Meet Sam Megraw

We recently connected with Sam Megraw and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Opening a new business gave both my partner, Emily Devers, and myself major imposter syndrome! We talked a lot about the ways we could fail and how this monumental task of building a brick and mortar yoga studio could lead to us falling out of love with the yoga industry. We were up against the sell of the building, the high increases in inflation, and our biggest obstacles: our inner saboteur.

Yoga is an ancient tradition that has been capitalized on over the last 20+ years. We knew our vision would align with the traditions and philosophy of yoga, and despite our students unwavering support we didn’t think we were qualified to be in this position. Stewarding yoga into the lives of people is a major gift, we’ve seen the greatest leaders make it look effortless (shout out to Marti and Starr Lee, Lauren Leduc and Lisa Ash Drackert). It would be these leaders who also welcomed us with open arms. They made suggestions and championed our vision! When someone mentions you’re doing the right things it helps!

What truly diminished the imposter syndrome was after the first week of classes. Three students gave feedback that we will never forget: the first said her shoulder mobility had improved so much she noticed while getting dressed. Another woman said she found her community after moving across the country and had been feeling a bit isolated. A brand new yogi said her back was feeling so much better she would come back every day. The students are feeling better, it works. We don’t rely completely on feedback, nor do we claim to have an answer to everything. I think staying humble has made us approachable, and staying committed to our mission for authentic yoga gave us a valuable service. There’s no longer room for imposter syndrome, we are here to help and know it’s needed in our community.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Easy Tiger Yoga focuses on mindful movement for our modern lifestyles. We have a deep love for a strong physical and spiritual practice. Every class involves traditional yoga philosophy and the connection of breath with movement. This can be a gentle slow practice for beginners to a powerful advanced flow class with sweat and loud music. We don’t feel like you have to choose one specific way to practice, there’s room for different styles and different techniques. The consistency is the philosophy and heart of yoga. In our space you’ll find we encourage community, self-study, and practical applications of yogic principles.

We’re running about 22 classes per week with specialties like Prenatal (for pregnancy) and Restorative (laying on pillows and blankets for supported postures). Then our Power Flow classes come in with energy and a lot of fun exploring advanced postures. The end of the day is usually a Gentle Flow class that helps unwind the body prepping it for a luxurious meditation. We strive to give our members a variety and also predictability. They know we offer modifications and a judgement free space!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities which have made the biggest impact on this journey are a clear vision, resiliency, and the willingness to do a lot of this work ourselves. Looking back at just building the space there were so many times we almost let go of this dream. A prime example is the cost of signage. I remember looking at Emily and thinking $5,000 for 4 letters on our building? How can this be real? We laugh now because we didn’t give up, and managed our signage for under a thousand dollars by doing it ourselves and breaking the typical route of paying for convenience.

That would be my heartfelt advice to someone starting their own business. It’s a huge mountain to climb but if you can get over one switchback, or sometimes one tiny step, the path will start to look more clear. Your next step doesn’t have to be risk free, but it does have to be forward toward your goal, which is often frightening. A business is an extension of yourself so walking away or letting someone else drive the bus isn’t going to offer you success. You have to know what you’re providing and set up a boundary to protect it. You have to stay the course, when it’s hard, muddy and cold. Or more likely, when it’s risky, expensive, and vulnerable! I think as business owners, and especially businesses that are service oriented, we are subject to a lot of outside opinions but knowing your mission is a great anchor to your business plan.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We would love to partner and collaborate with locals from Parkville and Kansas City! Our business is about 2 months old and wildly successful once people find us! Retention is high but getting the word out is always a hurdle. We’re currently working with Creekside for more free outdoor yoga, providing Yoga for Cancer at KC Medical Center, and looking at yoga on the pickle-ball courts for the new Char Bar! This is one of the main reasons we chose Parkville, it’s truly built around community. We would love to help fundraise, providing donations to domestic violence shelters and other local charities who are doing so much good locally. If this calls to you I hope you’ll reach out to connect and consider opportunities like bringing in your staff for yoga, showing up at our donation events, and spreading the word that we are open! There’s so many ways we can support this community through our yoga practice!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Lani O’dell of Captured by. Lani Michelle LLC

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