Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Miller.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey has been rich with lessons. In addition to owning YNG Studios in San Clemente where I also teach yoga classes, I have been a hairstylist for over 35 years and owned one of the largest salons in South Orange County. My experience as an owner/operator in the salon provided me with a critical foundation for owning and operating YNG Studios. The hurdles, mistakes, losses and gains truly were great teachers that matured me – allowing me to become the leader I am today.
In my younger years, I was a competitive athlete, continuing to run long-distance races throughout my adult years. Being an athlete has always been in my DNA. I came from the generation of “no pain no gain” and “rub some dirt on it and get back in the game!”. It wasn’t until I was sidelined with multiple back surgeries and degenerative disc disease that I made my way to yoga.
Following much needed corrective surgeries, I had four months off from work to contemplate my priorities. I had always wanted to go on a missionary trip, and I decided it was time to live for my heart and feed my soul.
In preparation for my mission trip, I decided that HOT yoga would “train” me for the conditions I would most likely experience in Africa. I had the “athlete mentality.” I stepped foot into the studio that I now own and took my very first yoga class. I then decided to come back every day… sometimes 2x per day, to still my mind for the long journey, and prepare my body for the inescapable African heat. What I discovered was that my body changed and responded in ways I have never experienced and the words and philosophies coming from the instructors were aligning with my own beliefs – I felt safe to be imperfect.
My passion to learn more burned deep in me and I felt called to share my experience of a newfound freedom in my body with others who may feel limited. When I first had my surgeries, I was afraid that my physical life was over – little did I know it was just beginning! With parents as teachers, there is an ingrained belief that we are always learning, sharing knowledge, seeking truth and remaining curious… growing ourselves and others. Information is meant to be shared, and the gifts that we are given, when shared, multiply.
Following my mission trip, YNG Studios (which was formerly AsanaFit) hired me to teach classes. In fact, they were the first studio to do so as they saw something in me. I went all in – I never said no to anything they asked of me – I picked up any subshifts, taught classes at hours that nobody else wanted to teach, I cleaned, I offered myself completely in service to the studio. I even became their buyer for their yoga apparel line. Every day was a lesson in the business of yoga, in the community of yoga, in the SEVA of yoga… some dust was knocked off the rose-colored lenses, but I became more in tune with trusting my instinct and ability to discern.
When the previous owners offered to sell their business to me, the timing was horrible, yet perfect. We were in the process of moving into a new house to take care of my mother and father. My plate was incredibly full, but my husband and I said YES! I also wasn’t a spring chicken! This I know to be true, you are never too old to live your dreams…OUT LOUD! The moment you think it’s over, it is. It all begins and ends with mindset. I believe you can do anything, and hat all things are possible if you are willing to do the work. Nothing was ever given to me, I worked hard and aimed to come from a place of humility. I moved out of my parents’ house at 17 and have been self-supporting my whole life. I paid for my own education and have always set goals, short term and long to keep myself moving strategically forward. The people I surrounded myself with were integral in this. You are the company you keep. I surrounded myself with like-minded people, and over the years, as my mind and philosophies have changed and evolved, so has the circle of influence. Never be afraid to reassess and be willing to let go of relationships, people and things that are not aligned with your own highest potential.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every obstacle I have ever had, I’ve felt has been an opportunity to reflect, learn and grow. My biggest failures have been my best teachers. When I had to close my salon after nearly 24 years, the lessons were abundant. It took a minute to see them that way though! I did my fair share of deflecting, blaming, etc. I think there must be seven stages to get to seeing where YOU were the problem. The lessons were right there for me, I just had to do the work of reflecting, then reinventing. Always looking forward with hope for what is next. I was told you can be bitter or you can be better, it’s a choice. I tried both…Better is better! Life is a series of choices. Reflection was a huge part of seeing the lessons, evolving, and acknowledging what I could do to be better, to do better.
As a woman in business 35+ years ago, being seen as a serious businesswoman was a huge challenge. Pursuing my dreams had to come before all. I heard “No” a lot. No became a challenge for me to turn them into a “Yes”. Great perseverance paid off. I learned to present myself to reflect the way I expected to be treated. When you take yourself seriously, in any endeavor, others will as well. There has to be an edge of fearlessness and courage to step from the shadows and to confidently light your own fire.
