
So you’re ready to open your own yoga studio? That’s amazing! Taking the leap from yoga lover to studio owner is exciting, but it can feel a bit overwhelming too. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
A good business plan is like your trusty yoga mat: it provides the foundation you need to build something beautiful. It helps you figure out the important stuff—like who your students will be, how much to charge, and yes, how to actually make money doing what you love.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need in your yoga studio business plan, step by step. No business jargon, no complicated formulas—just practical advice that makes sense. Plus, we’ve included a full example business plan for a studio called “Sunset Yoga Sanctuary” so you can see how it all comes together.
Ready to turn your dream studio into reality? Let’s dive in!
Business Plan for SUNSET YOGA SANCTUARY
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Sunset Yoga Sanctuary is a boutique yoga studio opening in downtown Portland, Oregon, offering a diverse range of yoga classes, workshops, and wellness services in a warm, inclusive environment. Our mission is to make yoga accessible to all experience levels while building a strong, supportive community.
Key Success Factors:
- Prime location in Pearl District with high foot traffic
- Experienced management team with yoga and business expertise
- Comprehensive class offerings for all levels
- Strong focus on community building and customer retention
- Competitive pricing with flexible membership options
Financial Highlights:
- Initial investment required: $150,000
- Projected break-even: Month 8
- Year 1 projected revenue: $380,000
- Year 3 projected revenue: $720,000
- Expected ROI: 35% by Year 3
2. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Company Overview
- Business Name: Sunset Yoga Sanctuary LLC
- Location: 1234 NW Pearl Street, Portland, OR 97209
- Business Structure: Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Founded: January 2025
- Square Footage: 3,000 sq ft
Mission Statement
“To create a welcoming sanctuary where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities can explore yoga, find inner peace, and connect with a supportive community.”
Services Offered
- Traditional Hatha Yoga
- Vinyasa Flow
- Yin Yoga
- Hot Yoga (95°F)
- Gentle/Restorative Yoga
- Prenatal Yoga
- Kids Yoga
- Private Sessions
- Monthly Workshops
- Teacher Training (Year 2)
Legal Requirements
- Oregon State Business License
- City of Portland Business License
- General Liability Insurance ($2M coverage)
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- Health Department Permits
- Fire Safety Certification
3. MARKET ANALYSIS
Industry Overview
The yoga industry in the United States generates over $17 billion annually, with steady growth of 8-10% per year. Portland ranks among the top 10 cities for yoga participation, with 28% of adults practicing yoga regularly.
Local Market Conditions
- Portland population: 650,000+
- Pearl District residents: 8,500
- Average household income: $78,000
- Age demographics: 65% aged 25-54
- Health-conscious lifestyle prevalent
Competition Analysis
Direct Competitors:
- CorePower Yoga (2 miles away)
- Strengths: Brand recognition, hot yoga specialty
- Weaknesses: Higher prices, less personal attention
- YoYoYogi Portland (1.5 miles away)
- Strengths: Established community, diverse teachers
- Weaknesses: Limited parking, aging facilities
- The Bhaktishop (3 miles away)
- Strengths: Kirtan and spiritual focus
- Weaknesses: Niche market, limited class times
Target Market
Primary Segment: Professional women aged 28-45
- Income: $50,000-$100,000
- Values: Health, work-life balance, community
- Motivations: Stress relief, fitness, flexibility
Secondary Segments:
- Men aged 30-50 seeking fitness alternatives
- Seniors looking for gentle exercise
- Pregnant women and new mothers
- College students from nearby Portland State
4. MARKETING STRATEGY
Brand Identity
- Logo: Minimalist sun setting over mountain pose silhouette
- Colors: Warm oranges, deep purples, calming grays
- Voice: Welcoming, inclusive, inspiring
- Tagline: “Find Your Light Within”
Marketing Channels
Digital Marketing:
- Professional website with online booking
- Instagram: Daily posts, stories, live sessions
- Facebook: Events, community building
- Email newsletter: Weekly class highlights, wellness tips
- Google Ads: Local search targeting
- Yelp business profile
Local Marketing:
- Partnerships with local businesses
- Farmers market booth monthly
- Corporate wellness programs
- Referral incentives: Bring a friend free
- New student special: $40 for 30 days unlimited
Grand Opening Campaign:
- Free community classes first weekend
- Social media contest for free memberships
- Local influencer partnerships
- Press release to Portland media
5. SERVICES AND PRICING
Class Schedule (Sample Week)
Monday-Friday:
- 6:00 AM – Rise & Flow
- 9:00 AM – Gentle Yoga
- 12:00 PM – Lunch Hour Express
- 5:30 PM – Vinyasa Flow
- 7:00 PM – Yin Yoga
Saturday-Sunday:
- 8:00 AM – Weekend Warrior
- 10:00 AM – All Levels Flow
- 2:00 PM – Restorative
- 4:00 PM – Community Class
Pricing Structure
Drop-in Rates:
- Single class: $18
- New student special: $40/30 days unlimited
Class Packages:
- 5 classes: $80 ($16/class)
- 10 classes: $150 ($15/class)
- 20 classes: $280 ($14/class)
Memberships:
- Monthly unlimited: $120
- Annual unlimited: $1,200 (save $240)
- Student/Senior discount: 15% off
Additional Services:
