Festive Focus: We speak to the co-founders behind Newcastle's Yoga Hens

Can you introduce yourself and your business to our readers?

“Yoga Hens are two qualified nurse yoga instructors with a wealth of experience in mental health and wellbeing. Together we run a unique limited company called Yoga Hens Ltd, which caters for a range of business well-being needs.

“We deliver bespoke workshops, team away days, presentations and training sessions which can include yoga, mindfulness, desk based exercises, stress management techniques, therapeutic coaching and much more.

“Yoga is just one of the tools we use to encourage staff teams to become more aware of their mental health and general well-being at work. We also run regular yoga sessions and relaxation courses for the general public as we are also fully trained Yoga instructors.

“Support for businesses enables teams to develop resilience and take responsibility for their own well-being, which in turn improves overall productivity, increases staff morale and ultimately bolsters business bottom lines and value chains.

“Our sessions aim to be innovative, entertaining and educational as well as being accessible to all and no previous experience is required.”

What was your company’s biggest achievement of the year?

“Our biggest achievement this year was the successful set-up of our unique, cosy well-being hub ‘The Hideout’ in West Allotment North Tyneside, which has hosted many of our sell out beginner courses and introduced a range of people to the world of ‘real’ yoga.

“The most rewarding part for us is the transformation we see in the people who attend our sessions. This transformation is displayed through improvement in physical posture and fitness but probably more so in self-worth, self-confidence, outlook on life, ability to relax, enhanced sleep and general well-being.

“It’s extremely moving to follow individuals’ journeys from arriving at their first yoga session visibly unconfident and anxious to a few weeks down the line when they walk into the session with their head held high with a more positive attitude towards themselves and their abilities.”

How would you approach 2018 differently, given the chance?

“Just do it! Let go of any fears of failure and trust in our own ideas. 2018 has been an awesome year for us and we have met so many wonderful people along the way.

“We are creative and like to keep our clients at the centre of all that we do but like any other business we have had our doubts when fear has crept in and tried to pull us back.

“So upon reflection, a little bit of apprehension can keep you grounded but sometimes you have to just trust in your instincts, worry less and put your ideas out there.

“Our advice to ourselves would now be ’just enjoy the ride and believe in yourself because whatever happens you always will learn something!”

What are your company’s plans for the new year?

“The biggest challenge to date has been demystifying society’s preconceived ideas about what yoga is and who it is for.

“There are some clear barriers that prevent individuals from trying yoga as there is an overwhelming expectation that yoga is only for the super bendy and super fit.

“Our aim for the year ahead is to continue to dispel all of these myths and highlight that yoga is for everybody!

“We also have work planned with school staff teams and the retail sector for the New Year, as well as a Yoga Hens Well-being Retreat in Spain, which we are extremely excited about!”

What are your plans for the festive season?

“Over the festive period, we like to take our own advice and invest in some self-care and downtime before the chaos of the next year commences.

“At home, we are both mums and wives so it’s nice to strip things back and take some time with our loved ones. Of course there will be some yoga thrown in there too, but it will probably come with a slice of cake and a glass of fizz!”