A Day in the Life with Megan: Behind the Scenes Running an Oceanside Yoga Studio

Lately, a lot of people have asked me what the day-to-day looks like as a yoga studio owner. From the outside, it might seem like my job is just teaching classes, unlocking the doors, and making sure the schedule runs smoothly. But there’s a whole other world and full-time job behind the scenes that most people don’t see—and it’s actually one of my favorite parts of the work.

So, for some of you looking to take the leap to business ownership yourself, or those of you just wondering if I get to teach, meditate and practice yoga all day, I hope this is an interesting read and gives you a little peek into the rhythms, challenges, and joys of running Surf Salutations.

When you walk into our Oceanside yoga studio, you’ll find mats rolled out, teachers ready to guide class, and a welcoming community gathered in movement. What you don’t always see are the countless moving parts that make it all run. As the owner (and also a teacher here), I thought I’d share a “day in the life”—especially for anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s really like to run a North County yoga studio.

Recently, we were deeply honored to be voted One of North County’s Best Yoga Studios. This recognition means SO much to me—not because of the title itself, but because it reflects the love, support, and community effort that has gone into Surf Salutations from day one. To see that effort noticed and celebrated by our community overwhelmingly fills me with gratitude. I am so lucky I get to do this for work.

The Puzzle of People Management

We have a team of about 20 employees, and the biggest part of my role is people management. Schedules shift, preferences change, and the puzzle is always evolving. My goal is to balance the needs of our teachers with what best serves the studio and our students. Some teachers thrive at 6 am, others shine at night—it’s my job to line up those puzzle pieces just right so our offerings stay consistent and high-quality.

Of course, I’m also a time-poor mom of two littles, and I can’t physically be at the studio from 6 am to 8 pm every weekday and weekend (though some weeks it feels like I am working that much anyways!) Instead, I’ve built a team of amazing staff who keep things humming when I’m not there. I try to structure my schedule as close to a 9–5 as possible, working from the studio or home during the weekdays, so I can prioritize my family most evenings and weekends. It’s the reason I left the corporate tech world in the first place—so I could show up fully both for my business and my family.

The Nerdy Side of Managing an Oceanside Yoga Studio: Our Tech Stack

Coming from a software background, I geek out on the systems side of things. Behind the classes you see on the schedule, I’m managing:

• Studio software for scheduling, booking, and payments (love you, Walla!)

• Website management and updates

• Retail systems for merchandise, ordering inventory, and managing the POS (point-of-sale) system

• Phone and text lines so we’re easy to reach

• Payroll, bookkeeping, and finance systems

• Marketing, social media, and advertising platforms

• Employee software for HR, handbooks, trainings, and e-signatures

• Surveys and feedback systems so we can always improve

It might sound like a lot—and it is —but these tools are what keep our North County yoga studio running like a well-oiled machine.

Community Building: The Heart of It All

While the systems and logistics keep Surf Salutations running, community is what makes it come alive—and it’s the part of the work I pour the most heart into.

Community building shows up in little details you might not even notice: the way the studio is arranged to feel warm and welcoming, the playlists chosen to set the right tone, or the intentional way we train our staff to greet and connect with every student who walks in.

It also shows up in the bigger, more visible things: creating unique workshops, retreats, and events that go beyond just a yoga class. We’ve hosted everything from sound baths, free mat chat sharing circles and DIY workshops, to specialty series for new moms, to collaborations with other local businesses. Each offering is designed not only to support your practice but also to connect you with like-minded people who might just become your friends, workout buddies, or sources of inspiration. Come try out an upcoming event to see for yourself how special they are!

I see Surf Salutations as more than just another Oceanside yoga studio—it’s a third space, a home-away-from-home where people can gather, grow, and feel part of something bigger. There's so much data behind happiness and the importance of people having a place, a third space, away from home and away from work, that creates a sense of belonging. That is what I’m always working toward at Surf Salutations, and it’s why community building remains at the very heart of everything I do.

Wearing All the Hats

On any given day, my to-do list might include designing a flyer, reconciling QuickBooks, answering student questions on text/phone/Instagram, overseeing a marketing campaign, or coordinating with outside contractors (from flooring specialists to workshop facilitators). Another big piece is how we maintain and use our physical space:

• Studio maintenance: managing cleaning staff, refilling and ordering supplies, maintaining and cleaning equipment, tidying the studio, doing laundry, and fixing things as they break.

• Contractors: scheduling and paying our cleaners, handymen, construction crews, and other specialists when bigger issues arise.

• Space use: coordinating rentals for private classes, filming, retreats, dance rehearsals, or even birthday parties. More on our studio rentals here.

Every week is a new mix of creativity, problem-solving, and maintenance—equal parts business owner and “studio mom.”

I’ve also found that while I'd prefer and LOVE to be working from the studio (it is the most beautiful and calming space!), working from home is much more efficient for the “computer stuff” that takes up the majority of my time—the bookkeeping, payroll, marketing, and operations tasks that require focused time. At the studio, the front desk is customer service–focused. My priority when I’m there is connecting with our beautiful community, answering questions, and being present for students and teachers—not hiding behind a laptop and realistically the socializing doesn't give me time to get the work done. Both sides of the work matter, and balancing them is part of the dance of running a studio.

Why It’s Worth It

The truth is, it’s a LOT to juggle, especially in this chapter of life (with a 3.5 year old and 8 month old). There are plenty of unfinished to-do lists, late nights, and mornings that start with coffee before sunrise. But unlike my old days in fast-paced tech, I don’t come home empty anymore. Even on the busiest days, I come home with a full heart and a full cup.

Surf Salutations has given me the chance to blend my love for operations with my passion for yoga and community. I get to meet so many incredible people—students, teachers, collaborators—and be part of something bigger than myself.

And that’s why, despite the chaos of wearing so many hats, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Our little Oceanside yoga community continues to inspire me daily, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey with all of you.

With love and gratitude,

Megan