May 8, 2017

Meet Jules Engler of Sangha Movement Studio in Watertown

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jules Engler.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It was my role as an Army Drill Sergeant that first sparked my interest for teaching and physical training. I served in the Army from 1998-2006, overseas and stateside. The responsibilities of a Drill Sergeant and Yoga teacher are not as contradictory as one might think. In these roles, my passion was and is to guide people towards revealing their most dynamic and fulfilled selves. There just happens to be a lot less yelling in yoga.

I’ve been teaching yoga since 2007, accruing over 500hrs of training under the guidance and leadership of Mary Bruce in Tempe, AZ and Barbara Benagh in Brookline, MA. An additional component to my personal practice and teaching is the Chi Gong discipline; in 2016, I earned a 500hr certification led by Ben McLellan in MA and Master Teachers Michael Leone and Jason Campbell in AZ.

Since I was big enough to push the lawnmower across the yard, I’ve always found satisfaction in a job well done. The desire to serve has been a constant in my life and now as a teacher and studio owner, that aspiration is being realized in spades. Although a constant, albeit worthwhile challenge, it’s possible with the support of my husband, my invaluable staff, and the amazing students who make our studio a Sangha.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
People keep telling me I won’t make a profit until the third year. As a wise meme once said, “I ain’t got time for that.” Having just passed the one-year mark, the biggest struggle has been trying to maintain a steady frequency (AKA, not freak the f#&% out) for my community while finding ways to attract new students and grow the business. I miss the days when I could just leave work and not think about it but I’m getting better at creating a healthy work-life balance. At the very least, obsessing about revenue distracts me from getting too depressed about climate change.

Sangha Movement Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What sets us apart from other studios is the variety of classes we offer. When I opened the business, I wanted our students to be able to find everything they needed to create a well-rounded fitness regimen. This includes mind/body wellness, cardio, and strength training, as well as focused workshops on a wide array of topics. At Sangha, we offer Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa, and Hatha Yoga, Mat Pilates, Barre, Metabolic Conditioning (circuit training), Zumba, and Latin Dance.

As studio owner, I’m beyond impressed with the level of talent and skill our teachers bring into the mix. I’m also so grateful for our loyal student base…they make this entire endeavor worthwhile.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment will be when I’m no longer in debt from starting a business…hahaha

I’m actually very lucky to have proud moments sprinkled throughout this journey. Every time someone says they feel better after taking a class, every time someone refers a friend to the studio, every time I see my teachers laughing and talking to students before or after class, each time I witness a student find a physical or mental breakthrough, and every time I get to write a payroll check and I know I’m able to support someone who is living their passion for teaching.

Pricing:

Unlimited Class Monthly Memberships: 1 month, $139; 3 month, $379; 6 month, $709
10 Class Card: $190
New Student Special: 1 month unlimited classes, $49

Contact Info: