Our Story
Back in 2005, I was demonstrating Yoga on stage as part of a large Fitness Convention held in Darling Harbour. I’d spotted a former Fitness Industry colleague and Lane Cove legend; Brenda McCartney, out there in the audience.
We made eye contact, and connected to chat after the session.
Brenda: “What are you doing with yourself?”
Me: “I’ve been teaching Yoga for 3 years, and am looking to start my own Yoga studio. What about you?”
Brenda: “I run a small Yoga school in Lane Cove and am currently looking to sell it. We should talk.”
The rest is history.
I bought her database, rebranded it as YOGABOWL - and I was off and running.
My strategy was always wanting to bring safe, do-able Yoga classes to real people like you. Like me. Like us.
I knew how to teach Yoga, though had NOT A CLUE about business, on any level. I kind of expected things would somehow just fall info place.
If I’d have been offered a look into the crystal ball back then, I’d honestly have been really surprised at how things would turn out.
How hard I’d have to work. Running a small business is like a brand new baby. It always needs attention, is a constant worry, and costs a lot of money and stress when you can’t be around to care for it.
Another part I wasn’t expecting was the warmth that the local Lane Cove Community offered me. I was made to feel at home, and really supported from day one.
Many of you have been with me from the start and are still going strong.
You wonderful souls know who you are, though may not know how grateful I am for you.
I was thrilled to celebrate Yogabowl’s 10th Birthday in October 2015.
We’ve survived the “small business curse”, and a GFC.
More importantly, we’ve formed a wonderful local community of like-minded souls who care - about their wellbeing, their community, and about making the world a better place.
In October 2016, we happily relocated Yogabowl literally next door, to (upstairs, in) Lane Cove Tennis Club. With windows and trees all around us, the fresh new space brings a wonderful renewed energy and feel to our Yoga space. We look forward to welcoming you there soon.
Thank you, thank you, thank you … I am re-focussed, re-purposed, re-born because of your wonderful Yoga classes. :)
Trish
Congrats on your fantastic achievement - you should be immensely proud of yourself & everything you''ve done over the last 10 years.
Deb
I finally touched my toes for the very first time in class yesterday - Wow :)
Sherina
Love love love what you do, and how you do it....you absolutely inspire me and your music lifts me to realms far beyond.
Rima
I am thankful and grateful to you for organsing such a wonderful 1-day Retreat. One colleague said, "No wonder you look so relaxed today". Thanks again.
Pushpa
The Beginner course with Jo was particularly good. I enjoyed the way that it progressed. Although, it was aimed at beginners, I found the poses sufficiently challenging and the environment encouraging and supportive. After each week I had an extraordinary feeling of wellbeing and peace that I was able to carry with me into the following days. I have attended yoga classes in the past but had never really derived such a sense of satisfaction with the practice before.
Terry
You have chosen some great staff to work in your business for you. They''re all such great teachers.
Becky
The Beginner course was a wonderful introduction to yoga - and helped me overcome my reservation that I might not be sufficiently fit or spiritual to get into it. I loved the content - the exercises were within my reach and I also appreciated Jo''s ability to adapt the practice to everyone''s individual body and capacity.
The atmosphere was nurturing and encouraging and Jo''s expertise very valuable. I always left feeling relaxed and fabulous. Many many thanks - I will be back!
Christine
I just wanted to tell you how much I loved the Gentle Yoga class on Saturday morning. It was beautiful, just what I needed - so kind to my body and so nurturing.
Thank you also for the time and special care you took in setting up my props during the class.
I felt like the class was so healing both physically and emotionally. Thank you again
AF.
I''ve been going to John''s Monday night classes most of this year, and I''m enjoying them so much. It''s nice to hear he''s enjoying teaching us.
Barbara