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.
I really needed to thank both you and Jolie for such an excellent grounding in Yoga. Between learning Yoga for the first time with you and attending Advance classes with Jolie – not to mention the amazing Restorative practices – you have “educated” me in Yoga in such a full and rounded way, I can hold my own anywhere.
And it means I can enjoy any class, whatever the “style” and whatever poses they throw at me. So thank you both.
Jennie
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
Your classes are so appreciated. We are all lucky you set up Yogabowl.
Shauna
Your classes have taught me to take some much needed time out to be grateful for the strengths of my
body and soul. I am looking forward to next term.
Marie
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
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
I thank you every day for yoga, my good health, my every day movements, my strength and my peace of mind. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Jan
Your classes have taught me to take some much needed time out to be grateful for the strengths of my
body and soul. I am looking forward to next term.
Marie
I am really enjoying yoga and looking forward to each lesson of the new term. I feel it is doing me much good.
Chris
My daughter has really enjoyed the Teens Yoga class and is benefiting in many ways. Thank you for doing this for teenagers - it''s such a positive outlet.
Selina