Megan Cluett calls herself a ‘Guernsey girl’. She loves the island where she was born and grew up, and has special memories of spending time with family and friends, especially her beloved ‘Gran’.

When she was going through a difficult time, a friend suggested Megan try yoga, and the experience changed her life. Megan has since taken several yoga classes and courses and started her own business ‘All About Yoga’ to share what she has learnt.

Megan spoke to Sure about her childhood in Guernsey, what she loves about the island and its people, how yoga has transformed her mental well-being, and the ways she hopes ‘All About Yoga’ will benefit others.

Tell us about your childhood in Guernsey.

My childhood, much like my adult life, revolved around my family and friends.

When I was young, I’d look forward to weekend sleepovers at my Gran’s house with my brother. My Gran is the heart of the family, and the apple of my eye.

As I got older, I mostly hung out on the beach with friends or at my house. My parents were happy to have my friends come around as we had an outbuilding where we could do our own thing and not disturb my parents. I think they liked the fact they knew where we were without us being too much of a pain!

Funnily enough, during my sixth form days, I was always out partying at weekends. Perhaps I did all my partying in my younger years which is why I prefer a much more chilled lifestyle now.

What’s your most vivid childhood memory?

I remember making cakes with my Gran to enter in the North Show. Once we made a complete mess of the kitchen but baked an amazing cake in the shape of a dog with a pink collar on.

Looking back, it probably wasn’t much of a masterpiece, but at the time I thought it was fantastic and was so proud. I (we!) even won third prize.

What did you enjoy most about growing up in Guernsey?

I’ve always been a ‘Guernsey girl’ and love living here.

Growing up, all my friends were close by, within cycling distance. I loved that I could call a friend and be at their house within 10 minutes on my bike and be down at the beach shortly after that.

I was lucky enough to grow up opposite L’Ancresse Common so spent a lot of time in the sea at L’Ancresse beach.

When / why did you become interested in yoga?

I became severely depressed while I was at university and during the years after I returned to Guernsey. I began taking anti-depressant medication and regularly met with a psychotherapist which was a starting point to getting well, but I didn’t want to be totally reliant on medical intervention.

It was at this time that a good friend asked me to join her at a yoga class. She suggested it would really help me and was sure I’d love the class. I joined her and absolutely loved it.

What do you like about yoga?

Yoga has enabled me to become more confident as a person, both in controlling my anxiety and in being able to accept my body. Yoga has given me the tools to deal with my critical mind and enabled me to notice when I am heading towards that downward spiral of negativity and self-doubt.

Without yoga I would not have had the confidence to become a teacher and share with others how yoga has changed my life.

I can honestly say that yoga has helped me to turn my life around. I genuinely feel the benefit each time I practice – not just in a physical way, but on an emotional level too. I’m pretty certain my husband notices the difference too!

When/ why did you decide to begin offering yoga classes?

In 2016 I took the leap to undertake my Sun Power Yoga Teacher Training qualification with Anne Marie Newland, and later start my own yoga business, ‘All About Yoga’, running regular classes in Guernsey.

By this time, I’d been practicing for several years, and really wanted to show others what yoga has taught me, and how it had benefited my life.

Describe how you went about setting up ‘All About Yoga’.

Ahead of, and whilst studying for my Sun Power Yoga Teaching qualification, I taught my friends on a weekly basis as I wanted to build my confidence with teaching and generally standing up in front of a class.

After completing my qualification, I knew I should get straight into teaching, as procrastination is never a good thing, and I was keen to practice my new skills.

My husband and I incorporated ‘All About Yoga’, as we both work in the finance industry, and we’ve been growing and promoting the company ever since.

What qualifications have you got?

Sun Power Yoga 200-hour Diploma Yoga Teacher Training; Forrest Yoga 3-Day Continued Educational Training; YMCA Awards – Certificate of Credit (Register of Exercise Professionals); YMCA Awards – Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga (QCF).

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced starting the business?

The main challenge has been finding suitable venues for classes. Although there are many venues that can accommodate a class, such as church halls and community centres, it’s extremely difficult to find a suitable venue at the day and time you would like.

It is also difficult to find a venue with parking, ease of access, and which generally has a good yoga feel about it. A good, quiet space really makes a difference to the class experience.

What is the unique selling point for ‘All About Yoga’?

We really pride ourselves on the student experience and trying to allow the students to gain as much benefit as possible from the class.

I incorporate Pranayama (breathing techniques), Asana (postures) as well as mindfulness and meditation. I love to use essential oils during Savasana (relaxation) to ensure students can really relax and breathe deeply.

I aim for the personal touch, learning student’s names and getting to know each student’s specific needs.

Who are your clients?

I have a complete mix of clients, which is a testament to the fact that yoga is for everybody, it doesn’t matter your age, shape, size or fitness ability.

I’m very pleased to see that more and more men are turning to yoga, as historically it’s seen as a female dominated practice. This should not be and is not the case, especially given that thousands of years ago when yoga was first practiced in India, it was actually men that practiced and not women!

How do you hope to develop the business over the next 12 months?

We are developing a brand-new website to ensure easy access to all information regarding classes, costs and what ‘All About Yoga’ can offer. Currently we only use Facebook and Instagram, but the website will allow us to reach all markets.

I’m continually looking for more training, particularly in new areas that may not already be offered by teachers in Guernsey.

We are also looking to hold our first yoga retreat in 2019.

What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs in Guernsey?

Don’t give up! There’ll be many set-backs along the way, and it will take a lot of time and hard work in the initial stages (and after), but if you are doing what you love then it’s all worth it.

Dedication is key, otherwise you will drop-the-ball and easily lose out to someone else/another business. Do what you feel is right, not what others are doing.

Describe Guernsey in one sentence.

Guernsey is a safe, beautiful little Island where I love living as the sea is never far away.

What makes Guernsey and its people special?

Guernsey is a community that’s what makes it so special.

What do you do on your days off?

It is a luxury for me to be able to attend a yoga class these days, so when I do have time off I try to attend class.

I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and you’re likely to find me with the girls in Hook enjoying sushi and a gin and tonic.

I must also admit that I am a crazy cat lady! I volunteer at Guernsey Animal Aid, so every Friday morning I’ll be there looking after the cats.

If I had one day to explore Guernsey which three places should be on my to-do list?

Fermain Bay for beautiful views of the neighbouring islands. Vazon Beach at low tide because it’s such a huge expanse of beach and perfect for a lovely walk and Rockmount at sunset.

Describe your philosophy in life.

Do what makes you happy and forget about the rest. Stop comparing yourself to others and live your life the way you wish to live it.

We all have our own pace and our own lifestyle, just because yours is different to someone else’s doesn’t make it any better/worse.

Spend as much time as possible with your family and loved ones.

Find out more about ‘All About Yoga’ on Facebook or Instagram.