Leaving Family Business for Purpose: Yoga Studio Founder & Coach Nathalie Bonk-Kleinschmidt on Entrepreneurship & Finding Your Own Path

Imagine that you’ve spent your whole life preparing to take over the family business—but at some point, your body— and soul—said no, and your life took a completely different turn. 🙈​ 

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend, Nathalie Bonk-Kleinschmidt—a coach, yoga teacher, and the inspiring founder of a beautiful yoga studio in Bochum, Germany, Studio Akasha.

We met years ago during our coaching certification, we co-work together, we visited Korea together - she's such an inspiration to me, and I can't wait for you to hear her story. 💗​

Leaving Family Business for Purpose: Nathalie’s Journey

Nathalie has an MBA, she studied in Japan and the U.S., and was once on track to take over her family’s business. Then... she experienced burnout, which ignited a deep inner transformation, and she chose a completely different path—one rooted in purpose, embodiment, and helping others reconnect to themselves.

This powerful episode explores what it really looks like to be leaving family business for purpose, and what unfolds when you choose your soul’s desires over external expectations.

Nathalie and I talk about:

✨​ Why she left the corporate world (and family legacy) to become a yoga studio owner

✨​ How she navigated fear, uncertainty, and financial unknowns

✨​ The difference between a digital and brick-and-mortar business model

✨​ Tips for anyone dreaming of opening a yoga studio or starting their own business 

✨​ What most people don’t realize about self-employment

✨ What purpose really means when you stop chasing outside validation

We also dive into Nathalie’s love for Ashtanga yoga—including what it is, why she teaches it, and how it helped her reconnect with her body and inner truth. (And yes, you can practice with her online!)

This conversation is full of grounded wisdom, honest reflections, and powerful insights for anyone who’s questioning the “default” path and craving a life and business that's fully aligned with them.

🎧 Tune into the full episode if you're:

👉​ Dreaming about self-employment or opening a physical business

👉​ Struggling to find your purpose or the “right” business idea

👉​ Ready for a real, vulnerable, and empowering take on entrepreneurship

💫 ​Connect with Nathalie

• Practice Ashtanga or Tantra Yoga Class with her Nathalie or in person in Studio Akasha: https://www.eversports.de/s/studio-akasha

• Instagram Nathalie: https://www.instagram.com/nk_bodymindcoaching/ 

• Instagram Studio Akasha: https://www.instagram.com/studioakasha.bochum/ 

• Website: https://www.studioakasha.de/

Thank you for listening & for being part of this community - I deeply appreciate you. 🙏​

From my heart to yours

Tajda 🌷​🫶​

Author

Tajda Glazer

Professional Life & Career Coach, Psychological Consultant and host of the podcast "What If It Is Possible?"

I'm a lawyer turned Professional Life & Career Coach and I've helped hundreds of clients go from feeling lost, anxious, burned out and stuck on the hamster wheel, to finding their purpose and turning their dream life & career into reality. I believe in making changes from the inside out, in a way that feels easeful and aligned with you. ✨ I host the podcast "What If It Is Possible?", mentor students in reaching their goals, and help leaders elevate their conscious leadership skills.