Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Petrie.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was a bit restless in my part-time consulting career, and was seeking a way to make a difference in the world, perhaps through non-profit work or academia. But my decision to run a yoga studio was a complete surprise. I had never considered running a main street business.
Here was my a-ha moment: I walked into my local yoga studio for class and saw a sign posted on the door: “We are closing at the end of November.” Unexpectedly, my heart dropped right into my stomach! As a casual and not-particularly-consistent yoga student, I hadn’t realized how yoga practice, and that studio in particular, had become an important respite and sanctuary. It seemed a shame for the community (and me!) to lose such a great resource.
I started to research how to save it and got excited about the possibility of a fresh business challenge.
So… I bought the studio.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My main challenge has involved having the patience to let our growth strategy play out over several years. No matter how much yoga is vaunted, wanted, and needed, it takes time for people to integrate new habits into their lives.
Also, I’ve definitely learned to handle small failures. Ideas for how to improve the studio and grow our customer base are plentiful, originating from teachers, students, team members, competitors, business books, and journals. But, out of every ten new things we try, probably eight do not succeed. Fortunately, the ideas that do work have helped us grow to ten times the size we were in 2012, when I took over ownership.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Reach Yoga – what should we know?
I own Reach Yoga, a studio offering yoga and yoga-related classes, seven days a week. Reach also features a great boutique selling gifts, a unique assortment of fun fitness apparel, and yoga-related merchandise.
Our warm and welcoming community sets us apart from others. It’s a non-competitive atmosphere; everyone practices and her or his own level, and gets support in cultivating strength, balance, and mindfulness.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Love. Our teachers love yoga, and they love our students, and we all love our special community.
Pricing:
- A single drop-in class is $20 (or if you are a senior age 62 or over, or a student 23 or under, it’s only $15)
- *New* students can take unlimited classes for two weeks for only $29
- 10 classes are $160 (or if you are a senior age 62 or over, or a student 23 or under, it’s only $140)
Contact Info:
- Address: 688 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022
- Website: www.reachyogaglencoe.com
- Phone: 847-786-4211
- Email: info@reachyogaglencoe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/287353540/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReachYogaGlencoe/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/reach-yoga-glencoe
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
