Today we’d like to introduce you to Danyl Walton.
Hi Danyl, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Embarking on the journey to open a yoga studio is an exciting, scary, and a roller coaster of an adventure. It’s a chance to create a space dedicated to wellness, build community, and to share my practice that will change the lives of people that will bring balance and peace to our hearts!
We are all on this journey together, and I have always been intrigued by the concept of mind and body union. I wish to empower, encourage, and excite self-love through movement, music, and the magic of connection.
Where to begin with my journey into the yoga world! Grew up in the small town of Evansville, Indiana. Married out of college, had my first baby at 24. I have always been into fitness, completing my Group Exercise Certification at age 18. Worked at the YMCA’s and other various gyms and studios throughout my life, teaching all areas of fitness classes and instruction.
We moved to Boise, Idaho in 2000, where I took my very FIRST YOGA class, and have been a believer ever since!
For the mother’s out there…I was a first time Caesaran birth with my first child. After Yoga for just 2 years, had the second baby, all NATURAL, no epidurals, no drugs, healthy baby boy 9.3 oz ! Just a side note I tell mother’s about. How yoga helped me tremendously with the awareness of my body, breath, and mind.
Our family moved from Idaho, to Louisville,KY, to Knoxville, TN, where my husband obtained his doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee.
All the while, I continued to raise our 4 boys and teaching fitness and mind/body classes anywhere I could. Churches, Recreational centers, gyms, houses of friends, etc.
Finally, in 2016, we moved to Jamestown NC, where my husband landed his “Professor” job in Environmental Sociology at NC A & T.
Had one more baby, a GIRL to end with, and when she turned 6, she was off to Kindergarten.
NOW, at age 50, it was my time to shine. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction…I thought about becoming a teacher in the schools here in NC. I honestly don’t think I could handle it!! My PRAISE and GRADITUDE to all teachers everywhere!
I had never been a “business” person, and had only put up a small gym area in our garage in TN, for small group instruction. Did that for a few years, and had tons of fun with it. It was my own small way of being my own boss, with my own small space to do what I LOVE to do.
,I was simply looking around at other established studios to possibly rent out their space for my classes, workshops, massages, and for my loyal students to do some classes of mine on a semi-regular basis.
When the very first studio I looked at, which is 1 mile from my house…was a perfect fit when she asked me what my dream was, and I told her to own my own REAL studio!
She called me back a few days later, and asked me if I wanted to take over SOUL GOOD YOGA and make it my own.
What a complete and beautiful surprise!
Building a thriving studio takes time, but witnessing students flourish on and off their mats makes every effort worthwhile. Whether you are a long-time yogi or new to the practice, creating a welcoming space can significantly impact the community. With passion and dedication, the dream of opening a yoga studio can become a beautiful reality
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not a smooth ride. I suppose nothing really is. Especially venturing into the small business owner, in a market that is as of lately, taking off!!!! Seems like there are studios popping up everywhere now-a-days!
I knew my followers would follow me anywhere, and THANK goodness for them. But, getting out there with marketing and social media, was very frustrating and intimidating to me. My husband and I don’t even have cell phones, STILL…just our belief we have held strong since day one with pagers!
Rather than relying solely on digital methods, I focused on local engagement.
This has been a bit tricky, but luckily I had a strong foundation of loyal students whom I have attracted over the 8 years that I have been teaching around the triad.
I organized a grand opening event, inviting people to explore the studio, and attend free classes on January 3, 2025.
NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE!
I haven’t been the same since…in a good way though ! Wink, Wink!
A strong online presence was also crucial…although I was terrible at this, and still am. Always something to learn and to figure out.
That’s what makes life a learning process!
Just breath and take it one day at a time!!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a recently proud owner of Soul Good Yoga LLC in High Point, NC. I am a mother of five, and happily married for almost 30 years!
After our last baby went to Kindergarten, it was MY time. Didn’t know what it would be, but wanted to help people learn more about their bodies and mind, through a variety of fun movements and music!
With over 20 years of experience in yoga, Pilates and dance…I bring creativity, intuition, and FUN into every class I instruct. I teach from a real, natural place…meeting people where they are and creating a space that feels energizing, welcoming, and alive.
I’m most proud of my family! Oldest son, married and a nuclear engineer at Los Alamos Laboratory in Santa Fe. Other boys in college, and the little ones, still in grade school rocking it all the way!
What sets me apart is my Go with the Flow teaching style, no two classes the same, no script, just REAL. Movement should feel good, not forced!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the single most important quality for success in owning a studio is…authentic connection.
More than pricing, schedules, or even the style of classes, people return because they feel seen, safe, and inspired when they walk through Soul Good Yoga studio doors.
People feel part of something, not just signed up for a class.
Pricing:
- 130 $. 10 class pass
- 100 $ one Month unlimited
- 10 $. First class
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulgoodyoga.org
- Instagram: soul.good.yoga
- Facebook: Soul Good Yoga LLC
- Youtube: Soul Good Yoga @ Danyl Walton
