Whenever there was a class available, she took it.
Her kids watched her take part in self-care, relaxation, and a holistic wellness lifestyle that lent itself toward a general sense of awareness, beneficial action and taking responsibility. But she was a single mom and classes were cost-restrictive. Accessibility was always a barrier.
That was the seed. And it was the drive that led Amber Richman and her brother, Austin, to start Cambio Yoga.
Admittedly, Amber and Austin had some difficulty in presenting their concept to apply for a small business loan. Their business plan was unconventional at best, even though it had been successful for a full year prior to their application being submitted.
“We were laughed out of the office,” Amber chuckled. “Our business model is antithetical to normal capitalistic styles,” Austin adds.
Applying for a loan with a business plan that is based solely on donations is risky, understandably.
You heard that right. Cambio’s yoga classes are offered on a donation basis.
“Sure, we have a recommended donation, and it fluctuates depending on the current business needs,” Austin says, “but it’s there to provide a baseline for those unfamiliar with the typical cost of a quality class.”
Austin is also quick to state that perceived value doesn’t always equal cost value.
Cambio focuses on community, accessibility and education; but quality is paramount.
Amber has been teaching since 2003. She was working in education when she took a training class to help her students. After a second training in 2005, she was hooked and won Austin over in 2007. They opened Cambio in 2009. Just last April, the siblings opened a second location. They now employ more than 30 instructors and offer live and online classes.
“There is a misconception of who does yoga,” Amber says. “Normal people do yoga. While the media might give an alternate perception, we have a class for everyone.”
Not every class is for every body (two words, not a typo.) There are beginners classes, curvy yoga, and classes that bring together communities like cancer survivors. There are also classes for those who have practiced for years, who are considering being instructors themselves.
Amber and Austin are proud that newcomers visit Cambio and regulars will seek them out to be the first to offer welcome. “We strive to foster community and connection,” says Austin. He attributes that to an “off the mat” journey of self-discovery and personal transformation that treats the person as a full being, rather than yoga being just an activity that serves as a serotonin or dopamine dump.
Yoga is a transformational activity that gives those who partake a vision of self and the world as well as one’s place in it. And Cambio strives to lead the charge.
Website: https://www.cambioyoga.com/
Facebook: @cambiostudios
Instagram: @cambioyoga