According to the ABS, regional businesses account for over 800,000 businesses. As part of our Regional Heroes campaign, we’re profiling some of these incredible small businesses, like Karma Garden, to see what makes them (and their towns) tick!
What is the name of your business?
Karma Garden Yoga
What is your website, Instagram and Facebook?
https://www.facebook.com/Karma-Garden-Yoga-297753470420846/
When did you start your small biz?
I began in 2013
Why did you start it?
My profession is a Yoga Instructor – My family and I relocated to Wagga Wagga from Sydney to specifically embrace the benefits of country living…..so naturally I relocated and started my business again here.
Is it the only biz of its kind in your area?
There are other yoga studios in Wagga Wagga but my business is niche within this field. Classes are small and personal within a natural, peaceful and relaxing environment. My aim as an instructor and business owner is to work closely with clients to tailor the yoga to fit their individual needs while at the same time giving them the experience of being a world way from their daily life…..a micro holiday as such!
What do you love most about living where you live?
I love the countryside here – living with nature, the distinct change in seasons, the vastness and feeling of space that the landscape of the Riverina provides. On a more practical level, Wagga is a town large enough to have all the major services one needs, yet small enough that we can maintain a strong sense of community with each other.
How would you describe your client base?
My client base is broad and their reasons for practicing yoga are even broader. The only general thing I can say is that people come to class because they want to embrace health and wellbeing, and be a better version of themselves to transmit throughout their day.
Who/what do you consider your biggest competitor?
My biggest competitors are Divine Wellbeing and Simplee Yoga. I compete by offering differentiation of service, by being small and personal and developing a comfortable family style atmosphere within class. Because classes here are small, the yoga is very tailored to the individual, and clients come back because of the individualised service.
How do most of your clients find you? Ie via website, word of mouth etc
Most of clients find me by word of mouth….hence client satisfaction is imperative.
Do you network with other small biz in your area?
Yes, a little. This is something I would like to explore more.
What do you think is the greatest challenge your community/area/district faces right now?
Drought… farmers are doing it tough and this affects all of us in turn.
Who is your greatest support?
My greatest support is my clients…..as such we build a network/community/family. I pride myself on the quality of my teaching and knowing my clients needs and taking care of them. Within class we build relationships too….where we look out for each each other.
What’s your biggest goal for the next 5 years?
My children are now adults and of course I now have more time for my work. I would like to grow my business from being a part-time venture into something a little larger.
What is your biggest challenge in terms of growing your business?
The biggest challenge in terms of growing my business is that I am “flying solo”. Not only am I the Yoga Instructor but I am administration, accounting, marketing, IT….the list goes on. I must wear many hats in one day and be competent with them all.
If there was one thing you could to make the biggest change to your business what would it be?
To be honest I am happy with my business….I love teaching, I love helping people and I love the country living this area provides.
What/where is your favourite place in your town and why?
The mighty Murrumbidgee – it’s the life force of the Riverina! It represents how strong and connected this place is, yet how fragile. How we are all a network depending on one another… helping, building and growing together.
