Company: Şirin Studio, Yoga & More (sole proprietor)

Founder: Şirin Denirelli

Date Founded: April 1, 2026

Industry and Business: Fitness & Health

What drives you? What is your motto?

Move gently, find strength, and reconnect with yourself.

What is your startup about, and what makes it special?

Şirin Studio, Yoga & More is a boutique yoga studio for small groups offering personalized instruction. The focus is on health-oriented yoga classes, subsidized preventive health courses, sound evenings, and creative workshops in a warm, personal atmosphere.

What have been your initial successes?

My first successes include a loyal participant base, very positive feedback from my classes, and the confidence that my health-focused yoga style truly helps people. I’ve been particularly encouraged by the fact that participants stick with the studio over the long term.

What is your professional background?

After completing my degree in communication design, I gained experience in marketing and social media, including at a yoga studio. At the same time, my passion for yoga grew until I completed my 500-hour teacher training and earned my ZPP certification.

What prompted you to start your own business?

The trigger was my own experience with back pain. A targeted yoga class showed me just how much movement, breath, and body awareness can help. This experience sparked a desire in me to share yoga in a way that makes people feel safe, understood, and empowered.

Who has advised you, and who are your supporters and mentors?

I received support from BerufsWege für Frauen (opens in a new tab), particularly through counseling and valuable exchanges. I also attended many networking events to gain experience. My family and friends have been there for me with their support and encouragement.

How did you experience your first few days as a founder?

Those first few days felt like a fresh start and a great responsibility all at once. Amid all the organizing, space planning, and countless ideas, I realized: I’m truly creating my own space, exactly as I’d imagined it.

What was your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was shaping a clear concept out of so many ideas. What helped me was focusing on my core values: small groups, personalized support, health promotion, and offerings that truly suit me and authentically reflect my expertise.

How do you promote your business? What’s your best marketing idea?

I promote my studio through my website, newsletter, Instagram, Facebook, and flyers at local venues. My best idea is referral marketing: participants bring people along.

How did you finance the launch of your business?

I’m financing the startup primarily with my own funds and am deliberately keeping fixed costs low. I handle most of the design, marketing, and planning myself.

What dream do you still want to make come true?

I’d like to build a warm studio community—and one day live on the beach and learn to surf.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would...

...learn even more about the body, health, and nutrition.

What’s your top tip: What would you recommend to other founders?

Start with a clear vision, but don’t aim for perfection. It’s important to test your offering early on, take feedback seriously, and build visibility step by step.