Coming into this business at YNG Studios with my husband presented challenges. Learning to separate the business life from our personal life was crucial. Learning to turn it off, so that we are not living our business 24/7 (that was more me living it and my man trying to get me to shut it off). We have very different ideas on how we run the business, but this endeavor has strengthened our bond. I see him through a fresh set of eyes. He has been so dedicated to this business – he even took teacher training. I have appreciated him immersing his vast knowledge into our space. Working with your spouse can take a toll on a relationship and it takes commitment and communication. There have been many times I was so grateful nobody could hear what we were saying to each other. While there are many more times when I have wished more people could see the kind and generous man he is. The many things he does behind the scenes that only he and I know about. The way he is so wonderful with people and is a great connector. He is the first to put his hand out to help and the last to take anything for himself. I prayed for him and I was blessed. Buying an existing business has had its fair share of challenges. Furthermore, building a team that believes in your vision and emulates it also comes with its own obstacles. I have learned that it is imperative to build your staff up, find your superstars and let them shine.
I thought my back surgeries were a huge roadblock – I truly feared that I would not be able to move or breathe. Doctors kept reminding me of my limits, and what I couldn’t do, while having me heavily medicated. It was a very dark and vulnerable time, but I managed to make my way out of the darkness. I knew who I was, and I valued myself. All the pain – physical, mental and spiritual – were channeled into renewal, leading me to step into mission work, which led me to yoga. All of this, every word, every tear, every prayer, led me to KNOW my dharma, my path. Every hurt, every fear, every truth turned out to be the thread that connected me to many students living with their own physical limitations and fears. Being very real about the process and the awakening that I went through has helped me to support and guide others.
COVID-19 self-isolation has been a game-changer too. I think the way you perceive obstacles is really important, and I believe every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning. What may seem insurmountable may simply be a redirect. The pandemic arrived at the worst time (as I am sure it was for many!). We had just gone through a major rebranding, updated our pricing, invested in marketing and BAM! COVID. Shut Down. There is a saying – adapt or die – we were in a position where we had to evolve. We dug in and implemented many new protocols and ways of doing business so we could ensure our survival. I firmly believe that these situations reveal exactly who you are. If you are angry, the anger will magnify, if you are impatient, impatience will magnify, if you are kind, kindness will magnify. It has been a super magnified lens into the spirit, and an opportunity for a Big Reset for many. Staying connected to the community, keeping communication open and clear, relaying a consistent message of hope and courage. We did an instant pivot moving from in-studio classes to online content, creating branded classes on three different platforms. We offered these as an extension of our in-studio classes and made them free to all, building brand recognition and member loyalty. We created an online store, book clubs, movie nights and beyond. We also took the time to roll up our sleeves and do some renovations. These have been remarkably well received…like Field of Dreams…if you build it, they will come.
Please tell us about YNG Studios.
I love our studio and I am really proud of how we are emerging through COVID-19. YNG is blend of YIN and YANG. To discover YIN and YANG you must find the sacred space between these two opposing energies. For every day there is a night, for every up a down, the light opposes the dark….it is the magic that happens as we transition between these opposites. We have classes that honor the rest and digestive process as well as meditation and classes that connect to the physical warrior. We have two rooms that create two very different climates, two very different experiences. Our studios are inclusive. We encourage the deep focus of the inward lens to become aware. We specialize in building strength through our powerful classes. Strength of body, strength of character, strength of mind, strength of community.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I have been blessed with an amazing circle of women – my circle of influence. These women have held my feet to the fire. They have always come from a place of love, wanting the best for my business and for me. They have openly shared their experiences – good, bad and everything in between. They taught me to be coachable and strategic in my choices and to not take anything personally. I have a very creative mind, so their structure and focus was really good for me. They taught me to set short term that were achievable and celebrate them. They also taught me to set long term goals and be relentless in their pursuit. There is no place for ego, just a sharing.
My mentors have come in many forms. I have built great relationships with other yoga studio owners in the area – everyone brings something unique to the table. We share our struggles and offer support. One of the studio owners lost their lease, and while they waited for their new location to open, we offered them space. It has gone a long way to show our community that we are LIVING our yoga. I believe that mentorship is important, it keeps the cycle of sharing and evolving ever present. As much as I have leaned on my mentors, I also mentor women. This is the cycle of inspiration and progression. It is an unselfish act. I am so grateful for their integrity. Getting involved with local businesses is a great form of mentorship – The Chamber of Commerce for example. There is a wealth of knowledge that is ready and waiting to be of support to you. This is also a valuable tool in networking. The more you give out, the more comes back to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yngstudios.com
- Phone: 949.492.0110
- Email: info@yngstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yng_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YNGstudiosyoga/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/asanaFIT
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