Community

Mother Trucker Yoga – From Scratch To Glory

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2021

Hope Zvara is the founder of Mother Trucker Yoga, a brand focused on teaching yoga to truck drivers. The multitalented entrepreneur recently talked about her journey and how she was inspired to give this business idea, the big leap it needed. Hope’s story is no less than a revolution! Read more in the paragraphs below:

We are excited to know about your work. Please tell us about what you do.

I teach yoga to truck drivers. I spent over 15 years in the yoga industry running a yoga studio and school, and three and a half years ago, I found myself with an opportunity to work with truck drivers, and it felt right. Truck drivers are the lifeline of America and are deeply underserved, putting the pedal to the metal every day because if your truck isn’t running, then you aren’t making money. This leaves drivers with little access to fitness amenities and healthy food options, the very things you and I have unlimited access to on any given day. This is where I come in, and this is why I created Mother Trucker Yoga. Until now, most in the trucking world were trying to get drivers to exercise like they were in a gym with moves that don’t make sense for a driver’s physique. I help drivers see the small, simple changes they can make while living life over the road and focusing on three to five-minute moves that drivers can do in the driver’s seat, on the sleeper (their bed), and right outside their truck. All these small movements add up and are what truly move the needle when it comes to health. My goal is to help them build a foundation of simple health and fitness lifestyle enhancements that are permanent changes to their lifestyle as a driver.

What factors add creativity to your business?

I believe in having a successful business; you have to be creative in today’s market. You have to stand out and be ultra clear on who you serve and how you do. The number one factor that adds creativity to my business is our name- Mother Trucker Yoga. Trouting the politically incorrect, fun, and memorable line, whether you like our name or not, you won’t forget it. And what good is a business that no one can remember? Staying on brand, when I rolled out our pain relief cream for truck drivers, it was only natural to keep with that creative edge, and STIFF Mother Trucker was born.

Creativity is a fun way of saying don’t play it safe. I am continually looking at how others run their businesses and how I can be different. And after nearly two decades in business, countless entrepreneurs skip critical aspects of the business development process, something I didn’t do in the beginning either. That gets clear on who your audience is; who is your avatar? Get clear on how you plan to serve them by zeroing in on the problem they have and developing a process you can convey to your audience on how you can help them. Creativity should create clarity and differentiation between you and others in your field. Too many have the heart to help but lack clarity and direction. But when you are super clear, you get to have a lot of fun with how you develop your business and serve your audience.

How has your work affected those you serve? Would you like to share any client experiences?

Since the end of 2017, I have been helping truck drivers and trucking companies feel better wherever they have small, simple changes. And after three years, I see a shift. Drivers are drinking more water; drivers drink a water bottle, many for the first time in ages. Drivers recognize that they don’t need to do a zillion push-ups or run a 5k to be considered healthy and fit. That five minutes here and ten minutes there add up and as a result, what’s not adding up is their waistline. My approach for truck drivers towards a healthier, more active life is not a quick fix and is not what traditional programs still suggest. But the results speak for themselves. And it’s working. After just 30 days of working with me, drivers have ten plus pounds, inches off their bodies, ditching soda, drinking water for the first time in forever, and looking at what it is they are putting in their mouth with fresh eyes. The best part is that these divers are now empowered to see that health and fitness aren’t just for everyone else but also available to them. Obesity is a massive issue in the trucking industry; with 3.2 million truck drivers on the roads, 86% are overweight. And the key is when you stop focusing on just weight loss and instead focus on the small steps towards what you feel weight loss will give you, the weight will come off. And I’ve seen it happen with countless truck drivers. Take Dean; he has lost 30 pounds and is off one of his diabetic medications and on track to ditch the second. Cheryl has lost two pant sizes, Idella has less pain in her joints, Rene and Larry are finally drinking water consistently throughout the day, and these are just a few recent success stories.

I tell all my trucking tribe that if you want fancy go somewhere else. What I offer is functional; I want my drivers to learn to think for themselves, understand what healthy looks like, not form a meal replacement shake, pill, or “eat this not that or else” approach. I want them to have their life back and enjoy it in the process.

What is your idea of success?

Success for me is where my business is both providing for my family and me financially and providing information, help, products, and services that solve a real problem while staying true to who I am. With Mother Trucker Yoga, it happens to be health and fitness for truck drivers. It’s not enough to create a solution that seems good on paper or makes me money; I want to see the light bulb go on in my client’s head. They get it, and as a result, they start to implement the changes to their lifestyle and reap what I do. I don’t believe real success happens overnight for myself, my business, or my clients. But when you get clear on what you want and how you plan to get there, the sky’s the limit, and the success is endless.

Finally, providing for my family and turning the tables to allow my husband to follow his dreams is genuinely my ultimate success.

Success doesn’t mean there will never be problems; it means that you have created a solid foundation for yourself to stand. And that foundation is where you have programs and processes in place, where every decision is not a “make it work moment,” and that foundation is there, so your business doesn’t take over your life. Success is where you can come up to take a breath and enjoy the ride with those you love most.