From Yoga Teacher to Health Coach with Michelle Leotta

This week on the podcast I am joined by Manu Molina. Manu is originally from Andalusia, Spain but has lived in many places and spent most of his life as a globetrotter. He is on a mission to help yoga and wellness professionals to radically transform their marketing and biz game so that they can navigate the industry fearlessly, with clarity, and achieve sustained success. A big part of Manu's focus is on retreats, both organizing and running his own, as well as supporting other retreat leaders who need logistics, marketing, and organizational support, and this is what we dive into in today's episode. Manu shares his top tips for running successful retreats, including how to choose a length of retreat, a destination, a theme, as well as how to price so that you are profitable, marketing and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Manu’s yoga story and how he was first introduced to yoga Manu’s career in yoga and when he made the decision to teach yoga Top tips for running successful retreats How to choose the length, destination, and theme of a retreat Making your pricing profitable Other business lessons from Manu Guest links: Website: https://yogabizmentor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoga.biz.mentor/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Amy Ippoliti. Amy is the co-author of The Art & Business of Teaching Yoga and cofounder of Vesselify (formerly 90 Monkeys), an online resource for yoga professionals. She teaches on YogaInternational.com and has been a presenter at the Omega Institute, Esalen, and Kripalu, as well as the Telluride Yoga Festival and Hanuman Festival. In this episode of the podcast, we're diving into Amy's background with yoga, how she has grown a thriving career in yoga, and what inspired her to write The Art & Business of Teaching Yoga. She also shares some of the major updates to the book that were released in 2024, and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: How Amy first got into yoga, and what inspired her to become a yoga teacher Making the decision to do a yoga teacher training after college Becoming a new yoga teacher at 26 and how Amy’s yoga career evolved over time Whether or not the yoga industry has had “waves” over the years Where the inspiration to write The Art & Business of Teaching Yoga came from Major updates to Amy’s book that were released in 2024 Tips on how to flourish as a yoga teacher Guest links: Visit Amy online at www.amyippoliti.com and www.vesselify.com.

This week on the podcast I am joined by Maria Waag. Maria is a yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher with more than 19 years of experience with yoga, and 11 years of mindfulness. She decided to change her career path and become a teacher after almost losing her life. Now, she runs her own yoga and mindfulness business, and loves to bring yoga out of the studios, to where people are, and has been teaching in a variety of settings such as teaching for FENDI in Rome, to Wanderlust 108 in Milan and the Buddhist Temple in Oslo. With a very thorough education and many specializations she is focusing on helping 1-on-1 clients learn to use yoga and mindfulness to help with specific needs, such as pain, trauma, concussions and much more, and uses her deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics to help her students with injuries and challenges. In this episode of the podcast, Maria shares how she got into yoga and what inspired her to start teaching, as well as how she started specializing and working with students 1-on-1. She share her top 10 tips for specializing in yoga for anyone who is looking to dive deeper in their business and support their students on a personalized level! This episode is jam packed with goodness. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: How Maria got into yoga, and what inspired her to become a teacher An overview of Maria’s seven years of teaching experience Finding private clients who are interested in what you have to offer Tips for specializing and working with students one on one Other important yoga business lessons from Maria Guest links: Website: https://www.mariawaag.com/ Download these 10 tips as a PDF here: http://www.mariawaag.com/mbom 

This week on the podcast I am joined by Renee Clair. Reneé takes woman-owned businesses from chaos to clarity using her holistic 3-pronged approach: Streamlined Business, Motivational Mindset, and Clear Purpose. With a Masters Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and decades of experience across marketing, sales, operations, and wellness, Reneé brings a diverse skill set to her work. Drawing from expertise in recruiting, project management, marketing strategy, and human resources, Reneé empowers entrepreneurs and their teams to thrive and serves as a consultant for small businesses and a coach for service providers, fostering growth and resilience. In this episode of the podcast, we are talking all about how to empower yourself through self-care. Renee shares 4 non-conventional ways that you can do this is in your life and business, including time management, goal setting, self belief, and networking, plus her top tips for implementing these into your life. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: What Reneé has been up to since we last talked in 2022 Defining self-care and how it can be used in your business Using time management as a form of self-care Using goal setting to empower yourself The importance of belief as a tool for self-care Networking as a self-care strategy Tips to implement these strategies Guest links: Reneé’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneeclair/ Website: https://www.renee-clair.com/

This week on the podcast I am talking all about the process of self-publishing my book "How to Master the Business of Yoga". I released my book in September of 2023 and wanted to share the entire process from idea to creation to actually publishing it. In this episode, I talk about what the writing process was like, why having help was key for me to actually getting this project done, editing the book, finding someone who could format and design the cover, releasing and marketing the book, and everything that I learned along the way. Writing and publishing a book is a goal for many people, but the idea of publishing a book can be really daunting. I hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered to turn your idea into reality! Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Where the idea for the book came from Why I decided to self-publish right from the get go The writing process Why help was so important for me to actually get the book published The editing process Formatting and title page design Putting it all together Publishing the book and sharing it with the world

