As part of the Build Your Business programme, enterprise coach Imran Hussain is developing a series of case studies highlighting the entrepreneurial journeys of a number of startup founders and how the programme is helping them along those journeys. Imran’s been coaching Ritu Dagar of Ritz Yoga in recent months and recently checkin in with her to see how she’s progressed through the programme.
Tell us your story Ritu, what’s a day in the life of your work at Ritz Yoga?
Ritu came to the UK in the Summer 2022 from India with her son on a spouse visa as her husband had secured a job in Bradford. She left her job as an engineer and took her son out of the top ten schools in India to make the move to the UK. As well as her engineering career in India, Ritu also worked as a yoga instructor.
Your journey as an entrepreneur – the biggest opportunities and challenges; advice could you share with others starting out?
She arrived in the UK in July 2022, shortly after visited Impact Hub Bradford, with her young son, to start the process of setting up a business, wanting to startup her new working life in Britain. The most significant opportunity was to work directly with a talented coach who has experience of coaching entrepreneurs and also running their own enterprise.
How has Build Your Business helped develop your thinking and practice.
Between the end of July and early September, Build Your Business Supported me with: market research, pricing strategy, business planning, bookkeeping, legal structures, marketing and insurance. In addition, I had some help in applying for a National Insurance number, a process so complex, it took five hours!
I also had some support in finding a job, including pointers for me CV, guidance on recruitment agencies and a referral to Inspired Neighbourhoods for employment support.
Within two months I managed to register as self-employed and started offering my yoga classes, in organisations such as Morrisons, JD Gym, Unique Fitness, the Karmand Centre, a local temple and a local gurdwara.
What are your hopes and how you see your business developing – expanding the team, new lines of business
I’m hoping to increase the number of online classes and run more sessions digitally. I’m also hoping to deliver more yoga classes at corporate retreats and events. I hope to create an awareness of authentic yoga and its benefits.
Your entrepreneurial influences – whom do you look up to and admire?
I am inspired by my business enterprise coach, Imran Hussain and Raja Khaliq, a community employment coach at the Karmand Centre.
