Leslie Herr’s introduction to yoga didn’t come from a desire to become more flexible or to find a new hobby. It came from necessity. At the time, she was deep in the world of emergency services—a career filled with high-stakes medical calls, disasters, and the constant weight of unpredictability. That life demanded clarity, resilience, and recovery. Yoga became the place where she could catch her breath, center her emotions, and find relief from the intensity of her work.
What began as a grounding tool slowly turned into a path of profound healing. The moment she discovered Life Power Yoga, something clicked—it felt like returning home. Teaching wasn’t something she chased. It arrived on its own timeline and gave her purpose.
One memory remains etched in her heart: a long, hot vinyasa practice in Mission Beach, surrounded by her community, guided by her teacher Jason Hulshof. Midway through, the words of Jonny Kest echoed in her mind—“You may not know what you’re training for... but you’re preparing.” That day, something shifted. She realized she was preparing for much more than just physical resilience. Yoga was giving her the tools to grieve, to grow, and to serve.
Leading with Purpose
Leslie didn’t move into leadership because it was easy. She stepped forward because she saw an opportunity to support others the same way yoga had supported her. She knew she had something worth sharing, and she wasn’t going to wait for someone else to give her permission.
For her, management is about much more than systems and schedules. It’s about people. It’s about energy. And it’s about the unseen work of holding space—for students, teachers, and everyone who walks into the studio.
She believes leadership means recognizing the full range of personalities in the room. From introverts to extroverts, artists to strategists, every yoga teacher brings a different energy—and that’s something to honor, not standardize. Leslie fosters environments where people can show up as their whole selves. That’s when true growth happens.
And while yoga is a spiritual practice, Leslie is clear: this is still a business. Teachers shouldn’t have to sacrifice their livelihood for their passion. She advocates for fair compensation, professional respect, and leadership that lifts rather than leans.
My Mission
Leslie’s mission is clear: to guide, to connect, to teach others to teach, and to serve. She’s not interested in recognition. She’s interested in transformation.
Yoga saved her life—more than once. Now, her work is about returning the favor. Whether it’s through a class, a conversation, or the culture she builds within her studio, Leslie leads with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
This isn’t about building a brand. It’s about building people.
A Message to Other Founders
Your timeline might look different than you imagined. That doesn’t make it wrong. It means it’s unfolding exactly as it should.
Don’t shrink yourself waiting for permission. If you believe in what you’re doing, step up. Be your own advocate. The path of leadership will challenge you, stretch you, and reshape your identity—but it will also connect you to something greater than yourself.
Visit other studios. Learn from your competitors. Respect the ecosystem you’re part of. Growth isn’t always vertical. Sometimes, it’s in the relationships you build, the community you nurture, and the risks you’re willing to take.
Business Takeaways from Yoga Founders Magazine
1. Value your teachers, always
Yoga teachers give deeply of themselves. Many would teach for free—but that doesn’t mean they should. Their time, energy, and personal investment deserve to be honored and fairly compensated.
2. Manage people, not positions
Each teacher is different. Some are structured, others are wildly creative. Lead with sensitivity and curiosity. The best studios support a spectrum of personalities while nurturing a shared mission.
3. Know your numbers—and your neighbors
Running a studio requires clarity. Track your trends, know your audience, and understand your financials. Then step outside your own walls—visit other studios, meet other leaders. The community is your greatest teacher.
