Yoga, for many, begins as a deeply personal and spiritual journey. It’s a space for reflection, discipline, healing, and growth. But as the popularity of yoga has surged across the globe, so has the emergence of yoga as a business. From yoga studios and teacher trainings to apparel and wellness retreats, the business of yoga has become a booming industry.
Yet this growth presents a unique challenge: how can yoga practitioners and teachers stay rooted in the deeper, traditional values of the practice while navigating the realities of running a successful business? Striking a balance between entrepreneurship and spiritual integrity isn’t always easy—but it is possible.
Understanding the Heart of Yoga
At its core, yoga is a spiritual discipline. The teachings of yoga, especially traditional practices like Ashtanga, go far beyond the physical postures. They speak to a way of life—one grounded in humility, service, and inner awareness. The word “yoga” itself means “union,” a reminder that the practice is about connection—to self, to others, and to something greater than ourselves.
But when yoga enters the marketplace, the waters can get murky. Branding, marketing, and monetization—tools essential to any business—don’t always align with the principles of non-attachment, contentment, and simplicity. So how can a yoga teacher or studio owner remain authentic while still paying the bills?
Purpose First, Profit Second
One of the key ways to maintain balance is by keeping the why at the center of the work. Why are you teaching? Why are you opening a studio or leading a retreat? When the motivation is rooted in service—to uplift others, to share healing, to create community—then the business becomes an extension of the practice.
Taylor Hunt, a globally recognized Ashtanga teacher, exemplifies this. He manages to run multiple business ventures—workshops, a yoga studio, and a nonprofit—while staying connected to the heart of yoga. His focus is always on helping others, particularly those in recovery, and it’s that clarity of mission that keeps his business aligned with his spiritual values.
The Importance of Integrity
Success in the yoga business doesn’t mean compromising on ethics or authenticity. If anything, it demands more of it. Students and clients are looking for realness—teachers and leaders who walk the talk. That means staying committed to your own practice, being transparent in your business dealings, and offering fair pricing while also honoring your worth.
Balancing accessibility with sustainability is one of the biggest hurdles in the industry. Yoga teachers often feel torn between offering affordable classes and making enough to survive. Creative solutions like donation-based classes, sliding scale rates, and community scholarships can help bridge the gap.
Creating Community, Not Just Consumers
One of the most effective ways to honor the spiritual roots of yoga while running a business is to focus on building community rather than chasing profit. When students feel like they’re part of something bigger—a sangha, or spiritual family—they are more likely to support the space, return consistently, and deepen their practice.
This means being present for your students, listening to their needs, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. It also means choosing growth that aligns with your values, rather than simply scaling for the sake of revenue.
Staying a Student First
The best yoga entrepreneurs are lifelong students. They don’t just teach—they continue to learn, evolve, and deepen their understanding of the practice. This not only strengthens their teaching but also keeps the ego in check. In the business world, there’s often pressure to brand oneself as an “expert,” but in yoga, humility is a virtue.
Taylor Hunt is known for returning to Mysore, India each year to study with his teacher. That kind of dedication reminds us that even those leading others are still very much on their own path. Staying rooted in learning helps ensure that the business of yoga remains grounded in truth.
Finding Your Own Balance
There’s no one-size-fits-all model for success in the yoga industry. Some teachers thrive with a boutique studio; others find their calling in writing, retreats, or online platforms. What matters most is alignment—between your spiritual values and your professional decisions.
Ask yourself often: Does this choice honor the essence of yoga? Does it serve my students well? Does it reflect who I am?
The answers to those questions will guide you in balancing business and spirituality in a way that feels both sustainable and sincere.
Final Thoughts
The business of yoga is not inherently a contradiction to its spiritual roots—it’s an opportunity. When approached with intention, integrity, and purpose, it becomes a powerful way to share the practice with the world.
Yes, it requires strategy, effort, and smart decisions. But with the heart of yoga at the center, entrepreneurship can be not only a livelihood—but a path of service, growth, and transformation.