Soft Opening Lessons
Ever heard of a “Soft Opening Month”? Yeah, me neither 😅. When I first announced my studio in April, the plan was to officially open in May. But the reality? Overthinking and overwhelm. So, I decided to take the summer to reset. I already had a few events on my plate that I thought would fit seamlessly into a fully launched studio, but instead, they became part of the soft opening. And honestly? It worked out better than I could’ve imagined.
September was packed with special moments. I co-hosted with Ruachi Yogi a Yoga Under the Tree event (this was year 3!) and finally brought my Unlock Your Flow Workshop ~ beautiful collaboration with Cierra of Unlock Your Story to life after postponing it twice (yikes!). Another highlight was participating in Art All Night, DC’s city-wide art festival. U Street’s theme this year was Black Broadway & Beyond, and it felt like such a blessing to have the studio open, with people stopping by to experience the space.
What a Soft Opening Really Means
Fast forward to now, late-October, and as I reflect on September, it was truly a month of growth. Every week brought its own set of challenges—uncertainty, nerves, and anxiety—but also excitement. I was proud of myself for finally ripping off the Band-Aid, staying consistent, and seeing things through.
The difference between a soft opening and a regular opening? Honestly... not much 😂. “Soft” just means: Please have some grace, I’m still figuring things out. A big “please” and an even bigger thank you!
Lesson #1: Keep the Momentum Going
Pumpkin Spice--~ I like you a LATTE. It’s not just the drink we love—it’s the anticipation. The excitement builds long before fall officially arrives. Starbucks teases us with sneak peeks, countdowns, and hints. The PSL represents an entire SZN🍂
Looking back, I wish I’d kept the conversation going about the studio after my initial announcement in April. I made the big reveal, but then I got caught up “not looking put together.” I lost some of the anticipation because I wasn’t bringing everyone along for the ride.
Lesson learned: People can’t get excited about what they can’t see. Going forward, I’m relieved to share more about the studio and the journey.
Lesson #2: Root in Intention, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in doing things the “right” way or following what other people are doing. But I realized that my studio doesn’t have to be perfect right out of the gate. This space is an extension of me, and the journey will unfold naturally.
The soft launch reminded me that it’s okay to take small steps. The studio is perfect as is, it’s time to start. As long as I stay rooted in my intention—creating space for healing, self-love, and fun—that’s what matters most.
Lesson #3: Plan Ahead and Keep Talking
After the workshop, a few people reached out saying they had just found out about it and asked if another one was coming up. That was my lightbulb moment: I need to promote events further in advance. Two weeks wasn’t enough! It’s never too early to start getting the word out. Put it out once the concepts are together and keep talking!
This time around, I didn’t do the traditional “friends and family only” soft launch—life had other plans. My soft launch was more public than I originally intended, but that’s okay. As an introvert, I knew getting my feet wet sooner rather than later would help me adjust. And honestly? It did.
Lesson #4: Building Community Takes Times
As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded of how building community takes time, especially as adults. In our busy lives, we often go to events hoping to find our next best friend. But the truth is, meaningful relationships require intention and patience. The soft launch was very public, but it also represented a significant shift in my business model—from an introvert’s paradise of virtual classes and private sessions to a more communal, in-person approach.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to be vulnerable in this process. Just like friendships, community doesn’t form overnight. It’s built through shared experiences, genuine connections, and a lot of heart. I’m excited to continue fostering this community as we move forward together, creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and inspired.
What’s Next?
I’m excited to keep growing and learning as I settle into this new chapter. Whether it’s a 1:1 session, a group class, or a pop-up event, I’d love for you to experience the vibe for yourself at my serene studio in the historic U Street Corridor—
Stay tuned for more updates, events, and offerings. I can’t wait to connect with you soon!
