Small Business Week ft. Warrior Yoga

Meet Cassie, the co-founder of Warrior Yoga. While pursuing her studies at the University of Ottawa, she hoped to become an international human rights lawyer. Inspired by stories from brave women she encountered and the need for inclusive therapeutic yoga in Ottawa, her purpose became clear. Warrior Yoga, a non-profit organization, became a reality!

GG: How did you come up with the idea for your business?

CC: While vacationing in India, I realized how commercialized yoga is in the western world. Yoga can be an intense spiritual and physical healing. Yoga is meant for everyone regardless of your colour, shape or size. I met my best friend while on this trip to India. We quickly formed a friendship and began to brainstorm how to provide accessible yoga training.

Upon my return, I started to volunteer at the Ottawa Coalition to help end human trafficking. Originally, Warrior Yoga was created as a safe place for the survivors of human trafficking to train and heal. When this iteration of the program came to an end, Warrior Yoga grew into something so much more significant, it transformed into an inclusive space for everyone. My goal is to create a positive safe space serving groups such as refugees, human trafficking survivors, womxn fleeing abuse, and people experiencing homelessness.

GG: How did you come up with the name for your organization?

CC: The survivors of human trafficking, including their strength and resilience, were the inspiration behind the name Warrior Yoga. It became clear to me that yoga had important healing powers, and these survivors need to feel included and safe. Studies have shown that yoga and other wellness practices can improve trauma and mental health issues over time. It provides tools and strategies to manage the way they feel and respond. Healthy addictions can replace harmful addictions.

GG: How did you establish the culture within your organization?

CC: From the very beginning, we have strived to create a culture of acceptance, inclusion and vulnerability.

These pillars are reflected in everything we do, including publishing visual assets featuring people who may not traditionally be shown in yoga settings on social media. Anyone can practice yoga; it’s important to convey that.

The Warrior Yoga team is diverse, this a priority from day one. We want everyone to feel included.

GG: How do you manage a healthy work-life balance?

CC: During a typical day, my schedule changes continuously. I begin my day reading emails and drinking coffee. I teach about ten classes per week, which usually starts in the morning. In the afternoon, I work on Warrior Yoga programs, events and contacting charities that support our non-profit.

I launched this business while finishing my studies at the University of Ottawa. I quickly realized doing too much at once was not serving me. To put it simply, I burnt myself out. I knew some things had to change, so I started to take it easy and began to focus on myself. Relying on family and friends during these hard times was fundamental. I realized the importance of listening to my body.

Today, I schedule my day around how my body feels. I try to be aware of my mental state and physical health to prevent another burn out in the future. I try to find a balance between scheduling essential activities to support my mental health, like sleeping in or spending time with friends.

GG: What are the 3 skills needed in order to be a successful entrepreneur?

CC: I can think of a few more than three: adaptability, flexibility, ability to receive feedback and a passion for what you’re doing.

GG: What advice would you give to future entrepreneurs?

CC: Just start. Go for It. You never know who might fund and support you. Remember to build genuine relationships with people.

*This feature was published as a part of the Small Business Week campaign, 2020.