Palmyre LEFEBVRE on the Path Into Yoga

From Personal Practice to Purposeful Teaching

Approaching 40, I signed up for both a 200-hour vinyasa and a Yin yoga training. Yin was a revelation. Though I originally told myself I'd never teach, friends began asking me to guide them — and slowly, I began teaching. I was still working in digital communications, but once again, I'd found balance.

Then a friend in perimenopause asked me why I wasn't focusing on women 40+. There's prenatal and postnatal yoga — but so little for women in midlife. That question shifted everything. I trained in Menopause Yoga and knew immediately that this was my mission: to help women navigate this transition, feel better in their bodies, and find strength through yoga adapted specifically to them.

Two years ago, I launched the first online Menopause Yoga studio in France. Since then, I've been refining the platform, growing my YouTube channel, and making this transformative practice accessible to more women — including absolute beginners.

Building a Purpose-Driven Yoga Business

My business began with in-person classes and workshops. But when I specialized in Menopause Yoga, I committed fully to building something new: an online space tailored to women in perimenopause and menopause. My biggest investment was the website — and thanks to my background in wellness journalism, I handled the content, SEO, and blog strategy myself.

To grow, I leaned heavily on Instagram and launched a blog to share free, supportive resources. I also collaborated with influencers to spark open conversations around menopause — a subject that still remains underrepresented in many wellness spaces.

Lessons I've Learned

Building a business takes patience. There are no overnight successes — especially in a space as sensitive and specific as menopause. I've had to juggle roles as a teacher, content creator, marketer, and mom. You become a true multitasker. I also learned that if you're creating something meaningful, even when people don’t understand it at first, keep going. I was told “menopause isn't sexy” — but now, it's a conversation the world is finally ready to have.

My Message to Founders

Keep going. There are many yoga teachers out there, and the path isn't always easy. But if this is your calling, stay true to it. Stay consistent, even when it's hard. Show up, even when you feel invisible. Let your mission guide you — and trust that everything will unfold as it should.

Business Takeaways from Start with Meaning

Don’t chase trends — build something that deeply matters to you and the community you serve.

Be Patient

Real growth takes time. Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty.

Use Your Skills

Leverage your background — even if it's not in yoga — to strengthen your offerings.

Educate to Empower

Your knowledge can change lives. Don't be afraid to teach what others aren't yet talking about.

Build Trust First

Content builds trust. Blogs, videos, or honest posts create connections long before a sale does.

At , we don't just share inspiring stories — we break down what makes yoga businesses succeed. By learning directly from real founders and entrepreneurs, we extract actionable lessons and proven strategies you can apply, so you can avoid common mistakes, feel more confident, grow faster, and make bold choices with clarity.