2020 FAQs
What’s the news for 2020?
Starting January 1, 2020 the new California law AB5 — otherwise known as the UBER law — will be in effect. This new law drastically increases the business costs and operational demands of all businesses, hitting small business operating on a small margin (like ours) especially hard. In order to meet the demands of AB5 and continue providing the same high quality experience Mountain Yoga is all about, we are forced to restructure our business model and increase prices.
What is AB5?
AB-5 came into being to protect workers from being exploited by the gig culture. Large corporations like Uber engage workers as independent contractors in order to avoid the cost of legal wages and benefits entitled to employees. California governor Gavin Newsome is one of the country’s biggest proponents of requiring businesses to employ their workers.
While seemingly well-intentioned, AB5 holds small businesses (like independent, neighborhood yoga studios, as well as shoe repairs, dry cleaners, family businesses, etc), to the same standards as monolithic corporations like UBER. The unfortunate reality is, among other negative impacts, the additional costs required by AB5 will result in many small businesses having to close.
Will Mountain Yoga be going out of business?
No. Through strategic planning and the support of our community can ensure the sustainability of the studio, and continue to support the health and well-being of our students.
It seems like yoga is a booming business, so why is this so challenging?
You have read articles about the yoga industry making big money. But the reality for small, independent yoga studios has become increasingly difficult. Now skyrocketing real estate prices, increasing demands of customer service, costly legal requirements, and competition with corporate entities have all made it tougher to keep the doors open on small, independent yoga studios.
How much are prices going up?
Starting January 10, 2020 membership rates for new members and class series prices will be increasing 10-15%. (Existing member rates will remain the same. )
Is there a way I can still save money on classes?
Yes! Stock up on class series packages or register for new memberships prior to January 10, 2020 at 2019 rates.
For details, visit Pricing + Rates.
Why is Mountain Yoga more expensive than other places, like my gym?
In short, because we invest in our teachers. We have some of the most masterful, highly-trained, skillful teachers in the Bay Area, and we believe in compensating them accordingly. Under their instruction you can you trust you are in good hands, while feeling good about contributing toward a living wage for teachers you love.
I’m already a member. And I love my studio. What can I do to help Mountain thrive and grow?
Continue to be a part of our loyal community! You are the lifeblood of our studio, and our strength is your commitment.
If you have inclination and means, you may voluntarily increase your member rate $5, $10 or more dollars a month. Whatever feels fair.
Simply email us with the monthly amount you can commit to.
Is Mountain Yoga going to turn into a soulless, corporate franchise?
No. We like the intimacy of our studio and the personal attention we can give our community by staying small and have no intention of going corporate. We are committed to continuing to be the friendly neighborhood studio in the Oakland Hills!
Email us your questions or thoughts!