Describe your business in a few words:
I'm Wendy Obstler, a Certified Yoga Therapist in private practice in Los Angeles through my business, Divine Spark Yoga. I also specialize in teaching mind-body practices for fertility and overall wellbeing with my "work wife", Dr. Deborah Anderson. We co-founded Living Lēla, home to Soulful Conceptions™. Our expertise in teaching mind-body wellness tools for over 15 years along with our own struggles with infertility has culminated in a whole-body approach and comprehensive methodology, coaching program, and support group for women and their partners navigating the path to parenthood, and beyond.
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
My background (and my college degree) is in acting and that's why I originally moved to Los Angeles. Although I did work as an actor in commercials and theatre, my "day" job became a 15-year stint in Corporate America. Along the way, I discovered the practice of yoga. But once I started teaching yoga, the drive towards acting and trying to "make it" in that industry really shifted. It just didn't feed my soul the way it previously had been for so long. My heart told me to take a break from acting and give teaching yoga a chance to flourish. And it's one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?
Oh wow, well, the short answer is "Hell, no!" It definitely did not go as planned. The strategies of marketing are still one of the hardest aspects of the business, in my opinion. I wish it felt more intuitive! And I will admit there is still a lot to learn in that area for me personally, particularly in the ever-changing landscape of "digital" content.
What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
There are two, actually. The first is taking the leap to finally leave the "day" job. It took years for me to do it -- mostly because "familiarity breeds security." It felt SO scary, and yet once I finally did it, it was so very freeing and empowering! The second and perhaps most important is becoming Mama to my sweet boy. It wasn't easy (and still isn't), but every aspect of the journey holds up a big 'ole mirror and pushes me in ways that I believe are making me a better human.
Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?
Work/Life balance is absolutely important. And one that feels challenging when you're running your own business and wearing pretty much all the hats. One tip towards work/life balance is integrating self-care. This could be 5 minutes on every hour to just get up from the computer and stretch, breathe, or nourish the body with food. Or, perhaps you do a digital detox one day per week to create the space for a mental break. Simple, but hugely underrated. Another tip is being honest and asking for what you need! This could be from your work partner, your life partner, your friends, the business support groups you may be a part of (like the Entreprenista League!!), and even yourself.
What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
My business partner and I have been scaling up the fertility portion of the business with a model we've been successfully using to support fertility doctors and their patients. Additionally, we recognize that pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are just as important cycles of life. So, our goal is to expand into and focus on all those areas, too. We are also starting our Mindful Being Podcast, which has been a long time in the making. Excited to see how it all unfolds.
What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
The concept and practice of women supporting women have always brought me excitement. I love connecting with and learning from other female business thought leaders. I feel like when women come together, magic happens. ✨
About the Author
Entreprenista Team
