Space for Yoga Studio
Yesterday I had some fun looking at a few commercial spots available at a pretty “hot” part of downtown Los Angeles: main and 6th. I don’t have my business plan complete, so I don’t really know what my budget is. The space at left is $3000/month for 1500 sq ft. I was disappointed at the wheelchair ramp coming up into the room and chopping up the open space. The space is only raised a couple of feet above ground level, and I think the ramp is really more for easier dolly delivery of goods to the space since it’s really a retail space–not sure the guy who showed me it knows the full story. I’m not entirely sure how I would accommodate handicapped people (if bound to a wheelchair) into a yoga class anyway. I have yet to see anyone doing that–unless the facility was specially equipped or it was some kind of hospital-based physical therapy/rehab center. Not sure I’m ready to tackle that yet. I have thought about visually-impaired folks and a special class for them, as I have a close friend who is visually-impaired and looking for more classes structured for that kind of situation. I’d also love to offer a free class to war veterans suffering from PTSD.
It was good to see a space in real life…I know now that I cannot go any smaller than 1500 sq ft. That will be just enough room for a decent-sized class and some kind of reception area. I would need to build some kind of wall around the reception area to close it off from the main class. Not sure if it will be sound-proofed enough. I wouldn’t want to be teaching a class and have the students hear the phone ringing or the front desk person talking to someone. (Note to self: make sure phone has a blinking light/no ringer setting we can switch to when class is in session.) Ideally, my perfect space would have a front reception area really separated/closed off from the main room, the main room would have hardwood floors and windows on one wall, and there would be a half bathroom and tiny office for administrative stuff.
The other thing I didn’t care for was the big old chunky column in the middle of the room. And the sound in the room from the concrete floor/walls bounced all over the place. An instructor and music could really get washed up in all that echoing. I also think $3000 is too much-sounds like the owner was open to taking it down in price, but overall I don’t see the space being right. The only thing that is right is the location near all the 6th/Spring action and downtown Art Walk, and right on the main drag of LA Fashion Walk. Perfect spot to promote the studio with a special event with all those people out there. I have noticed that another yoga studio downtown has had to stop having classes during those events, as it gets too crazy with the crowds.
Anyway, it was a ton of fun to check out the space and “dream” about the possibilities. I just don’t think the space, parking, price, etc are quite right. The space is going to have to be attractive, in a good location, with some kind of parking solution if I want a shot in hell of succeeding.
McKenna Rowe is the Founder of Chakra 5 Mobile Yoga, an experienced team of corporate yoga instructors that provides mobile yoga classes on location and by appointment at businesses, schools and organizations throughout greater Los Angeles. Call us to start your corporate wellness program today: 310-853-3885.