Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Hunt.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sharon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story began over a decade ago in my home state of Michigan. My husband and I owned and operated both a Convenience Store and a Beauty Supply Store. In an effort to continue to keep these stores running both successfully and smoothly I had to really dig my heels into a long day’s work, 12 hours seven days a week.
I was always physically active but simply couldn’t find the time to exercise and my stress level was climbing higher and higher. This began to take a toll on my body and I began experiencing pain in my hip, I was on my feet for most of the day. I decided to begin my workout regimen again even though my work hours were long I decided to take yoga at the local YWCA as part of my regimen. At one point, I was asked to fill in for our lead instructor so I was literally thrown into teaching and that’s how my teaching journey began. I was a little apprehensive at first but soon it became second nature especially since I knew my instructor’s teaching style but I knew if I was going to be my best I would need more training and experience. I knew I loved yoga, read quite a few books but wanted to dig deeper into the anatomy of the human body and having this information has awarded me more freedom to place people into specific targeted poses.
Anatomy is key when a client comes to you with certain ailments. I attained my CYT500 certification I have obtained countless hours of continuing education on Chakra balancing and teacher training in Hatha yoga and in Vinyasa flow and additionally meditation. My practice is fairly unique in the sense that it takes me on the road. My studio may be at a professional sports players house, a celebrity’s home or maybe with a small group of people who simply want anonymity or privacy. People have to feel as if they can trust you with their privacy so my referrals continue to come. I offer classes for retreats my most recent was in Peru for a group of teachers. Not everyone wants to be in a group yoga session and for a variety of reasons. I don’t exclude groups from my schedule as I enjoy and have come to know all of my practitioners. Some people may not enjoy crowds or may not be as confident in their skills and that’s where a Private yoga teacher happens. Some may be short on time. A group of my clients suffer from highly stressful careers and enjoy yoga privately. I can especially relate to people being in highly stressful situations since my teaching journey started as a result of stress.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My challenges initially were organizing my business. Being a PYT includes the creation of a host of forms and a variety of contracts based upon client type. Since I have owned businesses in the past I knew a few things about being my own boss and that contracts are especially important when dealing with private yoga clients. In previous years, I’ve had to review real estate contracts so I knew the importance of having contracts in my practice. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes so I’ve grown and I also know that being organized is huge. I am still growing with my business. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge so whenever the going gets tough in any aspect of my business I dig my heels in and work things out. I believe 90% of obstacles are perceived the other 10% eventually works itself out with time so, when I stay on that path things eventually work themselves out. It’s very important to practice what you teach. I feel as if I’ve mastered the technique of staying present. I believe you have to let go of things you have no control over. If at any point I felt overwhelmed during the initial phase of the start of Flex Yoga with Sharon, I have been able to breathe through it.
Please tell us about Flex Yoga with Sharon.
I run a private yoga business that targets those who prefer a more personal approach to yoga. My business stays fresh and new as I add new clients and they hit their mark in achieving their goals. Each day it allows us to visit and teach at a variety of places for a variety of reasons. I work with some clients who are trying to overcome depression through yoga. Some want meditation instructions. I lead yoga hikes for certain groups into the North Georgia Mountains teaching yoga students how to tap into their energy source, maintain focus, endurance and flexibility. I am in the process of adding a wonderful Skincare line and a self-help book. Both of which will soon be available on my website for purchase. I’ve recently incorporated face yoga into my sessions and it has worked wonders for my clients, they’re given homework which is both enjoyable and doable. I like to keep it fun and exciting. The classes are more personal and thereby making it easy to build the confidence and success they seek. I am most proud of my student’s success rate and the joy yoga brings to others. Most of my clients are beginners and intermediate. We set a series of small goals which then become larger goals once achieved. I’ve found that when this happens my clients feel empowered and this builds the confidence they need to go for a pose or asana. One of my favorite go to poses are Eka Pada Rajakapotasana also known as Pigeon Pose. This pose is outstanding for people who want more hip flexibility. This is one to fall in love with if you want to deeply open your hips, stretching the back body through the buttocks and the psoas of the back leg. One thing that sets me apart from others is time, if I have a client in savasana (resting pose which takes place at the end of class) and their class is scheduled for a 1 hour session, and I find they need to stay in that pose longer, I let them if my schedule permits. I’m a “no rush” instructor. My favorite terms are “notice the sensation” “notice your breath” and “feel”. It helps practitioners stay in the moment. I especially place emphasis on safety first.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The qualities I feel are attributed to my success are staying positive. remaining active, staying in the moment and enjoying my moments. Whenever you’re able to stay in the moment that’s where creativity is born. My feeling of success level goes way up the charts whenever I can be comfortable in knowing my yoga students feel at ease and are comfortable asking questions. My advice to everyone is please don’t take life so seriously, live and laugh a little. Most of my adult life has been spent thinking outside the box and enjoying the challenges of creating things and watching them grow. I take a no fear approach and that’s made all the difference in the world for me. I can use many of my past experiences and apply them to Flex Yoga with Sharon. Utilizing my past helps me make my business run smoothly and efficiently.
My yoga business has been a wonderful success through the positive progression of my yoga students. The biggest reward comes whenever my yoga students express how yoga has helped them feel better and to actually hear them say my classes have changed their lives is priceless. Our bodies and bones are different so I encourage each practitioner to make this practice their own.
I’ve learned that you have to stick with it. Anything worth achieving requires you full attention. If you’re going to be a success you have to continuously think about your next move and the possible outcome. It’s important to think about how you can help others and the true vision of your success naturally follows.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m a strong believer in good luck but you have to first master preparedness and opportunity coming together. When you are prepared for your opportunities the result is good luck. Good luck has awarded me the ability to accommodate my client’s schedules.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies depending on your needs but start at $60 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FlexYogawithSharon.com
- Phone: 248-875-5554
- Email: Flexyogawithsharon@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Gregory Hunt Photography
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