This column is a look at some brave souls who took a leap of faith to open their businesses. What follows are personal profiles of entrepreneurs following their dreams and thriving despite the odds.
Arogyaveda
2458 North Dixboro Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.arogyaveda.org
(248) 736-4633
Open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At the end of a quiet lane, I found the building where Pradeepa Ryasam invited me to meet her. I had asked if she could share her experience as a new business owner offering holistic wellness services at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. As I walked toward the building, I noticed rabbit footprints in the new snow, and several birds greeted me before Ryasam had a chance to open the door to introduce herself.
There was no time wasted before Ryasam and I were excitedly sharing views on metaphysical spirituality and holistic wellbeing. She told her story of opening Arogyaveda in the fall of 2019, just as the virus began showing up outside of the United States. By the time it reached her own community, it was clear to Ryasam that she must continue teaching Ayurvedic science and yoga during the pandemic.
I wanted to learn how Ryasam and her clientele adapted to challenges, such as teaching yoga from a distance. I also found it moving to hear how she discovered new ways that the pandemic unified her with those she counseled.
After we said our goodbyes, I took my time walking to my car for the same reason the birds and rabbits frequent the grounds at Arogyaveda. I simply enjoyed how I felt in the energy there. The peaceful environment Ryasam created for herself, and her clients, helped me further understand her reasons for providing wellness knowledge at this time in particular. Now more than ever, we are seeking and applying practices that bring inner peace.
Laurel Hogge: Were there any unexpected benefits to your business due to the pandemic? If so, what were they and why do you think it’s unique to the pandemic?
Pradeepa Ryasam: People started to realize prevention is better than cure and started to look for holistic wellness solutions to boost their immunity. Ayurveda is a natural holistic system when it comes to preventive medicine, immunity enhancement, and improved gut health. Because of this, I have seen an increase in the number of clients seeking consultation.
I started consulting with my clients online. The one benefit of online consulting was that I could reach my clients anywhere on the globe from Australia to New Zealand.
I also noticed people taking a huge interest in social media. So, I used Instagram and other social media to share creative content about Ayurveda and yoga. That has helped me gain new clients and students.
Laurel Hogge: How have you adapted to the various mandates?
Pradeepa Ryasam: For yoga, we practiced outdoors during summer with no masks. When we met indoors, we were socially distanced following CDC guidelines. During this time, online group yoga classes also worked well where clients practiced yoga from the comfort of their own homes.
Laurel Hogge: What is the most useful personal skill or trait that you have implemented to keep the business going?
Pradeepa Ryasam: It is important to understand that a lot of people also had emotional struggles during the pandemic, be it with the loss of loved ones, loss of a job, or even falling sick. Being empathetic to their concerns and listening to what my clients had to share was crucial.
Laurel Hogge: Is there a memorable moment, good or bad, associated with having a business during such an uncertain time that you could share?
Pradeepa Ryasam: Most of my offerings are on a one-on-one basis. I will work with all my clients in a very intimate setting and we both connect very well. Before I start my consultation, I chant a mantra and pray that we only exchange positive vibes and energies. In such unprecedented times, we all went through a turmoil of emotion, and it was nice to have someone to share how we felt and reciprocate the other’s feelings.
The first client I saw in the pandemic was a college student and she mentioned so many stressors including Zoom fatigue, workload, isolation, and not being able to see the end of the pandemic. I taught her some meditation and pranayama techniques and how to tune in the positive energy realm. I also reassured her and shared some of her concerns—she was not alone in this journey. Working with people at this level really helped me to realize that we are all on the same path. Together we are praying and hoping together to see the end to this pandemic. Everything around us is energy, and it is in both animate and inanimate things around us. The confluence of these positive vibrations and healing is so potent,it can do miracles.
Another memorable occasion was our outdoor Yoga class. Outdoor Yoga in nature just felt so refreshing. Almost all of us went into a deep state of meditation. Our yogashaala is tucked in a serene and peaceful corner of Ann Arbor surrounded by friendly wildlife and nature. If not for social distancing, we would have been indoors all the time.
Laurel Hogge: Is there anything you would have changed about how you handled business during the pandemic?
Pradeepa Ryasam: Offering group yoga lessons when I have people from different time zones was a challenge. I then opened one more online class that can accommodate people from different geographies. Online yoga classes, especially in a group setting, was not motivating for many as technical issues can pop up from time to time. I soon realized that I should only do private lessons, so I could focus on people individually. That worked very well, and I wish I had done that sooner rather than later.
Mistakes, failures, and rejections allow us to push to the next level. Instead of dropping down with these, I try to appreciate them and quickly learn how to convert these to opportunities. The private online lessons were much more rewarding to me and my clients, so I ended all my group yoga lessons. Now that the rules have eased up a bit, I have my socially distanced group yoga lessons and they are going great once again.
Laurel Hogge: Did you take any time away from operating as a business?
Pradeepa Ryasam: No, we did not shut down the business. I knew at that time Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation were much needed for everyone. I thoroughly enjoy teaching yoga and Ayurveda especially because these can bring a direct impact on people’s lives and lifestyles. I like to stay authentic in my practice and principles since both Ayurveda and yoga are highly spiritual practices. It was such a fulfilling experience to offer wellness during these tough times. I used to get notes from my clients saying how grateful they are, and notes like these would make me extremely humble and allow me to continue what I was doing.
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