Meet Madi Dupont | Yoga Studio Owner, Yoga Teacher & Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madi Dupont and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I reflect on the path that led me to start my own business, it really feels like a journey of coming full circle to fulfill a childhood dream—just in a very different way than I initially imagined. From a young age, I aspired to be a successful businesswoman; in my mind, that meant wearing a suit and making my mark in the corporate world. My drive for achievement led me to pursue a degree in advertising and an MBA in finance, which set me up for a solid start in corporate America.

After college, I began my career at Hallmark, a top company at the time, and later went on to work in marketing roles at Applause, Disney Consumer Products, and Universal Studios. These roles gave me invaluable experience in finance, inventory control, and marketing, working alongside some of the most creative minds in the industry. It was during this time that I became deeply skilled in navigating the corporate world—but also grew increasingly aware of the stresses, politics, and limitations that came with it.

At the same time, I was discovering yoga and its immense benefits, especially as a way to handle stress. Practicing yoga became more than just an activity; it was a way of life that resonated with me on a deep level, offering both physical and mental balance. Eventually, after more than three decades in the corporate sector, I felt an undeniable pull to step away from the demanding and politically charged environment. I wanted to create something that was mine, with full control over my time, my schedule, and my creative direction.

Launching my own business was a leap into the unknown but also a chance to combine my corporate skills with my passion for wellness. I wanted to shape my own career on my terms, fostering a company where I could see the direct results of my efforts and connect with people in a more personal, meaningful way. For anyone considering a similar path, I would say this: Your journey can be a balance of your skills, passions, and vision. When you step into your own power and start your own business, you gain the freedom to shape not just your work, but your entire life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work today is a culmination of years of corporate experience, personal growth, and the decision to follow my own path. HOMTOWN Yoga is much more than just a yoga studio to me; it’s the result of decades of lessons, insights, and a genuine desire to foster a space where people of all backgrounds can connect to their best selves. I’m incredibly proud that HOMTOWN has become a place where people come for physical movement but stay for the connection, community, and support in their personal journeys.

One of the things that I believe sets me apart is my ability to bridge the worlds of creativity and business. I’ve spent years in roles that honed my skills in both strategy and innovation—skills that I now use daily as I run a small business, balancing marketing, finance, and operations while also shaping a unique, inclusive community. In a small business, you have to keep moving and be adaptable. I find that endlessly exciting; every decision has a tangible impact, and that keeps me engaged and motivated.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Like anyone, I’ve faced my share of challenges. In my earlier years, it was often a matter of balancing social pressures, and as I moved through my thirties, therapy and close friendships were key supports. Discovering yoga was a game-changer. It offered me both a toolkit and a mindset to navigate stress, setbacks, and the unpredictable nature of life. Yoga brought me into gratitude and mindfulness practices, which have been transformative in helping me shift from a reactive mindset to a more centered and balanced approach.

As I ventured into entrepreneurship, the challenges evolved—there’s the weight of responsibility, the intensity of wearing many hats, and the persistence needed to keep going when things don’t unfold as planned. My biggest lesson along the way has been to acknowledge challenges as part of the journey. I truly believe that spending time in a “victim” mindset only holds us back, and I’ve learned that grounding myself in gratitude can help me refocus on the purpose behind my work.

Through HOMTOWN, I want to offer people a door to a more fulfilling life, regardless of where they’re starting from. Many come initially for the physical benefits, but yoga’s real gift is how it transforms us beyond the mat. We each have our own journey and set of obstacles to overcome, but we can all learn to find strength within ourselves and recognize that progress, however small, is significant.

If I could share one lesson to help others avoid some of my own mistakes, it would be to embrace growth as an ongoing process. Instead of judging yourself or dwelling on what could have been done differently, invest in presence, gratitude, and self-compassion. My hope for HOMTOWN is to help people along their own paths, offering them tools that have been life-changing for me and creating a community where they can feel seen, supported, and inspired every step of the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If they’ve never been to LA, I’d take them to Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade and depending on our budget, we’d have meal at Capo, The Penthouse Restaurant, or Sol Agave. I’d hit either the main Getty museum or Getty Villa depending on our schedule and if we have time to book reservations. I we go to the Getty, I always like to book a reservation at The Restaurant at the Getty about 30 minutes before sunset. One day would involve the Farmer’s Market on 3rd and The Grove and choose a spot to eat based on how we’re feeling. If they’re into Hollywood, we’d take the Warner Bros Lot Tour and possibly Chinese Mann Theater (depending how touristy they’d like to go). A drive through Rodeo Drive up to Sunset and possibly into Belair, then down Sunset and have either a cocktail or dinner at Musso & Franks. Another favorite is to have a drink or a meal at Shutters on the Beach and then walk down Venice Beach. Manhattan Beach and The Strand House is a great option in great weather, and Terra at Eatily is another favorite for drinks & or dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My good friends and support group through the years, Linda, Karen, Lori, Diane and Eva

Website: https://homtownyoga.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homtownyoga/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/31454050/admin/dashboard/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOMTOWNYoga

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/h%C5%8Dmtown-yoga-los-angeles-4?osq=homtown+yoga

Image Credits
no credit needed