Why I Do the Work I Do…
Hola,
If you have stumbled upon this page, it’s likely because you want to learn a bit more about the person behind Yoga Biz Mentor, and that’s me, Manu!
In this page, I’d like to share more about my values, what makes me me, and why my work is here to support you, the yoga, wellness and retreat entrepreneur (the ZenPreneur).
One thing that defines me is my love for adventure…
So Let Me Take You On a Journey!
I was 20 years old when I left behind the comfort of my family home and the soul-draining job that was making me depressed.
I dreamed of a better life for myself. I craved freedom, creativity, and the chance to truly be myself.
One day, after reading The Alchemist from Paulo Coelho, I decided to take a step toward my dream. Together with a friend, I moved to the Spanish Pyrenees. There, I discovered a new world full of possibilities, a community of like-minded people, a job at a ski resort, and I tried yoga for the first time…
…and yoga led me on another journey, one that has taken me to places and experiences I never imagined in my wildest dreams.
Ireland, Italy, Canary Islands, Majorca, Ibiza, India, Thailand…
Most importantly, this journey has led me to be myself and to let purpose, adventure, and passion be my guiding stars.
I’m writing these lines while living in Asia, working with incredible teachers, creatives, and healers, organizing retreats and helping incredible wellness brands build a legacy, sell their programs and lead their own transformational and profitable retreats.
I’ve created a lifestyle that feeds my soul and makes an impact.
I believe success in your biz journey isn’t just about profit. But profit is essential to keep your business thriving (and my ultimate goal is to help you make a profit doing something you love).
Having said this, for me, success is about following your dreams and making a positive impact on the world around you.
I believe we’re on the same page here. I know living with purpose and creating a positive impact matters deeply to you because you’re a heart-centered entrepreneur—aka, a ZenPreneur!
See, like you, I’m a bit of a dreamer. I’m passionate, creative, and value freedom.
As you walk your path, I hope you feel empowered and fully reflected in this journey, ready to dream, create, and become everything you’re meant to be.
Here is a Hard Pill to Swallow
Even though I value passion and purpose the most, the truth is they’re NOT enough to build and grow a sustainable business or lead a retreat.
I know, that’s painful. But the truth is you need the “know-how” and the “nitty-gritty”, the things you might be feeling a bit of resistance toward right now.
That’s exactly why I come in.
With over 15 years in the yoga, wellness, and retreat fields, I’ve sold out my own retreats, guided other leaders to do the same, and I’ve managed a retreat department (starting from the ground 🌱) that generated almost € 1 million euros in revenue in just one year.
My unique blend of in-person and online experience allows me to run a hybrid business with the freedom to work from anywhere. Having been in your shoes, I truly understand the challenges you face.
But it wasn’t always like this…
I used to think the word ‘marketing’ was synonymous with ‘lying’, until I realized that marketing is actually about effectively communicating the value of what you have to offer to the world.
These are the words from one of my first mentors. Read that again, please:
Marketing is about effectively communicating the value of what you have to offer to the world.
For this, you need to learn and practice!
My purpose with my programs is to equip you with the tools you need to build a sustainable business.
My content and programs focus on helping people like you gain confidence and clarity in your marketing and strategy, as you build and grow a profitable, thriving brand and biz you feel proud of, find clients online for your services, and run your own retreats.
It took me many “failings” over the years, but today, I have a thriving business, and I’ve helped many others like you build and grow their biz and sell out their retreats.
However, let me tell you that I am not the mentor who will sell you a magic pill filled with fluffy aspirational words or scammy promises. I am not the mentor who will ask you to do things that feel out of integrity to you.
Why? Because I’ve been there…and it wasn’t good.
Early in My Journey, I Met the Online Biz Gurus… And Here’s What I Learned
When I finally decided it was time to invest in business mentorship and coaching, I got captured by the promises of some online business gurus.
They sold me the dream: building a six-figure yoga business in less than a year, all from the comfort of my home or a pristine tropical beach… (Ouch! 😖)
I drank the Kool-Aid. I was inspired by stories of overnight biz success, where yoga and wellness practitioners, just like me, had built wildly successful business easily by working only four hours a day.
For a while, those stories kept me motivated. But when I started investing in learning, putting in the real work, and giving my best effort, I quickly realized those promises didn’t work as well (or as quickly) as I’d been led to expect.
