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

Hi Priya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Embarking on the journey of establishing my own business was driven by a profound calling, rather than a simple entrepreneurial aspiration.

In the midst of a tumultuous divorce, the sensible path would have been to secure a stable job in the Finance Industry, given my credentials as a Certified Public Accountant, ensuring security for my 11-year-old son and myself but I can vividly recall the palpable feeling of my fingers freezing as I attempted to submit job applications.
At the same time, I was engrossed in pursuing my Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher training certification, a journey that held immense significance for me. Every morning, I’d rise before dawn. Those early hours became my sanctuary – a time to untangle the emotional mess, give my nervous system a pep talk through Yoga, and calm my mind with meditation. It was during these quiet moments that the subtle murmurs of my inner self became audible.

The call was unmistakable – “Open up a yoga studio, and share the magic of Kundalini Yoga with the world.” This practice had been my rock, pulling me through some of my darkest days. And if it could work wonders for me, why not for others?

From the standpoint of those who cared for me, pouring all my resources into launching a Yoga Studio in 2010, just as the economy was taking a downturn, seemed rash and unrealistic. Especially when my trusty CPA career was waiting in the wings, promising stability.

Yet, with the unwavering support of my brother and sister-in-law, I found the strength to give voice to those persistent inner whispers. But for an intention to become a living manifestation takes more than just acknowledgement.
Finding an affordable space and diving headfirst into the complexities of running a business and managing a Yoga studio in just two months was a challenge beyond measure, especially for someone with zero prior experience.

I still think about the eve of the studio’s inauguration, when, left without a finished paint job due to a flaking painter, I took the brush into my own hands alongside a friend, painting the walls in candlelight. In hindsight, this effort was emblematic of the devotion that laid the cornerstone of our eventual success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our journey started back in 2010 when we opened a modest Kundalini and Meditation-based Yoga Studio in a Huntington Beach strip mall. Fast forward to today, and we’ve transformed into the Seventh Chakra Institute of Spiritual Sciences, offering comprehensive training in Yoga, Meditation, Spiritual Psychology, Counseling, and Wellness Retreats.

What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our vision and sincere dedication to serving our clients. While our endeavors are structured as a business, at the heart of Seventh Chakra Institute is an effort to ignite an embodied connection with ourselves and the Source Intelligence that resides in all.

Our growth wasn’t without its challenges. Kundalini Yoga is a fairly unknown yogic practice and because it leans towards spirituality, it is definitely not mainstream. Initially, we struggled to survive. But each obstacle became an opportunity for us to learn, adapt, and evolve.
We recognized that deep within every human is the budding desire to find respite from the traumas and stressors of life, to find hope, to find the strength and resilience to find and live our purpose, and to journey through life gracefully. It took consistent dedication to help one person at a time. Soon the word began to spread and my initial intuition that anyone and everyone be served through this powerful modality began to take shape.

Behind the Yoga and Meditation, this is our real offering. We count success not in spikes in our balance sheets but in the success stories of our clients that reveal that with the right tools, maps, and guidance any adversity can be overcome.

Through this journey, we’ve learned the invaluable lesson that authenticity and genuine passion in service to our fellow humans drives genuine success. Our brand isn’t just about our advertised services; it’s about fostering personal transformations, igniting inner journeys, and providing tools for holistic well-being.

We want the world to know that Seventh Chakra Institute isn’t just a business, it’s a haven where individuals can find solace, growth, and a community of like-minded souls. Our story is one of resilience, dedication, and the power of believing in something greater than ourselves.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout to my family in India who silently stood behind me while I attempted this experiment in consciousness business. To my co-trainees from Yoga West LA who would drive hours to support my intention and sometimes teach to empty classrooms…always with a smile and never a complaint. Heartfelt thanks to my mentor teacher Guru Singh and Guru Dhan whose encouragement and belief in my abilities kept me moving forward through my fears and doubts. To my dear son Eshaan who became my greatest ally through the ups and downs of the journey and finally a shoutout to my husband Peter whose unwavering support allowed me to blossom in the most amazing ways.

Website: www.seventhchakrayoga.com

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/7thchakrayoga

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