Last autumn I was priviledged to meet the energetic Leesa Muirhead, a
marketing person turned small business owner, who not only talks about,
but also embodies, perseverance, determination and humility. She's an
amazing example of someone who's connected to who she is and leading a
very fulfilling life from this space. Hope you find nuggets of
inspiration here for your own connecting!
How would you describe yourself? Who is Leesa?
I have lots of energy, a lot to say(!), I'm dynamic, adaptable and
compassionate, which I guess you need to be to run a small business. I
love people from all walks of life and travelling. And I'm passionate
about issues, such as responsible business, the environment and
politics. Some people have called me inspiring (Editor's note: I'd
agree!).
What are you working on now?
I've got two hats. First of all, I run in2yoga, a yoga
business . As well as offering classes, I'm expanding my wellbeing
workshop programme which was featured in Time Out last September, as
well as introducing a new type of retreat, touring Tanzania/Zanzibar...
ideal for men and women who would like to see a country though would not
feel comfortable to travel alone.
I put an offer on a building in January 2004, which they finally
agreed to in June last year. It's an ex-horse stable from the 1860s and
now a derelict place. I want to refurbish the building, call it Harmony
House and offer a studio and expanded programme of classes. Not just for
yoga, but to also accommodate pilates, small artists, tai chi etc. The
Council have approved planning and the view is open Harmony House in
September 2005 and take my business to the next phase of growth and
development... it's exciting!
My mission for my yoga business is to provide people with tools to
manage their lives, to help them support their lifestyles and to nurture
well-being. I strongly believe that the most precious gift we are given
is our breath - once you harness the power of your breath, life is never
the same again.
The other hat I wear is that of ethical business consultant. I do
various project management roles, though my major contract is with the
IBLF (International Business Leaders Forum) and a Canadian company,
Alcan: I run their Alcan Prize for Sustainability. It is a great project
with many high profile people involved and it's great to be part of
something so meaningful.
So my work is diverse, yet hectic in a thoroughly good way!
My aim is that all I'm involved in has positive impact. As a result,
I have refused business that was not in line with my values. My motto
here is to 'start off with how you mean to go on'. I also aim for all my
work to be carbon-neutral as much as I can and have partnered with
Climate Care.
What has been your journey to what you are doing now?
I'm a spiritual person - I'm comfortable with that and I'm aware that a
huge part of my calling is spiritual.
I did my first yoga course in 1995 - I'd always wanted to try, and it
felt strangely familiar, which was weird. I finished the course I was
doing and 6 weeks later felt I had to go to India for no real reason, so
I did and visited Nepal as well. Whilst there I went to an ashram in
Rishikesh, a holy city in the north of India and immersed myself in
their schedule for 2 weeks: meditation, yoga, spiritual lecture,
chanting. It was profound and changed my life forever.
In 2002, I had several crises. It's interesting what talks to you at
these times, as I'd had this brochure for yoga teacher training on my
desk for over 6 months, and only now did I grab it. I ended up doing the
course between London and a holistic center in Ibiza. By day 3, eight
years of my life came together, and I knew this is exactly where I
should be.
I returned to my job as head of marketing at Business in the
Community - it didn't feel right, though I dind't know what to do next.
Yoga fulfills me completely on an emotional level - I'm inspired by
teaching and learn as much from my students as they potentially do from
me. I had a mentor who recommended me to do the flower diagram from What
Colour's My Parachute and create the job of my dreams and let it
manifest. When I reflect now, it's all that I'm doing now.
I tried to be in tune with the universe and be confident enough to
trust my instinct, however no gym wanted a newly qualified yoga teacher,
so in January 2003 I started my own classes. I had 2 students in my
first class, who are super loyal, still with me and now great friends
too.
I finally quit my job and finished work at the end of July 2003. I
headed out to Sri Lanka for a month, where I really became aware of
Buddhist principles and meditation.
I came back and started my own business. Having already established
yoga, this brought me a small stable income. The whole consultancy side
was far more questionable. I didn't really have the confidence for it,
but knew I wanted to do it. I waited for calls, but I hit rock bottom in
less than a month. I got an Amazon voucher as a gift and bought a book
on corporate services.
I started cold-calling (the work I was looking for was in events,
marketing, project management, communications/PR). I called 408
companies and was surprised at how incredibly receptive everyone was. By
the first week of October I had 2 contracts - one with a small
consultancy through my cold calling and one through my contacts at Alcan
for 3 months. I thought: how lucky am I? The universe provides, but not
always how you expect it to.
How have you dealt with doubts along the way?
My biggest struggle has been with my confidence. As a self-employed
person, you are your own motivator. Most people think yoga teachers' are
super human and totally calm, and well we're simply humble human beings
too!
I've got quite an impetuous nature - I'll jump first, then think. I
want my business to be a success, not just a hobby. I really want to
realise my potential, to create new tools and new ways of enjoying life.
Whilst I was still in my job, I knew I was not in the right space, but I
didn't know where to go. There was no shock in letting go, but
excitement.
And then during that week three of being 'on my own' when I hit rock
bottom, I struggled to get out of bed, and I haven't forgotten how this
felt. I think only when you're in the thick of it, do you really deal
with all those doubts and fears. And it's these powerful moments that do
end up changing and shaping you as a person. So I'm continually
investing time in changing and innovating, setting myself apart.
