A couple of months ago we stated in our newsletter:
“Starting on July 1st, ALL of the classes at Open Door will be offered on a donation basis. Teachers and the studio expenses will be soley supported thru the generosity and support of you, the students.As of April 1st, we have ceased offering 3 Month, 6 Month or Yearly Unlimiteds. We will continue to offer Monthly Unlimiteds until June 1st. Prepaid class cards will be available in small increments up until July 1st.
Let’s just let go of all the fear, the doom and gloom of the current economy, and take a leap of faith. Putting the emphasis on the YOGA and deconstructing the typical business environment can only enhance the the teacher/student relationship.
Here’s how it’s going to work. The money you give goes directly to the teacher who in turn pays rent for that time slot. That rent covers the studio expenses. Simply, you pay the teacher directly and overhead is covered.
Donation does not mean free. It means you are free to choose. Free to be generous if you have a little more. Free to continue your practice if you have a little less.
Smile, this is going to be amazing!”
Since we have introduced our plans to switch our business model to donation offerings, we have had numerous and varied responses from folks. I have been thinking and planning for this since before I even signed the lease at 745 W. Johnson St. As an idea, theory and philosophy towards business it is one thing to talk about. But, to actually plan and watch it take place in before me eyes, makes me smile and my heart speed up a little bit. I know that for many folks this is a completely radical and off beat way to run a business, truly relying on the support of our students to: pay rent, our phone bill and help all of us teachers eat and support ourselves.
We teach because we love the yoga and want to share, but teaching yoga within the typical business model tends to shift the focus to the transactions around money. I have no problem asking for money in exchange for the effort and time it took to create the studio and the hours and hours of effort, sweat and time we all put into teaching. But, I find it hard to focus on the yoga when most of my time is spent behind the desk keeping track of passes and money exchange. Plus the hours spent keeping up with the book keeping and record keeping of keeping track of those transactions and accounts.
As time moved on, I kept going back to that idea of just letting go the need to “keep track” of everything. To let it go and trust that if I focus on what I love and do it well, all else will be taken care of. Definitely a non-traditional way to look at business (outside of a church, I was recently reminded). But, I know it can work and only help to make the studio better at what it is already known for: feeling like a home and community.
I also think about the idea of who we are really contributing to: if we come to class to make our lives better, to feel healthy, happy and free, aren’t we really contributing to our own well being when we put our money in to the box?
I will be back to this blog often to continue the discussion and make observations about our transition.
Thanks for all of your support and willingness to try something new!
Monica
