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.
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 and I can''t tell you how much your yoga classes have made a difference in our life, while we often do different classes which mean different teachers, we love the variation this brings to our session...we can''t imagine how we have lived without Yoga for so long...and the weekend or the week for that matter is not the same unless we have gone to Yoga!!!..our bodies thank you!!...see you on Saturday and keep on doing what you do so well...we are yoga groupies now!
Judy (and John)
Moving to the Tennis club will be so much better, I am really looking forward to it. I have done a few classes there and really liked it.
I really like Yogabowl and think it is the best yoga school with the best teachers on the Lower North Shore.
Annie
I really enjoyed the class last Saturday. I love your style of teaching and certainly felt like you must have been reading my mind when you described what we might be feeling or thinking!
Liz
You have given me so much support and spiritual guidance in my yoga journey. I am truly going to miss you and I really hope our paths cross again.
Stephanie
Whenever I come back to your classes I know why I''m meant to be there. It so centres me!
Janine
I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful Restorative workshop on Friday night. It was the perfect close to what has been a very busy couple of weeks and truly let me shut my mind down and enjoy my weekend. My sleep for the entire weekend was significantly improved as was my general energy levels.
Robyn
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.
Thank you so much to you and Mary for the beautiful Restorative workshop. I really appreciate the love and support you provided to Mum - she absolutely loved it and I got so much more out of the class knowing she was well looked after.
Angela
You have given me so much support and spiritual guidance in my yoga journey. I am truly going to miss you and I really hope our paths cross again.
Stephanie