Starting Out in the Wellness Industry: A Guide to Navigating Your Journey

Entering the wellness industry, whether as a yoga teacher or holistic practitioner, can be both exciting and overwhelming. While it’s rewarding to share your passion, the early stages often come with unexpected challenges—uncertainty, financial instability, and even loneliness. This guide highlights key lessons, practical advice, and insights to help you build confidence and sustainability in your career.

1. It’s Okay to Not Get It Perfect Right Away

Starting out, you don’t need to have everything figured out. It’s okay to:

• Bring notes into class.

• Feel nervous.

• Forget your plan and improvise.

Teaching is a skill that improves with time. Be kind to yourself, trust the process, and allow yourself to learn through experience.

2. Know Your Boundaries as a Teacher

You are a guide, not a medical or mental health professional. You are not responsible for solving:

• Chronic pain or injuries.

• Emotional struggles like grief or anxiety.

Be compassionate but know when to refer students to qualified professionals. Setting clear boundaries protects your energy and ensures ethical practice.

3. Getting Your Foot in the Door

Finding regular teaching opportunities can be challenging at first. Especially because often yoga studios ask for a year’s worth of teaching experience (in a studio) before you are maybe given a cover spot. So to gain experience and build connections:

• Explore non-traditional venues: Gyms, corporate settings, community centers, and wellness retreats often provide more accessible opportunities than boutique studios.

• Attend classes at the studios you want to teach in, get to know people there, be a part of the community - it shows where your passions lie!

• Be patient: The beginning of your career is about learning and gaining experience, not immediate perfection.

“I thought yoga teaching would be more community-based, but it can feel quite lonely. You’re in and out of classes, crossing paths with students but rarely other teachers. And in studios, it sometimes feels like you’re competing for the same clients.”

4. Finding Community and Avoiding Isolation

Many assume that yoga and wellness spaces will automatically foster community, but the reality can feel isolating and competitive. Combat loneliness by:

• Connecting with like-minded teachers through online or local wellness groups.

• Joining professional networks or mentorship programs.

• Seeking out peer support groups (we’re working on creating more of these—stay tuned!).

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Burnout is common in the wellness industry. Simplify your teaching and avoid overloading yourself:

• Reuse class plans for a week to reduce preparation time.

• Develop themed sequences with minor adjustments to keep your planning manageable.

• Trust your intuition—sometimes, a lesson plan needs to be thrown out in favor of spontaneity.

Consistency fosters stability, while flexibility keeps your teaching fresh and engaging.

6. The Best Way to Get Better at Teaching? Teach!

No amount of preparation or training replaces actual experience. The more you teach, the more:

• Confident you become.

• You develop your unique voice.

• You refine your ability to adapt and respond to students’ needs.

Growth comes from action, not just study.

7. It’s Okay to Say, “I Don’t Know”

Students may ask questions that you’re unsure about. Instead of feeling pressured to have all the answers, practice saying:

“I’m not sure, but I can look into it for you.”

This honesty builds trust and models lifelong learning.

“I felt pressure to make my classes creative, playful, and fun… but I should have just mastered the basics first.”

8. Less is More in Teaching

Overloading students with cues, alignment details, or complex sequences can overwhelm them. Instead:

• Keep instructions clear and simple.

• Focus on connection over perfection.

• Trust that your presence and guidance are valuable, even without advanced postures.

Most students aren’t seeking extreme flexibility—they’re looking for support, grounding, and a space to reconnect with themselves.

“Financial stress is real as a freelancer and yoga teacher.”

9. Know Your Rights: Teacher Contracts & Fair Pay

The wellness industry isn’t always transparent when it comes to pay and contracts. Protect yourself by:

• Questioning unpaid responsibilities labeled as “karma work” (e.g., cleaning studios or administrative tasks beyond your teaching role).

• Understanding fair pay for your services and advocating for yourself.

• Being mindful of non-compete clauses that restrict where you can teach.

You deserve to be treated fairly—never let someone convince you otherwise.

10. Keep Learning and Evolving

The wellness industry is constantly evolving, and staying engaged in ongoing education can help you grow as a teacher and business owner. Consider:

• Attending workshops or further training to refine your skills.

• Learning about complementary fields like nutrition, mindfulness, or breathwork.

• Seeking mentorship or coaching to gain insights from experienced professionals.

Investing in your personal and professional growth ensures that your teaching remains fresh, inspiring, and aligned with your long-term goals. It’s also really good for your brain!

Challenges to Be Aware Of

• Lack of Tools & Support: Without mentorship or feedback, new teachers often struggle with retaining clients and growing confidence.

• Financial Instability: Freelancing means accounting for unpaid time off, like holidays or illness.

• Burnout & Overworking: Many new teachers feel they have to take every opportunity, leading to exhaustion and lack of balance.

• Marketing & Promotion Hesitation: Many struggle with self-promotion, worrying about feeling “salesy” while building their business.

Building a Sustainable Career

As you grow, consider:

• Diversifying Your Offerings: Combining yoga with nutrition, breathwork, or mindfulness coaching can expand your reach.

• Online & Event-Based Growth: Workshops, virtual classes, and retreats provide alternative income streams.

• Long-Term Stability: Balancing business growth with personal well-being is key to sustainability.

Remember:

✅ It’s okay to make mistakes—growth takes time.

✅ Set clear boundaries to protect your energy.

✅ Find community to combat loneliness.

✅ Simplify your teaching to avoid burnout.

✅ You don’t need all the answers—authenticity builds trust.

✅ Fair pay and contracts matter—know your rights.

✅ Long-term sustainability is more important than short-term wins.

The wellness industry is a fulfilling but challenging space to navigate. By setting boundaries, seeking community, and embracing lifelong learning, you can build a career that is both sustainable and rewarding. Above all, remember: you are not alone in this journey, and support is always available.

No matter where you are on your path, trust that you have something valuable to offer. Keep going, and don’t be afraid to seek support along the way.

Laura x