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 so much for the restorative class yesterday - I really did enjoy being nurtured (spoilt??) so much. You do a wonderful job & make Yogabowl a place of such variety not only of learning, but general well-being and inner peace.
Judy
Thanks so much for YogaBowl - I do love the classes and feel so much better when I''ve been.
Kim
I have to say, you have been a godsend for me since i moved to Sydney. thanks to your yoga classes, and the lovely way you present to us all.
Christal
I’m in a yoga trance… you have magical powers! I really love coming to your yoga class, I feel like a ‘whole’ person again!
Shauna
Thanks so much for all that you do for us in class.
We are indeed fortunate.
Elizabeth
You touch people''s lives every day. The way that you care for your students, encourage them to grow, be with themselves, know themselves, and be kind to themselves makes a huge difference to people''s lives. It has made a huge difference to me. And I''m so glad that I know you.
(Kept Anonymous)
I used to have this permanent twinge in my back. Since I started doing your yoga classes it’s virtually disappeared. I''m enjoying the yoga classes and really feel the benefit of going on a regular basis.
Pat
You cannot believe how much more relaxed and focussed I am when I return to work after your classes. Thank you for bringing Yoga to our workplace.
Margaret, CBA
Thanks so much for a lovely Restorative workshop. I hardly ever take time out for me, and as a mother of 3 young children I always have someone with me (even when going to the bathroom!) Didn''t know I needed this 2 hrs so much, really pleased I did it. That 2 hrs will get me through the next week till I can fit your next class into my crazy schedule.
Catherine
John is a great teacher and a pleasure to listen to!
Karen