer in my own circusI have to remind myself every step of the way to stop, breathe, stop and then step slowly. Hoping fellow soloists can do the same.
Click here to see the full discussion on our forum, and tell us how you’re coping with the current situation.
This post was written by Flying Solo member, Marisa Lawlor founder of JustBelieveFit.
