Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Nguyen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey towards Yogabossbabe began in 2013 when I completed my first 200-hr teacher training. At the time, all I wanted to do was teach yoga to as many people as possible but I didn’t know where to start or how to get my name out there. Like most newly-certified yoga teachers, I felt lost and didn’t know what the next step was.
Naturally, I began taking more and more trainings, hoping that the more certificates I had the better my chances of being wildly successful. After completing my first 200hr Vinyasa certification, I went on to complete trainings in Advanced Vinyasa, Connected Warriors, Yin Yoga, and ultimately completed a 300hr Yoga Therapy Rx program at Loyola Marymount University. I was now classified as RYT 500 and was on my way to change the world.
With my newly minted Yoga Therapy certification, I wanted to reach out to those who I felt needed it the most (but didn’t know it): Corporate America. In 2015, I founded Beyond Namaste, a corporate yoga company that brought on-site yoga to Orange County and San Diego. One of my clients was even named one of the “Best Places to Work in San Diego” multiple years in a row and its CEO was among Forbes’ 2018 “30 under 30” list of honorees.
However, I still felt something was missing. I didn’t find it as fulfilling as I’d imagined and I still had that itch to find something I was excited to wake up to in the morning.
By this time, the subscription box business was steadily growing and I personally had a few subscriptions coming in every month. I loved receiving these surprise boxes and was always anxiously waiting for the next one to arrive. It wasn’t until I read She Means Business, by Carrie Green, that my best idea yet was born: A subscription box for aspiring yoga instructors that delivered “excitement” and personal growth every month.
Has it been a smooth road?
As much as I would love to say it’s been an easy road, it has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve ever been a part of. Everything in life comes with ups and down and entrepreneurship isn’t any different; there’s a reason why it’s referred to as the Entrepreneur Roller Coaster.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced thus far is learning how to overcome my weaknesses. I had to learn the hard way that (for me) organization is the key to my productivity. As a solopreneur, you wear all the hats (marketing, sales, social media, customer service, owner, mail room, packer, etc) and being organized is the key to not burning out and falling on your face – speaking from experience. Funny enough, I thought I had a handle on organization but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I kept all my tasks and to-dos in my head and sure enough, I would forget important deadlines, correspondence, and I was always up against the clock – and the clock always wins. I had to learn – and am still learning – how to organize my thoughts effectively so that I can plan out what goes inside the boxes every month; which influencers I’m working with; what projects I’m collaborating on; keeping up with YBB community events; keeping up with social media; etc.
Another significant challenge was trusting in myself. Everyone has fears of not being good enough and whether people will like what they have to offer. I was no different. I could hide behind the screen and if I flopped, nobody would be the wiser.
By nature, I consider myself to be pretty shy until I get to know someone well. I am not one to be the “face” of a brand and I’d much rather stay behind the scenes than post videos or photos of myself, so creating a social media-driven company is something I’m still growing into. Part of my subscription box is allowing for personal growth and I know I have to trust that I’ve created a product great enough to put my image on it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Yogabossbabe was formed in 2017 and is the only subscription box designed to support and inspire yoga teachers and entrepreneurs. Every month, subscribers receive resources to encourage personal and business growth:
. Yogabossbabe Academy Workshops for continued learning (think Private Yoga, Corporate Yoga, Retreats, etc)
. Motivational books to promote personal growth.
. Exclusive online community with group coaching sessions, book club, and accountability partners.
. Essential oils, yoga accessories, and business tools.
I am excited and proud to share that not only is our community growing, but that we’ve sent Yogabossbabe boxes to yoga teachers all over the US, Mexico, Canada, England, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Hungary, and New Zealand.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The beauty of e-commerce/subscription box businesses is that you can do it from just about anywhere. The only caveat is that you need enough space to hold inventory and to pack boxes – that is until you grow into a fulfillment center. But fair warning – if you’re packing from home, you’ll find crinkle paper just about everywhere long after you’ve finished packing!
Also, recruiting your friends and family to help pack boxes can either be completely dreadful or fund and exciting. Make it worthwhile for them so they come back next month to help out.
Pricing:
- Yoga Entrepreneur Box $49.95 + s/h
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yogabossbabe.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogabossbabe
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/yogabossbabe
- Other: www.yogabossbabeacademy.com
Image Credit:
Josey Prior, Becca Bond Photography, Kelly Smith, Kristen Sweeney
Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.
