Meet Tulsi Laher of Yoga Daya in Downtown Culver City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tulsi Laher.

Tulsi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I remember just starting out as a yoga teacher, teaching 4 morning classes at 6:15 am for Yoga Works, then they decided to cut 2 days. The students were upset and petitioned to regain the classes. They went so far as to write up a petition and one student tried delivering it to the studio manager, and the manager at the time wouldn’t meet with the student, answer their phone call or acknowledge the petition. Needless to say, I gained a tremendous insight into working for a yoga studio as well as a heightened appreciation for my students who demonstrated their dedication for my teaching.

Presently, I have been teaching for more than 11 years and am not just a business owner but I know what it is like to be a teacher with all the challenges and phenomenal rewards.

Yoga Daya was created to provide opportunities for teachers, to appreciate each and every teacher, and each and every student. We are about creating community and uplifting one another in our own lives in the process.

A great testament to Yoga Daya’s success is having made it as a small business yoga studio for 5 years. In December, Yoga Daya celebrated our 5-year anniversary, and one student came up to me and said with tears in her eyes, “I’ve had a tough year and Yoga Daya has helped me tremendously, not just because of the great classes and teachers, and the teacher training I attended in the Spring, but it’s the community. The relationships I’ve developed have been a positive mainstay in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This reinforced my commitment to Yoga Daya’s focus on building relationships and community. The reasons we practice yoga range from a genuine bonding and belonging, a human connection, an opportunity to find courage, strength, and foundation, to calming the mind. Our studio has a relaxing, zen-like atmosphere with fine attention to detail. Large floor to ceiling windows fill our expansive loft studio with bright, colorful light during the day. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you with our Daya Wellness Program designed for both individuals and companies. Yoga Daya is family owned and run and will always continue to be. We’re friendly, down-to-earth and here to serve you!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. There are numerous challenges as a woman and a small business owner. Additionally, teaching yoga is a fairly new profession comparatively speaking and there is still tremendous growth to be had in terms standards, benefits, and opportunities. That said, we have maintained the personal attention and a highest standard of service we aspire to at Yoga Daya.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Yoga Daya – what should we know?
Yoga Daya is a premiere yoga studio in Los Angeles known for quality yoga and a highest standard of service. Since opening Yoga Daya in 2011, I have developed the Daya Wellness Program focused on quantifiable results, the Daya Clothing line introducing YogaSkirtz as well as Daya Jewelry. Familiar with Sanskrit and yoga philosophy from an early age, I also wrote a Sanskrit pronunciation guide for yoga asanas used exclusively in Yoga Daya’s Teacher Training Program.

My philosophy in teaching yoga is that through understanding biomechanics in movement while utilizing the breath, you can help reduce pain and bring a harmonious balance to mind and body health. Specializing in the spine, I teach workshops on Yoga for a Healthy Spine and Scoliosis. It is becoming increasingly necessary to take charge of our own health, and at Yoga Daya we offer a community experience and a positive atmosphere where students and teachers converse, build lasting relationships, and practice ‘living health daily’.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

For the most part, I have enjoyed the journey. It would have been conducive to have had the benefit of a business advisor as I’m a teacher first. Our cohesive team of teachers and staff, however, have managed to set ourselves apart and respond to a need in our community with authenticity. Needless to say, it has been a transformational experience.

Pricing:

• New Member Special! $50 introductory month with unlimited classes followed by a 1 year membership for only $105/month
• Get $250 off our Spring Teacher Training Program starting April 1, 2017 with code: TRAIN2017

Contact Info:

• Address: 8985 Venice Blvd. #F
  Los Angeles, CA 90034
  (near downtown Culver City)
  FREE upfront parking!
• Website: www.yogadaya.com
• Phone: 310-558-YOGA (9642)
• Email: [email protected]