Meet Deborah Miller | Founder, YNG Studios

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of YNG Studios has been consistency in bringing our brand to life and creating a team that supports that vision. We strive to under promise and over deliver in order to build confidence in our brand. We’ve curated an amazing team of instructors who are passionate about providing a first class experience for members. We believe in cultivating community and are committed in give’YNG back to support causes that are creating real, positive impact on a local and global level.

What should our readers know about your business?
YNG Studios is the original hot yoga studio of San Clemente, California. Having been a pillar in the community for over 25 years, we have seen, sustained and evolved through the many ripples of life. Our traditional yoga classes are combined with modern, functional movement taught by some of the most respected and beloved teachers within our community in a judgment-free environment. The diversity of our teaching styles is a reflection of the diversity our people. There is no “wrong way”, there is no “one way”, just the way that works for you!

YNG Studios is in a league of its own due in part to our dedication to the business. We literally live our brand. We have developed extensive safety measures to keep our studio thriving and healthy. We have a REAL connection to our community, diving into partnerships with companies like VIZER to begin to shift the needle away from food scarcity and hunger.

Our biggest obstacles have truly been our best teachers. We took a leap of faith when we bought our business and decided to rebrand…jumping into the unknown. I vividly remember that moment where I was between fear and fierce, and I chose fierce, landing feet first, supported by the knowledge of WHO we are and WHY we are in the position we are in to serve others. Without knowing those two things, it would have been impossible. I look at challenges as a way to grow, become stronger and take a deep dive into learning more about our brand through learning more about ourselves. I got to where I am today thanks to a mix of grit and grace. I often say in my classes, we need patience, peace and perseverance in equal measure.

Be true to who you are, and stay in your lane! In the beginning, I spent a good portion of my time trying to make everyone happy and fit into the previous brand’s mold and ideas which was not aligned with who I intrinsically am. I also learned to build a tribe that really believes in you, but in order to do that, you have GOT to believe in yourself. I was spreading myself thin trying to be all things to all people. Then I remembered that I actually LIKE who I am, and WHAT I do, and needed to be making decisions that were aligned with that. When I got clear on defining that, it ignited the real growth in our business. That doesn’t mean we didn’t have attrition, but when the momentum began to shift, the people that were part of our brand became very dedicated. Our members have been incredibly loyal, and we have instilled trust in them by being consistent. Our YNG tribe has become an extension of our team and a true living part of our brand.

Our brand was born through months and years of self-discovery and imagination. Our brand name is the amalgamation of YIN and YANG. YNG is the sacred space between these two opposing actions that create harmony and balance in all life. There is no dark without light, no up without down. We would never know how to appreciate joy if we never had sorrow. Our studio offers a full range of experiences for each and every journey, so everyone can find their own blend of YNG, which to me means living life fully, with harmony and balance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Put on your flip flops, SPF and chillax! Mornings are for yoga. Start your day at YNG to get grounded and connect with the community. Nourish your mind, body and spirit! Then it’s time to head to J’Adore Café for the best French coffee and healthy yet decadent fare. Del Mar street is for browsing – shop for yourself at Melrose in the OC – great prices and on trend clothing. Local surf shops like Hobie and the home shops are great too. I love the area because everyone is so friendly and people love to chat you up at the sidewalk cafes. It is also great to make your way to the pier to grab an appetizer and cocktail at the Fisherman while watching world class surfers cut and carve through the waves. Since I am a foodie, I would be remiss without giving a shout out to South of Nicks, HH Cottons, The Vine, and The Cellar. Grabbing a bike (regular or e-bike) and riding along our beach trails is a great way to get out, get some sun and enjoy our community that has kept its charm and protected its culture and land. I love that most businesses are locally owned and that our Farmer’s Markets on Sundays keep our local farmers, flower growers and saucemakers thriving!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t have achieved what I have for our members through YNG Studios without the unwavering support of my husband. He has made it his mission to help me cultivate my vision and bring my ideas to fruition. He has always said, if you build it, they will come! Todd shares my commitment to serve’YNG others and that is seen is his daily efforts both in and behind the scenes.

Website: https://yngstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yng_studios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YNGstudiosyoga/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/asanaFIT

Image Credits
YNG Studios