This is exactly what happened to Luke Voulgarakis, who founded LV Yoga on West Street, Fareham, in March 2020, just before the pandemic broke out – and restrictions forced it to close.
The studio was due to officially open on March 21, two days before the country’s first lockdown.
However, after a difficult first year in business, Luke hopes things will return to normal and he encourages people to try his business out.
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Luke Voulgarakis in yellow has reopened his yoga studio LV Yoga in West St, Fareham, after the Covid-19 restrictions were eased. He is pictured with fellow yoga teachers Victoria Beale and Warren Bright. Image: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 160521-07)
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Luke, who started yoga 12 years ago, said, “The last year has been like a roller coaster ride for me. I’ve seen so many ups and downs. Neither of us expected the lockdown to drag on for so long.
Luke started LV Yoga after teaching for other studios and gyms, businesses and educational institutions, taking over a former hair salon and converting it into a studio.
Being so new to the business, Luke was not eligible for a self-employment scholarship, but with the help of the council and its members, he managed to build his business and survive.
Luke Voulgarakis in yellow has reopened his yoga studio LV Yoga in West St, Fareham, after the Covid-19 restrictions were eased. He is pictured with fellow yoga teachers Victoria Beale and Warren Bright. Image: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 160521-08)
He said, “The council and my students have been very loyal and supportive throughout the lockdown. My students paid me even when they didn’t make enough income.
“I am blessed to have made it through financially.”
He hosted online classes during the pandemic but is excited about the return of indoor classes, with current social distancing guidelines allowing classes of up to eight people to attend.
He said, “The online courses were fun and interesting at first, and I got interest on social media. However, the number of students slowly began to decline. ‘
The studio offers a range of courses for all abilities and ages seven days a week. Most of the classes are hatha yoga, but clients can also book family yoga, pilates classes, and beginner classes that run twice a week.
Luke also shares the studio with other yoga teachers who run their own business separately from LV Yoga.
Luke added, “I think yoga is for everyone. It’s about connecting our minds to our bodies. At LV Yoga I teach yoga for all body types, abilities, ages, or whatever limiting factor you have. I want my studio to be an inclusive space. ”
