Ginger Diaz: ‘Passion changes everything’

MANILA, Philippines - Passion is a potent ingredient to business success. Experts even advise aspiring entrepreneurs to find something they are truly passionate about and turn it into a profitable endeavor.

That’s exactly what Ginger Diaz did. For a Bikram yoga practitioner, it only makes perfect sense to set up a business that will allow other people to practice this type of yoga. “I’m the type of person who will do much better when working on something I am naturally interested in. I’ve said this many times in the past and I know it will hold true for me in the years to come—passion changes everything,” enthuses Ginger.

A former pre-school teacher, Ginger started doing Bikram yoga in March 2006. She immediately fell in love with the practice and decided to make a career out of teaching Bikram yoga, a scientifically-designed 90-minute program to deliver total health by practicing in a heated room. So in October 2010, Ginger established Bikram Yoga Alabang (BYA) so that disciples of the practice living and working in the southern part of Metro Manila can experience the benefits of this hot yoga.

“My regular practice made me realize that I wanted to be able to teach something that had the ability to change lives in the way that Bikram yoga changed mine. It was like a switch that was suddenly turned on. I knew immediately that I wanted to go to teacher training to be a licensed instructor, and I knew that all my efforts moving forward would be directed so that I would also one day have my own Bikram yoga studio in Alabang,” she narrates.

Today, the BYA studio is filled to the brim in most classes, with yoga enthusiasts (some of them from the posh Alabang village nearby) trooping to Ginger’s studio to practice. “This business allows me to be able to help people, whether or not they come here looking for help,” she says. “For some, it is very specific like those who are looking for an alternative relief to their chronic back pain, migraine, knee problems, or weight loss. For some, it comes more softly like the full-time mom who needs a little bit of peace and quiet or ‘me’ time, the corporate worker who needs some stress relief, or those who come just for a workout but end up having an overall better quality of life in the end.”

Just like in practicing Bikram yoga where Ginger had to learn and master the poses amidst the sweltering heat, she also has to endure challenges in this endeavor. There are times when she needs to remind herself that although this may not be a traditional enterprise, it is still a business. “It’s very easy to get lost in the romance of just helping and finding fulfillment in the growth of others, but the reality is, if your business does not run well, you will not even have the capacity to do these things. There must always be a struggle for balance,” she explains. Ginger also notes that since she is in a service industry, she has to interact with different types of people and be able to handle them well. “There will always be complaints to deal with and whether or not you believe them to be unfounded, you must always answer respectfully, calmly, and even with a polite smile on your face.”

This charming entrepreneur also has to deal with stiff competition in the yoga industry. But she is unfazed.

“Studios are popping up here and there and certified instructors are being churned out left and right. In the end, I stay true to my vision and follow the straight path that will lead me toward my goals.”

Ginger also values the hard work her staff put into making sure that BYA’s patrons are satisfied and get their money’s worth. In the same way that she listens to her clientele, Ginger is aware that her business will not run well if she is not surrounded by a good team so she ensures that they, too, are happy.

“I think the most rewarding thing about being an entrepreneur is being able to learn from my own mistakes and almost immediately, having the chance to apply my new learnings. It provides for a better environment on being a perpetual student of life,” muses Ginger. “I have heard someone say in the past that motivation gets you going but discipline keeps you going. Find what it is that motivates you but keep in mind that motivation alone will not get you to your goals. Having a dream is not enough. You need the discipline to back it up.”

Ginger also enjoys learning from the people she meets: tips on managing a business, dealing with daily struggles, among them. Every day seems like a new learning experience for her and for that, Ginger finds something to be thankful for every waking moment.

“I have developed a love-hate relationship with it. It has taught me important life lessons such as responsibility, discipline, and determination. It very much excites me as well as allows me to widen my horizons and venture into unfamiliar territory with confidence,” says Ginger.

Now we’re not sure if she’s referring to her passion or her business. On second thought, they are just one and the same for Ginger.

She gushes, “I know that I am one of the lucky few who gets to run a business and share my passion at the same time. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my passion to every single person that walks through the Bikram Yoga Alabang doors.”