Ariel Gunn
Owner, Yoga Chikitsa
Tell us about yourself, Ariel. What three adjectives best describe you? And have you always been an entrepreneur?
I am strong, sincere and driven. I have a Bachelor’s degree (major in sociology and minors in psychology, art, and criminal justice) and held a corporate job for many years, but it wasn’t my calling. Robert Fritz once said, “If you limit your choice to only what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.”
I had already been teaching yoga on the side, but my first enormous leap of faith was from corporate to the role of full-time yoga teacher. After several years, I took an even bigger leap into ownership of Yoga Chikitsa. Both times I hesitated for so long, but once I decided to believe in myself, the path just laid itself out before me. Now as an entrepreneur, studio owner, and yoga teacher, I’m living on my own terms, happy and excited in my work, and fulfilled. I feel I’m making a difference and positively contributing to our community.
Tell us about Yoga Chikitsa. And is there a story behind the name?
I’ve owned Yoga Chikitsa about three-and-a-half years now. We have a very diverse offering of styles, including Ashtanga, Wall Ropes, Yin, Vinyasa, Myofascial Release, a functional movement class, Stretch & Meditation and more.
But we do even more than that. I run a 200 HR Yoga School here, we have a cute little boutique inside the studio, we offer Reiki sessions, Thai Bodywork sessions, private lessons, we have an infrared sauna, and this year I’m debuting the newest branch of my business…Retreats with Yoga Chikitsa! We’re headed to Eureka Springs, Puerto Vallarta, and East Texas this year. In addition, we always have special workshops, events and continuing education opportunities on the schedule for enrichment.
What makes yoga unique among health and wellness offerings? And what makes your studio unique?
What differentiates yoga from general exercise is its integrated approach to working with the mind/body connection. Sure, you will increase strength and flexibility, but yoga also incorporates breathwork, meditation, and purposeful movement to affect us like a primal medicine. It covers a lot of the bases of things we humans need to be well physically, emotionally and mentally.
What makes Yoga Chikitsa special is the people within it. The teachers are extraordinary, the community of clients is an absolute joy, and as the owner, I treat the place with the utmost love, care and protection. The compliment I most often receive about Yoga Chikitsa, and the one that probably makes me most proud, is that it is authentic.
Do you have a motto or inspiration which drives your business and your life?
I am inspired by the thought of making this world a better place through a ripple effect. Each time someone practices with me, I know there is potential for them to leave feeling like a little bit better version of themselves…a little more patient, a little less stressed, a little more in tune with his or her true nature. This best self is, in turn, shared with others.
What are your ties to Richardson?
I grew up here. I moved away for a long time, then came back to be near family. My mom, Karen Ellis, is one of Richardson’s most involved, biggest champions. She loves this city and I am privileged to know it better through her eyes.
What skills do you find most necessary for running your business?
Intrinsic motivation, a clear “why”, creativity, forethought and planning, leadership and organization. Plus, a thick skin doesn’t hurt when dealing with the public and, in my business, compassion tops the list. No one is great at every single aspect of business ownership, so a willingness to try to grow in the parts you don’t excel at is a must.
Lastly, the ability to balance work and home in your mind, energy, time is crucial. There are no true days off. I taught all nine months of my pregnancy and now I’m balancing running the studio and being the mom of a wonderful one-year-old. It’s tough when I’m away from her; it’s also tough when I’m away from work. I feel very lucky to oversee my own schedule, so I get to be with her a lot more than many women in the workforce get to be with their littles.
What is the best way for potential customers to learn more about you?
Our website is yoga-chikitsa.com and on social we are @yogachikitsarichardson. We have our own app, which makes signup easy; search Yoga Chikitsa on the App Store. You could sign up for our email newsletter on our website. But truly, the best way is to simply come visit us!
Is there anything else you would Richardson to know about you or your business?
You do not have to be super flexible, fit, or talented to try yoga. Come as you are!
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