Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is The Yoga Element Founder Cecily Milne, whose services range from private in-home lessons in Toronto to classes at Muskoka’s Lake of Bays Yoga surrounded by nature…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the Founder of The Yoga Element, a company dedicated to sharing the practice of yoga in a way that is intelligent, empowering and accessible to all levels. In Toronto, I provide private in-home lessons and teach group classes at Downward Dog Yoga Centre. I also work with corporate groups to bring movement and mindfulness into the workplace. In Muskoka, I operate Lake of Bays Yoga, which has grown into a thriving community of dedicated students who enjoy the benefits of practicing outside the city, surrounded by nature.
In addition to being an instructor, I consider myself an eternal student, pursuing knowledge about the body, mind, and how the two relate. Inspired by the teachers and coaches whose paths I have been fortunate to cross, my teaching style borrows from various physical disciplines and offers students a cohesive understanding of how the body can move, feel and evolve.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Yoga has been part of my life for over 10 years. When I decided to turn something I loved into a career, I knew it was a risky move. The inspiration for my company name came from a book called “The Element”, which is about combining what you’re good at with what you’re passionate about, and hitting this fulfilling sweet spot. I read that and realized how my passion for yoga, combined with an affinity for sharing it with others, could provide me the means with which to build a business and be my own boss.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my job is the people I meet – my students – and the synergy that comes from working with clients who are just as invested in the practice as I am. I decided a while ago not to teach anyone or anywhere that drained me; I didn’t want to work in toxic environments. I’m fortunate to be in that position now, only teaching those who bring positive energy into my life. It makes every session, even the really early morning ones, that much more enjoyable.
The biggest challenge is the constant struggle with burnout. With a physical job, the body can really take a hit. I’m also an introvert, so getting up in front of room full of students can be mentally draining. It’s taken a few years, but dedicating time every day for myself, whether that means doing my own yoga and meditation practice, training at the gym, or just relaxing at home, makes a world of difference.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Injury. When I first started teaching full-time, I said “yes” to everything that came my way, and before long I was totally overcommitted and asking way too much from my body. Even with yoga, too much of a good thing isn’t such a good thing. I’ve experienced long-term chronic injuries, as well as freak accidents that immediately stopped me in my tracks. When I’m most balanced, my body feels amazing. When I’m pushing too hard, it sends me a message to chill out.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I will have turned today’s ideas into realities. I’ll be running a one-of-a-kind teacher training program, along with a wellness centre. By then, I’ll be sharing the practice with people around the world, thanks to interactive software that is still an expensive novelty today. I also won’t be doing this alone – I hope to have a family by my side, supporting this dream as it continues to evolve.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Saying “no.” I’m a people pleaser, and that usually doesn’t equate to setting clear boundaries. I’ve often put my clients’ needs before my own, which is a recipe for disaster. But when I turned 30, I committed to “normal” work hours – between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday. I also won’t teach more than four clients/classes per day, leaving myself enough time for administrative work, along with my own training and downtime. In order to have a life, it’s important to say “no” even to those who aren’t used to hearing it.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Before I started teaching yoga full time, I worked as a server at a wine bar on King St. I made more than enough money to pay the bills and lead a reasonably comfortable 20-something lifestyle, but I was miserable. So money wasn’t the motivating factor when it came to taking the leap into the yoga world –how many yoga teachers do you know who are raking it in? My motivation was largely tied to quality of life. I define success as the drive that gets me out of bed in the morning, excited to take on whatever the schedule has in store for me. If I’m where I want to be, doing what I want to do, with like-minded people around me, then I’d consider that a win.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
It’s hard to pick just one, but the front-runner would be bringing 20+ people to Costa Rica on a yoga retreat and watching the group – some of whom had no previous exposure to the practice – have a totally transformational experience. In close second: doing handstands with Jermaine Defoe before one of Toronto FC’s weekly yoga classes.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
First: do what you love AND what you’re really good at – the money will follow. Second: When doors are opening to you, you’re on the right path. If you keep running into dead-ends, it might be time to change course.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
My favourite restaurant seems to change on a weekly basis; there are so many great ones to choose from in Toronto. Right now I’m really into Fonda Lola. The yoga-loving owner is right when he says their handheld Caesar salad is what dreams are made of. Plus, who doesn’t love an authentic margarita?
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Eating at all the other amazing restaurants in Toronto! I also do my fair share of training, which could look like experimenting on my yoga mat, or picking up heavy weights, or playing on the monkey bars at the park. I’m trying to become a braver cyclist, and love using places like the Evergreen Brickworks market as a reason to ride my bike across town.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Far away. Several time zones and preferably an ocean away. Most recently, that’s been India. I find that if I can manage to book off a healthy chunk of time and really immerse myself in a different world, the experience is far more rejuvenating.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
MGMT’s “Electric Feel.” I can’t help but pull out my runway walk whenever I hear it.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Writing. I have a small side company called Writeability that’s basically been on the shelf since yoga became front and centre. I’m still in love with the concept of helping people get their thoughts on paper in a way that translates into what they meant to say. Down the road, I think I’ll return to doing more writing since it stimulates me in a different way than yoga does.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’ve recently become involved with Reach for the Rainbow, which creates more inclusive learning and playing environments for children with disabilities. I also hope to do some work with the New Leaf Foundation, which brings yoga to youth in communities marked by violence, poverty and marginalization.
What to you is notable?
Authenticity. The sense that what you see is what you get and 100% genuine.
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iPhone 6 will soon be mine…
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