Full-Time Yoga Teacher
120: The Power Dynamics Between Yoga Teachers & Studio Owners | Navigating the Politics of the Yoga Industry (Part 3)
Can you build a sustainable career as a yoga teacher without compromising your values? In the final episode of this three-part series, Sunny and I dive into one of the most challenging conversations in the yoga industry: the business of teaching yoga. We explore questions that many teachers think about but rarely talk about openly: • Why are yoga teachers often expected to work beyond the hours they're paid for? • Are teacher trainings creating sustainable careers, or unrealistic expectations? • What role do community and belonging play in keeping teachers at a studio? • How do we navigate pay, loyalty, and opportunities without losing our autonomy? • What can newer teachers do to advocate for themselves while continuing to grow? Throughout this conversation, we share our personal experiences, reflect on the systems that shape the yoga industry, and acknowledge that there are no easy answers. Our goal isn't to criticize individual studio owners or teachers, but to encourage thoughtful conversations about the structures we all participate in. We hope this conversation gives you new perspectives, practical ideas, and thoughtful questions to reflect on as you navigate your own path. If you've enjoyed this series, we'd love to hear your thoughts. What has your experience been in the yoga industry? What conversations do you think we should be having more often? Connect with Sunny: YouTube: @sunnysideyogalates Website: https://www.healingwithsunny.org/ Instagram: @sunnysideyogalates Connect with Reika: Website: www.reikayoga.com Instagram: @reikayoga Workshop: Y oga Meets Physical Therapy with AJ (August 8th, Saturday, 3-5 pm PST)
