Connect
To Top

Life and Work with Susan Nichols

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Nichols.

Susan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My husband was transferred here from Atlanta in 1999… once here, I started doing yoga at a local gym. I started to search for a well made and good looking yoga bag and could not find one. I decided to make my own but since it is just as easy to make a few I made 2 extras and gave them to my yoga friend and my yoga teacher. I then went on vacation and when I returned my yoga teacher asked for 13 more bags! Everyone loved her bag and asked her where she got it. She just started taking orders for them.

Great, 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 new business is ever a smooth road! Some of my biggest hurdles have been figuring out when to ask for and/or hire help/support. The advice I would offer is to do something you are passionate about but to make sure there is a good market for it before sinking all your time and money into it.

Please tell us about YOGA STYLES.
Since we started our business has expanded in many ways but we are still best known for our yoga bags and other props (zafu cushions, bolsters, eye pillows, bolsters…) that we design and manufacture here in Phoenix. Keeping our production local and giving work to local people is still one thing that I am proud of. The high quality and limited fabric runs keep our products fresh and our company trusted.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Staying aware of current trends is important. For some reason I have a good instinct when it comes to the “hot” colors… and hanging out with people younger than me helps! I use a few meditation apps to keep my type A personality in control and help keep me focused. And while print magazines may be a thing of the past I still get a lot of inspiration form leafing through them. I also love Pinterest to spark my creativity… but there is nothing like “boots on the ground” at the festivals I travel to (with my product) for true inspiration.

Pricing:

  • Extra Large Mat Bags $56.00 USA Made
  • Zafu (meditation cushions) $56.00 USA Made
  • Always great sale items starting as low as $5.00 Who doesn’t love a sale?

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Yoga Styles

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in