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Awilda Rivera is a yoga teacher based in Atlanta who specializes in kids yoga and running retreats! On this episode of the podcast, Awilda shares her journey as a kids yoga teacher. She shares tips for getting certified as a kids yoga teacher, the challenges of starting a kids yoga program, and tips for being successful as a kids yoga teacher.

Awilda and I also chat about being a yoga instructor vs. a yoga teacher, and how to embody yoga on and off the mat, while still charging what you’re worth and making a sustainable living as a yoga teacher. Finally, we chat about running successful yoga retreats, and everything that Awilda has learned from leading a number of successful yoga retreats! She shares tips for budgeting your time and energy, setting deadlines for pricing, and how to plan a successful international retreat.

Enjoy! 

Business Lessons from this Episode: 

• Don’t underestimate the value of subbing as a new yoga teacher
• Be ruthlessly consistent in your pursuit of how you portray yourself
• Asana is just the tip of the iceberg – it’s all the other learnings and taking that off the mat that are the real benefits of a regular yoga practice
• Kids Yoga Certifications
  • Radiant Child
  • Grounded Kids
  • Laughing Lotus 
  • Rainbow Kids
• You may have to travel for your training
• It may take longer than you would like because of when the modules are offered
• If you want to be a registered kids yoga teacher in schools or daycares, you need to be registered with Yoga Alliance
• Interacting with kids is a lot different than interacting with adults – your direct customer is the kids parent
• Storytelling is really important for little kids
• Make sure your energy matches their energy
• Have a routine when the kids come in and sit down so that they know what to expect
• Building a kids yoga program isn’t easy – it takes a lot of dedication to build programs with schools, etc.
• You have to be willing to put in the work
• It can take a lot of persuasion to convince schools to get on board and a lot of follow up to make it happen
• Yoga instructor vs. yoga teacher
  • If you don’t have any interest in deepening your knowledge around the 7 limbs other than asana, you are an instructor (similar to a fitness instructor)
  • Yoga teachers take what they practice on the mat off the mat and embody it fully
• There are a lot of ways to enrich your teaching and your practice through books, trainings, etc.
• Think about what you’re offering and where you want to take your practice
• If we’re lucky, we get to see our growth reflected in our students!
• Remember that you always have lots to learn about the practice and as teaching
• Meet people, talk to people, tell people what you’re interested in – this is the best way to make your dreams a reality!
• Retreats are financially viable, but they are a lot of hard work
• Make sure you have your itinerary, make sure you have added bonuses and something that sets you apart
• Budget time for fun activities, and also allow them to have free time to enjoy a vacation and some time to relax
• Have clear deadlines for yourself, including early bird pricing and regular pricing
• Always stay in communication with the company and vendors that you’re working with
• If you don’t like leading people and managing situations then don’t lead yoga retreats
• Be prepared for things to do wrong and people to meltdown
• Get clear on your “why” as a teacher! What is your purpose and intention? This will help you get through the tough times or the times when finances are tight.
• Money is a form of energy, and energy is ALWAYS exchanged when you teach
• When setting prices, consider what the purpose of the program or session, the level of expertise, and how customized the session is
• Make sure you factor in the cost of travel for all private or 1-on-1 sessions that you do
• And much more… Here’s the episode!

Connect with Awilda: 

Awilda Rivera

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