It's not about us; it's about our clients and showing up for them.
Q & A With Oxana Kirsanova, Founder of The Yoga Bar and Sea2Sky Wellness Club
How did you come up with the idea to start The Yoga Bar and Sea2Sky Wellness Club, and what purpose did you intend to serve with the concept?
I have always dreamt about having my own studio so that I can share the gift of yoga. In 2003, I finished law school, but did not pursue a career in law. I started to teach yoga in 2013, after I had been in a car accident. Being a former dancer, it was hard for me to not be able to move the way I used to. None of the treatments were helping me with the injuries, so I tried hot yoga, and it helped me to heal. So, I just wanted to share yoga with others.
Which milestones have marked meeting benchmarks towards the fulfillment of your personal goals/ the company's vision and goals?
The only goal was and still is to serve the community. The company vision is to provide everything the client needs to maintain physical and mental health - under one roof. We have put together programs and classes that focus on not just the body, but the mind, as well. A few months after studio was opened, it was nominated as the best local studio, and 16 months later, it was awarded "Best Businesses in Canada" recognition. We have created a space for the community to connect, heal and to grow.
Which steps have you taken for the company to achieve the level of consumer trust that has been nationally recognized?
We try to embody the compassion and values we hope to nurture in those that trust us by providing the very best instruction. We believe that if we role-model those very virtues, the rest will take care of itself. Yoga is something that does not necessarily happen on the mat; it is the values and choices you make in your daily life. In turn, I try to lead by example.
What part of your education or other experiences do you feel was the most helpful in preparing you for success?
I am very fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to set a standard in both, myself and those around me; they taught me to strive to be steadfast in all that I do. Also, graduating law school taught me to work hard with diligence; being a single mom taught me patience; being a dancer taught me to move with grace. Daily life, with all its ups and downs, is the best teacher of all.
Which strategies have you found the most effective in growing your audience/ bringing awareness of your service to a larger consumer group?
Foremost, it has helped to hire a great marketing team that specializes in SEO and Google Ads. In addition, I have a great photographer that has created content with not just stock pictures, but also using original content to help create a more organic feel that embodies our studio’s philosophy. Lastly, it has been important to be ourselves. Being real and being authentic is a principle I have tried to nurture throughout the development process in each phase.
Which partnerships, if any, have been the most constructive in bringing your goals closer to becoming a reality?
Community partnerships have been at the core of our development in bringing us closer. I believe that partnering with local community practices, such as physio practitioners, nutritionists, and medical practitioners, especially post-pandemic, has helped build a stronger community and stronger ties within.
Are there any challenges that made it difficult to continue operation and that you managed to overcome? What was your approach to get past these?
Covid. In particular, the challenge was the stringent restrictions and closures placed on fitness centers of all types. It was heartbreaking to watch neighborhood studios shutting down.
How do you balance work, passions/hobbies, and relationships?
This is the hardest thing, but I’m one of those lucky people because I do what I love. So, when I’m going to work, it doesn’t feel like an obligation; it feels more like something I love. I also have a rule that I do something I really love at least ten minutes per day, even if I don’t work all day. The business remains open seven days a week to help meet the needs of the community. I believe in taking time for myself, spending it at the beach or just getting some sun. I believe in surrounding myself with those that support me and share my values. I try to set some boundaries so I can unplug and just enjoy time with my family and people I love.
What are your future plans to build on your personal/ company achievements and fulfill your vision for success/ what developments can your clientele look forward to expecting next?
I want to take yoga outside of the studio to the outside-world: to the office, to athletes, and helping the rest of the world see that yoga isn’t just confined to the mat inside of the studio. I want to encourage children and adolescents to get involved to help nurture the idea that it doesn’t have to be mystical but can be practical.
What advice would you like to give readers that hope to achieve success in your field?
In this industry it's not about us; it's about our clients and showing up for them, to serve our community. So, it doesn’t matter what’s happening in your life; you have to show up for them. You have to love when you do, and the passion has to be your drive.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Winner Magazine readers?
The best career advice that I can give is: don’t ever attach yourself to a person, a company, a place, a project, or location. Attach yourself to a mission; a purpose. That’s how you keep your power and peace. It worked very well for me so far.
We thank Oxana for sharing these insights and experiences with Winner Magazine's readers. If you are looking for Yoga Instruction for Fitness and Health in White Rock, British Columbia, we would recommend reaching out to Oxana at Sea2Sky Wellness Club!
