Women’s History Month – Lisette Hart
What's your name and your business?
I'm Lisette Hart and I'm the owner of Yoga Branch Studio.
Tell us more about your business.
Yoga Branch is a community yoga studio, we're right here in the heart of Vista in Vista Village. I call it a community yoga studio because we serve people who are in a comfortable drivable distance, they can come in in person. We have classes for all ages and ability levels. For example, for seniors who want to keep healthy and active we have chair yoga classes, they're only $10, really affordable for people on retirement incomes. We also have classes for all beginners of all ages and levels, as well as more challenging classes for people who are starting to advance their practice and do things like headstands, splits, and those kind of things. Pretty much anyone, a beginner or an expert in yoga can find many classes here each week. We also serve our greater community in terms of at a distance away we have many people who come to our Zoom classes.
What inspired you to become a business owner?
I never imagined myself to be a business owner. When I went to college, or university in Canada, I didn't take a single business course. I now wish that I had, it would've been so helpful. I saw myself in another field, more in artistic things and also in some international exploration in politics. But, life's changes led me to becoming a yoga teacher, I was going around teaching at different studios, driving to lots of private clients' homes to teach. I was just finding myself like I needed a home base, where people could come to me and come to the other teachers I was working with, where I could stir the ship a little bit more and really teach the content that I felt was authentic. I guess in doing that I ended up signing a lease and starting a business to be able to have a home base.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?
I think all small businesses face many challenges, probably more than most people see on the outside. For me as a woman, it might sound like something of a cliche answer, but probably my biggest challenges have been balancing my family time, being a mother which is so important to me, with being able to really be here and provide guidance and support for everything that goes on in the studio. As far as teaching, teacher training, and all the behind the scenes. So balancing motherhood and being a business owner is probably my biggest challenge.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
As far as for other women looking to start a business, one thing that's really helped me in being supportive of other women and to receive the support of other women. There's a quote that says "We rise by lifting others" and that's something I've found to be very true. So many women who've walked the path ahead of me, have been very generous with support, advice, and insight and I in turn have tried to do the same thing and be very open and generous with people who are starting their business or trying to become yoga teachers. Give them my insights on what's worked and what hasn't worked.
Where can we find Yoga Branch Studio?
Yoga Branch is at 208 E Broadway right in the heart of Historic Vista Village. All around us is a lot of free parking, it's really easy to get to off of the 78. It's easy access from San Marcos, Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, all the surrounding towns. There's a lot of great breweries, restaurants, and resale shops, so I suggest coming a little early so you can find that free parking and be able to get into class in time. We have a lobby right here where you can leave your shoes and be able to come in and just have a peaceful retreat and enjoy your yoga class.