The result?
I blamed myself.
I felt like something was wrong with me. Anxiety and desperation crept in as I struggled to make ends meet while it seemed like everyone else was soooo successful.
Some of these gurus taught me strategies that felt a little out of integrity…
And yes, sometimes I used those strategies. I was humble enough to “follow what my teacher said.”
But as they say:
“You do the best you can with the knowledge you have. When you know better, you do better.”
Let me be clear: I absolutely believe it’s possible to build a soulful and profitable yoga and wellness brand.
I have one. My business allows me to have a lifestyle I’ve designed for myself.
I’ve managed a retreat department – almost starting from zero! – that made nearly seven figures in a single year.
I’ve sold out my own (very profitable) retreats and helped others do the same.
I regulary sell mentorship and consultancy programs worth thousands of euros.
But here’s the truth: building a business requires believing in yourself and your abilities more than you might realize right now.
You need inspiration, support, and motivation from a mentor who understands what’s possible for you.
It takes taking imperfect action. It takes learning, refining, and putting in the right kind of effort…
Oh, and dare I say it… it takes consistency and HARD WORK!
So, ask yourself: Are you truly ready for the ride?
I believe it’s possible to build a thriving business while feeling aligned with your values, marketing and sales strategies.
…And it’s exactly what I am here to help you with.
I Am Still Learning!
Most of the “mistakes” you are making in your retreat, marketing and biz right now, I have likely made them myself too…
I am still learning!
Having said that, I deeply believe that we are here to become better versions of ourselves.
We are here to learn and grow.
I faced one of the hardest times of my life in 2018. My goal back then was to become an independent yoga & movement entrepreneur in Bangkok (Thailand), and to make a living out of my passion.
Despite my rich professional experience, the path ahead unfolded with big, unexpected challenges, testing my resilience and determination…
I realized my traditional yoga, wellness, and fitness training were not enough, and that they had left crucial gaps in my knowledge as an independent ZenPreneur.
That was a really hard pill to swallow. 😞
Marketing, branding, navigating the online business landscape, pricing my offerings, and creating compelling content were all essential aspects that I had yet to master.
I felt frustrated and lost at the time… but eventually, I decided to adopt a growth mindset and to learn about biz and marketing… and that was the fertile ground upon which I sowed the seeds for Yoga Biz Mentor.
Knowledge is power, and that knowledge led me to grow.
WHY Do You Do This Work?
I often reflect about the meaning of “being intentional,” and that really applies to something like starting and growing your heart-centered biz or planning your retreat…
It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t leave room for spontaneity, experimentation, and freedom… Those are essential too!
If you know me well, you know I do enjoy being silly and making fun of myself! 🤪
You can find clarity and learn as you “get a bit lost” in your own journey (after all, not all who wander are lost!)
That said, I am an advocate of being intentional and persevere in your life purpose:
🧡 Your mission and your vision for the world around you…
🧡 Becoming someone beyond the person you are today, extending to the visionary leader, compassionate guide, and empowered creator you’re destined to become…
🧡 Giving yourself the permission to thrive, doing the life-changing work that you do, and creating your own legacy…
So, ask yourself:
🤔 Why do you even bother to start your own biz or run your retreat with all it entails?
🤔 What are your reasons and key motivations?
🤔 Is it becoming a recognized and trusted professional in your community?
🤔Is it helping people heal or “wake up” so that they can live their best lives?
🤔Is it gaining financial and time freedom by working on your terms while traveling?
There is no right or wrong here; this is about being really clear and intentional about what you would like to create in your lifetime and, most importantly, your perseverance on your dream. Your ability to stand up after you fall, and the ability to show how all of this is rooted in your core values and integrity as a leader.
I believe being intentional and reflective will help you persevere in your mission, even when the road gets tough.
Perseverance is essential. Having a business mentor is invaluable, but you must also be willing to take imperfect action, especially when challenges arise. This wisdom is worth its weight in gold.
Where would you like to be five years from now?
Remember, you don’t have to go there all alone.
If you need a hand from someone who has been in your shoes, I am here for you.
I hope these lines helped you learn more about me. If they did, please feel free to reach out and let me know!
Thank you for reading!
Manu