This week on the podcast I am joined by Brett Larkin. Brett is the founder of Uplifted Yoga and the author of Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos. Her training has set the standard for quality online certification since 2015 and has matriculated thousands of yoga teachers. Brett’s award-winning YouTube channel with over half a million subscribers and Uplifted Yoga Podcast empowers listeners to actively design their lives using yoga’s ancient wisdom. Yoga enthusiasts love her courses on Kundalini, Prenatal Yoga, and the Uplifted Yoga Academy. In this episode, Brett updates us on what she's been up to since she came on the podcast in the fall of 2020, including the shifts and updates that she's made to her business and programs. We also discuss the changing online yoga industry and how that's impacted her business, as well as what it was like to write and publish a book while being a business entrepreneur and mom, and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Catching up since we last spoke with Brett in Fall 2020 Setting yourself apart in an online space and establishing a business prior to the pandemic How the online yoga industry has evolved over the last few years, and how that’s impacted Brett’s business The power of valuing yourself as a yoga teacher and your product Tips for executing quality online yoga training Harnessing the skill of creating content online Writing and publishing a book while being a mother and business entrepreneur Guest links: Website: https://www.brettlarkin.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrettLarkinYoga Mentioned by Brett - Uplifted Yoga Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-get-an-agent-write-your-wellness-book-and/id1097989571?i=1000637658621

This week on the podcast I am joined by Mary Bugg. Mary is an accomplished Yoga teacher, neuro-muscular therapist and reiki master. She is mum, wife, friend and sister. Having spent 25 years in the film industry as a producer Mary brings her rich experience to all her teaching. She understands we may all come from different directions, but ultimately we are all aiming for the same outcome, happiness with acceptance. Mary has run multiple trainings and workshops in the Middle East and is one of the owners and studio director at the The Path Yoga Studio, Bali. In this episode of the podcast, Mary shares a bit about her journey as a yoga teacher, what brought her to Bali and how she became a co-owner in The Path. She shares what it's like to run a business in a foreign country, as well as her top tips for marketing your own business and growing a company, and more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Mary’s yoga story and history working in the film industry Making the shift from being a producer to an accomplished yoga teacher Moving to Bali and opening up a yoga studio Operating in a foreign industry and understanding how to run your business differently Growing a yoga studio in a small town Mary’s top tips for marketing your own business and growing a company Guest links: The Path Yoga Center: https://www.thepathyogacenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundance_therapies/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Amanda Hughes. Amanda is a brand photographer based in Scotland, UK. She works with all types of small businesses, including yoga teachers. In this episode, we're talking about why it's important to have great brand photos for your yoga business and the benefits of hiring a photographer. Amanda also shares some of her top tips for getting great photos for the yoga teachers just starting out who can't afford a professional photographer just yet. We talk about equipment, lighting, selfies and more! Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Amanda’s background and career history How Amanda shifted to working jobs in photography Why it’s important to have great brand photos for a yoga business Taking your own photos over using stock photos online The two different ways to create your brand photos and how to approach both methods The benefits of hiring a professional photographer Tips for creating great photos yourself or from someone that isn’t a professional photographer Amanda’s top business lessons over her experience with branding and photography Guest links: Shot by Amanda: https://www.amandahughes.uk/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Michelle Leotta. Michelle is a yoga teacher turned health coach! She’s spent the past 13 years as a practicing, certified health coach while acting as a mentor for health coaches, a presenter at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and partner of Primal Health Coach Institute. In this episode of the podcast, we're talking about Michelle's journey as a yoga teacher, why she pivoted from teaching yoga to being a health coach, how she's built her business over the last decade, and why becoming a health coach can be a great addition to a yoga teaching career. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: How Michelle got into yoga and her initial journey Michelle’s introduction to teaching yoga while working in advertising Making the pivot from teaching yoga to being a health coach Running a yoga coaching business while pregnant and raising a child Going back to practicing yoga after having a child Operating an online business prior to the pandemic Why becoming a health coach can be a great option for your yoga career Guest links: Website: https://healthcoachpower.com/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Kaya Mindlin. Kaya is a trusted teacher guiding many of today’s yoga teachers and longtime practitioners. Yogic seekers from around the world resonate with her authentic and mothering approach that threads the mystical and practical. She integrates the full-spectrum of the Vedic tradition in her work including Therapeutic Yoga, Mysticism and Philosophy, Storytelling, Ayurveda, Vedic Astrology and Vedic Counseling to reveal the body and life as a vehicle for spiritual awakening. In this episode of the podcast we are diving into all things dharma! We discuss what dharma is, how we know what our purpose in teaching is, what the "friends" and "enemies" to dharma are, advice for someone who is just starting out and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. This episode is also sponsored by MagicMind. MagicMind is the shot of productivity that everyone should need to get their day started, without all the caffeine. MagicMind has adaptogens and a mixture of twelve ingredients that help to boost your energy and focus, crush procrastination, and elevate your mental clarity. Head over to magicmind.com and use code MBOM20 for 20% off. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: What Kaya has been up to since we last had her on the podcast How Kaya’s business has continued to shift since the days of the pandemic Preventing burnout while running your business online Knowing what your purpose is in teaching Defining dharma, and the “friends” and “enemies” to dharma Determining what you want to teach or offer based on information from your dharma Navigating purpose and balance between work and life outside of work Guest links: https://yogawithkaya.com/online-programs/ and code MBOM20 to get a discount off any online programs!