Meet Whitney Rose | Yoga Instructor and Studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Rose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had been teaching yoga through a few studios for about 5 years. Towards the end of that time I had started to think about opening my own studio and oddly I had students asking me when that would happen. But when it all boiled down to it, I didn’t have the finances to get a lease or buy props or anything at all for that matter. I genuinely didn’t feel as thought it was something I was capable of. However at the begging of October 2019 the main studio I was teaching at informed me that they were closing the yoga program at the end of the month. So one other teacher and I started looking for potential space, found a location and wanted to start a teacher owned studio. Our vision was all the teachers would split the overhead and then collect all the money that they made each class. So everyone would have a small upfront cost but the potential to make more money than working for any other studio. Unfortunately no other teachers wanted to have upfront costs. So my partner and I went for it anyway. Our first class was November 2nd 2019, and riding in the heals of our local studio closing we had a great start. 10 students in our first class!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We started as “The Yoga Co-Op” with the idea of a yoga studio owned by all the teachers who taught there, however none of the teachers were interested in that model so we have transformed into “The Yoga Collective”. My intention is to create a space that feels supportive of the teachers. A studio where they can teach their most authentic styled classes and ideally a studio where they can make a decent wage. As well as a studio that is inclusive for all students. I want everyone to walk in and feel welcome no matter what you look like or how much yoga experience you have. I want to provide every student with a nourishing experience that leaves them feeling empowered to honor and love their body, mind and spirit. The Yoga Collective is a studio that focuses on whole person wellness, not just fitness. Each class is unique and can weave any combination of energy work, mindfulness, breath work, meditation, essential oils, postures and more to create an experience that fits the people that are in the room.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Glenwood Springs, CO is such a fun place to visit and so many fun things to do, whether you are looking for a family friendly vacation, an extreme adventure or a mellow getaway there is something here for everyone. If you visit in the winter you have to check out Sunlight Mountain Resort, it is my favorite ski area!!! Best restaurant is The Pullman. Summertime rafting in Glenwood canyon is stunning and exhilarating. A soothing soak at either Iron Mountain Hot springs or Glenwood Hot springs Pool is a must. Catch a show at the Vaudeville for a real knee slapping entertainment. Stroll the downtown corridor and do some shopping, be sure to stop into The Fourth Dimension and High country Gems and Minerals. A visit up to The Glenwood Caverns to see the famous farie caves and enjoy the adventure park, the giant swing is my favorite ride of all time. And of course stop into The Yoga Collective to enjoy a yoga class.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a huge shout out to two people. First Eliza Fulton, she is the amazing woman who started the studio with me. She is super business savvy and a powerhouse of positivity. The Yoga Collective would not exist if it weren’t for her. Also, a Shout Out to my loving and increasingly supportive husband Kekoa, he has been my rock and my sounding board as I continue on this path, he is a voice of reason and encouragement.

Website: yogaglenwood.com