Chronic Illness Inspires Mobile-Friendly Yoga Biz

Notes from Chris

Episode 828

At age twelve, Kayla Kurin was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She got passed around from doctor to doctor, but no one knew how to help. As she grew up, she had dreams of traveling the world and starting her own business. But her illness was getting in the way.

At her lowest point, Kayla didn't think she'd be able to graduate university or hold a normal job, and travel seemed impossible. But in the past seven years, she’s done all of those things, and more. She’s traveled to over forty countries, completed three triathlons, and started two businesses.

The two most important things that helped her get to that point were yoga and meditation.

Kayla found yoga sequences to be challenging without setting her back like other forms of exercise did. When she tried searching out Yoga and Mindfulness courses specifically geared to those living with illness, there wasn’t much out there. That’s when she decided to become a yoga teacher.

After completing her training, Kayla taught in-person yoga courses… at least at first. Knowing that yoga could be a key tool in managing a chronic illness, she wanted to share resources for people to practice yoga in a therapeutic way. She began catering her classes for people with chronic illness. The challenge was that her students, who struggled with fatigue and other health setbacks, often missed class due to these very health issues—so she also began sharing some initial resources online.

After her first year as an instructor, Kayla transitioned her full-time job to become location independent. Now working as a copywriter and social media manager (which started out as a side hustle, by the way!), she was able to take her work on the road.

He passion for teaching yoga came along with her. She moved her courses and workshops online, allowing her to reach more people, no matter where in the world they might be.

Her website, Aroga Yoga, became the hub for her resources.

While exploring the world as a digital nomad, Kayla continues to teach private classes on a weekly basis as well as leading workshops a few times a year. Another bonus of taking her yoga business on the road is that Kayla can film her course videos against new backdrops around the world.

Positive feedback from her students is its own reward, but the business also helps keep Kayla accountable to her own fitness and health goals. And she’s happy to have an extra cushion of roughly $10,000 annually on top of her primary income.

Kayla intends to keep producing more books, blog posts, and mini-courses. It’s no stretch to say that she’ll continue to keep her side hustle flexible.

 

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Aroga Yoga: Learn more about how Kayla is helping others manage their chronic illnesses over on her website!

 

SEE ALSO:

• Los Angeles Designer Runs Mobile Yoga Studio: An on-location, by appointment yoga studio helps a UX designer earn an additional $40,000 a year working only a few hours each week
• Graphic Designer Turns Side Hustle into $80k Project: A longing for expression and self-love pushes one woman into a successful side hustle helping others live more fulfilling lives through the practice of breathwork
• Yoga Mat Reseller Changes Lives While Earning $4,000/Month: After being inspired by social good companies like TOMS, a woman in London creates a yoga accessories business that focuses on empowering women worldwide

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,