- Private session: $85/hour
- Small group (3-5): $35/person
- Workshops: $45-$65
- Mat rental: $3
6. OPERATIONS PLAN
Facility Layout
- Main studio: 1,800 sq ft (capacity 35)
- Small studio: 800 sq ft (capacity 15)
- Reception/retail: 200 sq ft
- Changing rooms: 200 sq ft (each gender)
- Storage/office: 100 sq ft
Equipment and Supplies
Initial Investment:
- 40 yoga mats: $1,200
- Props (blocks, straps, blankets): $2,000
- Sound system: $3,000
- Heating system for hot yoga: $8,000
- Mirrors and lighting: $5,000
- Reception desk and retail displays: $3,000
- Software and POS system: $2,000
Staffing Plan
Launch Team:
- Owner/Manager (full-time)
- Lead Instructor (full-time)
- Part-time instructors (4)
- Front desk staff (2 part-time)
Compensation:
- Lead instructor: $50,000/year + benefits
- Part-time instructors: $35-50/class
- Front desk: $15-18/hour
Technology Systems
- MindBody scheduling software
- Square payment processing
- QuickBooks accounting
- Spotify business account
- Zoom for virtual classes
- Security system with keypad entry
7. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
Ownership
- Founder/Owner: Sarah Chen
- 15 years yoga practice
- MBA from Portland State University
- Former marketing director
Key Personnel
- Lead Instructor: Maria Rodriguez
- 500-hour RYT
- 10 years teaching experience
- Specialty: Vinyasa and Hot Yoga
Advisory Board
- James Wilson, CPA (Financial Advisor)
- Dr. Patricia Kumar (Wellness Expert)
- Michael Torres (Local Business Owner)
Organizational Chart
Owner/Manager
├── Lead Instructor
│ └── Part-time Instructors
├── Operations Manager (Year 2)
└── Front Desk Coordinator
└── Front Desk Staff
8. FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
Start-up Costs
One-Time Expenses:
- Lease deposit (3 months): $18,000
- Renovation and buildout: $45,000
- Equipment and supplies: $24,000
- Marketing and branding: $12,000
- Insurance (annual): $6,000
- Legal and permits: $5,000
- POS and software setup: $3,000
- Working capital: $37,000 Total: $150,000
Revenue Projections – Year 1
Monthly Breakdown (after 3 months ramp-up):
- Memberships (80 @ $120): $9,600
- Class packages (60 @ avg $100): $6,000
- Drop-ins (200 @ $18): $3,600
- Private sessions (20 @ $85): $1,700
- Workshops (2 @ $50 avg × 20): $2,000
- Retail: $800 Monthly Total: $23,700 Annual Total: $284,400 (considering ramp-up)
Operating Expenses – Monthly
- Rent: $6,000
- Utilities: $800
- Instructor wages: $8,000
- Front desk wages: $3,200
- Insurance: $500
- Marketing: $1,500
- Supplies: $500
- Software subscriptions: $300
- Miscellaneous: $700 Total Monthly: $21,500
Three-Year Financial Summary
Year 1:
- Revenue: $380,000
- Expenses: $258,000
- Net Income: $22,000
Year 2:
- Revenue: $520,000
- Expenses: $285,000
- Net Income: $135,000
Year 3:
- Revenue: $720,000
- Expenses: $315,000
- Net Income: $305,000
Break-even Analysis
- Fixed costs monthly: $21,500
- Average revenue per student: $85
- Break-even: 253 students/month
- Expected to achieve by Month 8
9. FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
Capital Needs
- Total Required: $150,000
Funding Sources
- Personal Investment: $50,000 (33%)
- Small Business Loan: $75,000 (50%)
- Friends & Family: $25,000 (17%)
Use of Funds
- Facility buildout: 30%
- Equipment: 16%
- Working capital: 25%
- Marketing: 8%
- Other startup costs: 21%
Loan Terms
- Amount: $75,000
- Term: 5 years
- Interest Rate: 6.5%
- Monthly Payment: $1,467
10. RISK ANALYSIS
Potential Challenges
- Seasonal Fluctuations
- Risk: 20-30% drop in summer months
- Mitigation: Outdoor classes, summer specials
- Instructor Retention
- Risk: Key instructor departure
- Mitigation: Competitive pay, growth opportunities
- Competition
- Risk: New studios opening nearby
- Mitigation: Strong community, unique offerings
- Economic Downturn
- Risk: Discretionary spending cuts
- Mitigation: Affordable options, payment plans
Contingency Plans
- Maintain 3-month operating expense reserve
- Develop online class platform
- Explore corporate wellness contracts
- Consider specialized programs (therapy yoga)
11. GROWTH STRATEGY
Year 1: Establish Foundation
- Build core membership base
- Refine class schedule based on demand
- Develop strong instructor team
- Create brand recognition
Year 2: Expand Services
- Launch teacher training program
- Add second small studio room
- Introduce aerial yoga
- Develop corporate wellness programs
- Open satellite location research
Year 3: Scale Operations
- Open second location
- Franchise development planning
- Retreat program launch
- Mobile app development
- Wholesale product line
Long-term Vision (5 Years)
- 3-5 studio locations
- Regional brand recognition
- 200-hour teacher training certification
- Wellness retreat center
- E-commerce platform
12. APPENDICES
Appendix A: Market Research Data
[Detailed demographic studies, survey results, competitor analysis]
Appendix B: Financial Spreadsheets
[Complete financial projections, cash flow statements, balance sheets]
Appendix C: Marketing Materials
[Logo designs, website mockups, social media strategy]
Appendix D: Legal Documents
[LLC formation docs, lease agreement, insurance policies]
Appendix E: Instructor Profiles
[Bios, certifications, teaching philosophies]
Appendix F: Equipment Specifications
[Vendor quotes, product specifications, warranties]
Prepared by: Sarah Chen
Date: January 2025
Contact: sarah@sunsetyogasanctuary.com
Phone: (503) 555-0100
This business plan is confidential and proprietary to Sunset Yoga Sanctuary LLC.