Sharan Sumal of Yoga On The Flow

With Friend Friday, we highlight some of the wonderful entrepreneurs and small business owners who do their thing at The Network Hub. This week, we take a look at Sharan Sumal of Yoga On The Flow.

Please tell us who you are and what you do.

Well my name is Sharan Sumal and I’m originally from Terrace, B.C. I was born and raised there then went off to University in Prince George. Being a small town girl I never thought the city life was for me, work and my husband brought me to Vancouver. After an adjustment period, I soon started calling it home and am so glad I did! I recently started up my own ‘mobile’ Yoga business teaching TherapeuticYoga.

What is Therapeutic Yoga?

Sri T. Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga, emphasized that yoga must be adapted to the individual rather than an individual to a particular yoga practice. In Therapeutic Yoga, practices are adapted to suit each individual’s specific needs. Poses are also modified to each individual’s body and we do this by using props such as blocks, bolsters, straps and chairs. Modifications help to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the pose while significantly reducing the risk of injury.

Tell us something unique about Yoga on the Flow.

The most unique thing about Yoga On The Flow is that it is mobile. I come to you and the option to come to me is always open as well. I have two spaces located in Downtown, one of them being The Network Hub. I found that not many businesses offer both mobility and stability in the yoga industry.

What inspired you to start Yoga on the Flow?

Yoga has been a part of who I am since I was a little girl learning it from my father. Coming to Vancouverand seeing what an incredible influence it has had on this city really made me think about taking it on as a career. As I was working in the Mental Health and Addictions field I came across a Yoga Therapist. Istarted taking my clients along with me to her classes and seeing the impact it had on their lives was whatreally sealed the deal for me. I wanted to find a new way to help people heal; it just made sense. Also,being a new mom, I couldn’t imagine leaving my baby and going back to rotating shifts. Owning my own business allows me to “do it all” – be a full time mom and have my own career.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

I get to help people learn how to do the very thing I have enjoyed doing for much of my life. How manypeople can say that? Yoga is a way of life for me and to be able to share a part of my life with otherpeople is a real blessing.

Where do you see your industry going in the next 2 years?

This industry has flourished in recent years and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon. It is an industry that is growing exponentially; there’s no telling what heights it will reach.

What made you decide to use The Network Hub space?

Well normally you wouldn’t even think of asking a coworking space whether or not yoga would be an appropriate fit in such an environment, but if you knew how hard it is to get decent time slots in downtown studios you would think again! The space is open and friendly, it has a great vibe and yoga actually fits quite well in the mix. Also, having a boardroom available allows me to run Boardroom Yoga workshops,not many yoga studios can say they offer that!

How has the experience been for you?

It’s been great! The atmosphere is welcoming and the people are super friendly. I plan on teaching classes there as long as it is available to me.

To find out more about Yoga On The Flow and book a session, please visit http://www.yogaontheflow.com/