I have to admit, I am a little embarrassed at the amount of time that has elapsed since my last post… In these strange times, I have finally got a bit of time to share some of the things I have been wanting to write about for a long time. Let’s face it, we could all do with a bit of inspiration and championing at the moment, and so this is the beginning of a series of short conversations with yogis who inspire.
Allie Hill is the owner of yogahaven. She is a yoga business owner, teacher trainer, health food store owner, dog rescuer, incredible friend and was one of my very first teachers. Read on to find out more….
Who are you? Where are you in the world? What do you do?
Allie, founder of yogahaven. I live opposite Brighton beach.
How did you get into yoga in the first place? And what made you decide to teach?
I spent five years leading a very hedonistic lifestyle while living in Japan, the result was total burn out. I flew to Sydney deciding to take a year out and joined a swanky gym offering yoga classes. It was literally in my second ever yoga class that I had an innate feeling I wanted to teach. Pretty profound but true!
How did you end up starting yogahaven?
After working for Pure Yoga in Hong Kong I got the idea to open my own studio. I had no money but incredible determination, and despite being turned down for several loans from the banks I didn't give up on my dream. I finally got a loan via a government loan guarantee scheme and in 2003 yogahaven was born.
What has been the biggest challenge in starting or maintaining a business?
Ha! Nothing quite like CV-19 to knock you sideways. I quickly learnt to surrender. What will be, will be.
Are you a planner or a follow your gut kinda gal'?
100% Gut
Who or what keeps inspiring you?
The teachers and community at yogahaven.
Do you have a personal or professional mission? A message you are intent on sharing?
Don’t be afraid to take risks! Stay grounded.
Any future projects you want to tell us about?
yogahaven Croydon - halfway through being built until the lockdown!
Who do you love to practice with?
Any of the classes at yogahaven and currently our studio’s online streaming.
During lockdown, what is the best thing to:
- read
Women who run with Wolves - Clarissa Pinkola
- watch
Catching up on Peaky Blinders
- listen to
We are the Weather - Saving the Planet Starts with Breakfast (on Audible)
Brené Brown’s new podcast Unlocking Us
- do or make
Painting our baby’s nursery!!
Check in soon for snippets of inspiring people!