The benefits of yoga are well-known: increased strength and flexibility, decreased pain and stress to name a few.

Those who might want to give it a try are sometimes stymied by two things time and money. Drop-in sessions cost anywhere from $10-$16, and class schedules are not always convenient.

That why Scott Feinberg opened Kula Yoga Shala two years ago. The studio is based on a unique business model. Its a cooperative of more than 30 yoga teachers who offer about 40 classes every week, all by donation.

The goal, Feinberg says, is to open a diversity of yoga practice to people of all income brackets.

Instead of putting their credit cards on file or having to pay a weekly or monthly fee, attendees are encouraged to donate an amount based on their financial means and on what they thought the class was worth.

The website reads, In the spirit of Karma Yoga, detaching from the fruits of our actions, we lovingly place the survival of the studio in the hands of our students, and ask that you simply give what you think is a fair and appropriate donation based on the value you place on your practice.

Unlike a nonprofit that is eligible for state money, grants or private donations, Kula Yoga Shala works just like a traditional business. Only here, the customer sets the price for services rendered.

Our teachers came together and invested their money in the space in order to make this happen for the community, Feinberg said.

Heres how theyre compensated: The co-op offers about 20 different types of classes. If a class is at a prime time and well-attended, the teacher contributes more for that class back to the co-op. This model fosters community (kula), not competition, Feinberg said.

Its a good platform for teachers to put themselves in front of new students and to promote their own studios, Feinberg said.

Continued here:
Customers decide the value of Kula Yoga Shala