Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Clemens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lisa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being successful in the world of wellness is a moving target to say the least. It is not a career that I learned about in my upbringing – to be honest, wellness was almost considered indulgent in my family. I stumbled into working in wellness by accident, but quickly developed a passion for the work we do and the clients we meet. The diversity and community is unmatchable. We truly meet the most unique and interesting people every day, every program.
I’ve learned to be effective in this work but taking the time to understand our clients’ goals and making it our objective to support them in achieving them. Being successful in wellness means connecting with your clients and knowing what makes them tick. There are no copy and paste emails, every email correspondence is written with care and individual attention. Being there, in conversation and taking time out to walk to the beach, share a laugh, or assist with a headstand. We’re there for it and we love it! Our students are the most exceptional people – we thoroughly enjoy what we do!
Often family and friends try to dig into what we do – and sometimes don’t fully understand the concept. Sometimes they suggest there must be an easier way to make a living – maybe so, but the passion we have for the school and the pride we have in how the programming is changing lives could never be replaced. It’s incredibly fullfilling to be a part of the transformations and friendships. This is what keeps us dedicated….
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
We’re super excited to be entering into the 2025 season, and really pleased to be introducing YACEP programming in Nusa Lembongan Bali, Joshua Tree California, and Christina Lake British Columbia! Offering these continuing education programs, in addition to our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training Programs, allows for us to reconnect with past students and dive even deeper into the learning. These programs will include education and certification in Sound Healing, Reiki, and Yin / Nidra Class Develpment. We’re really excited about being able to offer these – because it means we can support our students in the learning beyond their 200 hour certification.
We’re working really hard to ensure that the curriculum is meaningful, and working hard to make these courses financially available to everyone. This includes super easy payment plans, and rates that are significantly lower than other schools out there.
Our goal is to keep students motivated to learn and grow, to keep our wellness community strong and connected, and to have fun!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Oh wow tricky question! I think that the three skills / areas of knowlege that were most impactful in my journey are:
People before profit. Always. I learned this many years ago while working for a small Credit Union in BC. Regardless of any financial targets we had as employees, we were regularly reminded that our members come first. While there are obviously financial necessities in any business, its really important to know that those have to be second to the humans in front of you. If you put people first, without exception, your business will grow. People will feel your character and connect with you much faster.
There are no tasks that an owner does not do. We’re all in it together. I still do the school dishes, sweep the shala, clean the pool if necessary. The lovely ladies who work in the kitchen hop in and help out with students without hesitation, our site manager jumps right in to chop fruit if needed. We all work together and support one another like a team. Our days are long, but because we have developed a nice flow of tasks – we enjoy those long days!
Be available. If an employee asks to talk, clear your schedule and be there. If student is struggling in anyway, take the time and make the effort. It’s important. It can be easy to say later, or there is not time, but the people are the business. They are what keeps us viable as a school, but they are also what makes us want to do what we do.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Oh the list is too long to fully get through…..
My parents are incredibly hardworking people, they are entirely committed to family and will do anything and everything to support family. There have been countless times that my father has been delivering and stacking firewood at our off-grid camp ( at 70 years old ) building off-grid water systems, and even helping out in the kitchen when needed. My mother has traveled to all of the school locations, cooking with our team, cleaning when needed, sometimes chasing a squirrel or two out of the cabin! We would never have made it through the early years of the school without them!
So, if I was to pinpoint the most impactful thing my parents have provided us – I would say it is their hardworking nature and their dedication. They’re wonderful humans who would help in anyway possible at a moments notice!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kootenayyogaschool.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kootenay.yoga.school/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kootenayyogaschool
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KootenayYogaSchool-zi1uo
Image Credits
Katie Grant
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
