Lauren Goggins was teaching yoga in the Chicago Board of Trade building last year when she began to envision an opportunity to make an impact beyond the studio. Yoga was the means but in the end she wanted to enrich lives on a larger scale. Goggins imagined the studio transformed as Bottom Line Yoga (BLY), a peaceful respite where Chicago’s ambitious and overworked could find wellness and mindfulness. But her vision did not stop at the studio door or at 141 W. Jackson. She wanted to bring this mindful practice to companies throughout Chicago. And when she started talking, companies started listening.
In 2014, Goggins mentioned her ideas to client Andy Goldberg, Burling Bank Vice Chairman, after class one day and Goldberg said, “Come on down to the bank and talk to us.”
“I shared my goals and vision with Andy and Kevin Murphy (Burling Bank’s Chief Lending Officer) in December. They helped me solidify my business plan and outline my projections. Things moved quickly from there,” says Goggins. By January, financing was approved and studio renovations were well underway. At the end of February BLY was ready for a soft launch and by April it was in full launch mode.
The staff at Bottom Line Yoga, including Lauren Goggins, second from left.
Success is the Bottom Line
Today, Bottom Line Yoga is seeing 20% month over month growth. The yoga studio is flourishing, but the studio is only part of the business. BLY also brings yoga classes to startups and midsized businesses with onsite classes and wellness programs. In fact, BLY is beta testing an online wellness tool to help HR managers schedule classes, track participation, secure waivers and manage their wellness programs.
As Goggins explains, she used to bank at a very large organization and it was all very transaction driven, automated and hands-off. “I can’t imagine launching a business as quickly without Burling Bank.” Burling Bank works with small, closely held businesses and focuses on the relationship aspect of banking, providing financing and solutions to small business owners as they navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. Goggins is glad to tap into Burling’s financial experience as she grows her business. “Launching a business is exciting but also stressful. A personal relationship with bankers who care about the Chicago business community and offer sound financial guidance makes the world feel less big and more connected.”
“Chicago wouldn’t be the same without Burling Bank and their ability to support the businesses that make this urban community so unique and special,“ says Goggins. “We have a connection and I know they care.“
Bottom Line Yoga is located in the Chicago Board of Trade at 141 W. Jackson Blvd. Ste. 750. To find out more about classes and events, visit www.bottomlineyoga.com.