Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Cummings.
Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
YESyoga opened its brick-and-mortar doors in October 2018. Since then, some pretty interesting stuff has happened. My dad was in a motorcycle accident in 2019, and COVID happened in 2020, which is also when my business partner decided to change career paths. After my dad’s very long recovery, I was diagnosed with PTSD. Throughout his journey from accident to recovery and on, I started a daily journaling practice. This daily journaling practice is what inspired my book, The Possibility Project, which was just published in February 2023!
I actually wrote The Possibility Project as a program for the YESyoga in 2021 because I knew a lot of people were struggling to re-find themselves and were going through a shift of reprioritizing their values and what they want to do with their lives. During the program, I designed and printed my own books, and one of my clients told me I should have the book published. I sent it in, and The Collective Book Studio said YES! I signed my book contract in October 2021, now it’s sold everywhere online, like Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and it’s in a ton of indie bookstores all around the US!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
NO WAY! The road of entrepreneurship itself is extremely bumpy, and to put on top of that, being an instant caregiver after my dad’s motorcycle accident was a lot for me to handle. I was having lots of meltdowns and panic attacks. With the guidance and support of my family, and myself, we knew something was not okay with me. Luckily, I found a great therapist, she realized I had developed PTSD and did EMDR therapy, which was really hard but helped me so much. I do still get triggered now and again, but I know it takes time, and I have the tools to help.
The journal that I kept and the prompts I created really help me focus and get present day to day, which is what I really needed at that time and still do sometimes. I’m super grateful to continue to chat with my therapist once per week, it really helps me keep my brain from getting all tangled up, and as an entrepreneur, I need to show up as the best version of myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I run an empire – kinda, that’s my goal anyway. I’m known for co-founding YESyoga, a luxury yoga studio located in Sugar Land, TX for those who are a YES for building healthy practices on and off the mat. I also have my hand in residential property management, where I own and rent a few houses located in the Houston suburbs. Plus, I’m a mom of two kiddos and a corgi puppy named Chocolate Chip.
Recently I became a published author of The Possibility Project! That’s something I never thought I would do. Nor did I ever dream of doing, and secretly can’t wait to write the next one! The last part of my empire is my passion for philanthropy. I’m lucky enough to have created two funds, with the help of my husband, for my alma mater Wichita State University, and I’ve also been volunteering my time on two of their Councils. It’s been so fun to give back my time and help financially support the university that helped give my husband and me a boost in our careers.
What sets me apart from others is my focus and intentionality. I’m very intentional in all aspects of my life, from what I wear to the newsletters I create for the yoga studio, everything needs a purpose. So, what do I do? I run an empire of purpose.
Any big plans?
It’s funny; I think most entrepreneurs always ask the question, “what’s next?” First, YESyoga is always evolving, which I love. I love that the yoga studio can be a place of creativity and evolution. I definitely have two big things on my mind, but I do want to launch another entrepreneurial venture that is purpose-driven but will be product-based instead of service-based.
Mostly, my kids are getting older (they are 11 and 6) and we are taking them on a big vacation this summer and I’m so excited to spend that time with them.
Pricing:
- YESyoga: Get 21 Days of Unlimited Yoga for $69
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erinccummings.com/ & https://yesyogastudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinrunsanempire/ & https://www.instagram.com/yesyogastudiotx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yesyogastudiotx/
Image Credits
K. Mamou Photography
Laura Watson Photography
