Kel Wood on Building a Yoga Studio with Purpose

The Challenge That Changed Everything

Yoga saved my life—it might sound woo-woo, but it's true. Before I found yoga, I had become quite disassociated from my ability to feel and connect. Piece by piece, yoga helped me reclaim that quality. Of course, professionally, there are always challenges. But I believe that's a huge part of life—challenges offer us the opportunity to expand our capacity, skills, communication, and resilience.

A Decade of Practice Before Teaching

Over the past 10 years, my yoga journey has evolved significantly. My first 10 years of practice were solely personal—I had no interest or aspirations to become a yoga teacher. I already had a career I was passionate about. But 10 years in, I decided to do a teacher training, just for myself. However, by the time I completed my first teacher training, I knew deep down that I wanted to help as many people as I could to find their own yoga path.

From One Studio to Two

Five years after that, I had the opportunity to open our first studio in Oxenford—two weeks before a global pandemic. Despite the timing, the studio developed the most incredible community and teaching team. In 2023, we opened our second studio—thankfully with no pandemic this time. However, we did go through a 12-month rebuild of the studio, including rebranding and revamping our offerings. The tight-knit community and teaching team in Southport have been instrumental in embracing the evolution of the studio. You can truly feel the heartbeat they bring to the space.

Merging My Two Passions

Last year, I wanted to combine my passion for the ocean and yoga, so we launched our Whitsundays sailing yoga retreat. We thought—if we're going to offer a retreat, let's make it something that includes nature, time away from technology, and a space where attendees can feel rested and reconnected.

Evolving into Teacher Training

This year, my evolution continues with offering teacher training. It's been a huge learning experience—one that's challenged and expanded me in all the right ways.

Starting Small and Saying Yes

I started small with one class a week and an Instagram page, all while continuing to work full-time. I said yes to all types of teaching opportunities that came my way. That's how it began.

Finding a Sustainable Path

At one point, I was teaching 25 classes a week at various locations. While I was grateful, I realized it wasn’t sustainable. I also knew I wasn't going to take the traveling yogi path due to personal commitments. So it made sense to create a home away from home for the community—and that's what the studio became.

Lessons I've Learned

Oh, so many—and I know there are many more to come. I've learned that clear communication is key. That yoga truly is for anyone, but we may not be for everyone. That every conversation can be an opportunity for growth and learning.

My Message to Other Yoga Founders

Trust and invest in the success and dreams of your team. Give them opportunities to grow and ask for their insights. See your amazing community—the people who show up every day for themselves. We can't lose the humanity within yoga by focusing only on shape formation. Don’t lead from fear or comparison. Other people's opinions of me are none of my business. My role in the yoga world is to offer things that help you like you—it doesn't matter if you don't like me.

What Drives Me

What drives me today is still what drove me 10 years ago: to offer safe spaces where people can find their yoga, reconnect with themselves, and build a quality relationship with who they are—not their job title, not their home role, not even their beliefs—but the deeper essence of who they are. I'm not interested in being the best teacher or studio in the world. I want to show up intentionally, tread lightly on this incredible planet, and be the best version of myself for the world.

Business Takeaways from

« Start small, stay consistent: One weekly class and a social presence can become a studio.

« Say yes to opportunities: Growth comes from action, not waiting.

« Sustainability over hustle: Teaching 25 classes a week may work for a while, but it isn’t the long game.

« Trust your people: Growth multiplies when your team grows with you.

« Lead from clarity and compassion: Speak clearly, act kindly, and honor your values.

« Yoga is for all, not all are for you: Don't dilute your purpose to please everyone.

+ Humanity over hierarchy: Don't let business goals erase the human heart of yoga.

« Keep showing up: Even when it's hard—especially then.

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