By Sujata Rajpal

It’s not that in life every venture begins with a dream. Sometimes ideas erupt out of nothing but ultimately take the form of a dream. The story of Sayoga, a boutique store for yoga enthusiasts is something similar. It all started with providing accommodation to yoga practitioners visiting Mysuru.

“Foreigners, who come to Mysuru to learn yoga, face many issues like where to find plumbers, electricians or even get a WiFi connection. We started off with providing hassle-free fully furnished accommodation solution to yoga practitioners but then realised why stop at just the accommodation? How about multiple accessories that yoga practitioners need such as mats, comfortable but chic organic clothing and accessories? The idea came and soon became a reality. It was in September 2017 when Sayoga, a one-stop shop for yoga enthusiasts was opened. ‘I didn’t worry so much about the response because yoga has always been my passion and I wanted to do something which equally caters to the local crowd,” says Shruthi Ranga, the person behind Sayoga.

Gone are the days when people practiced yoga in loose pyjamas and ill-fitting kurtas. Modern day yoga practitioners want to wear chic but organic and comfortable clothes while doing yogasanas. Sayoga provides them the solution. It has tied up with various companies for the same. Shruthi, who has been a yoga practitioner for more than a decade, says. “Yoga is a way of life for me.”

What motivated you to start something which caters to a small niche market? I ask.

“The market may be small but it is growing swiftly,” Shruthi corrects me. “My father K.S. Raghavendra Rao is my inspiration. He has been practicing yoga for about 30 years. Even at the age of 81, he still practices yoga every day. We also have a library which has books on yoga. I have brought my father’s yoga books and many of my own to create a small library,” tells the effervescent woman with an unmistaken smile of pride.

Besides the regular store, Sayoga conducts yoga and meditation workshops. It also promotes handicrafts and other Indian stuff.

What next?

“Next is a small café which will provide yogic food to guests and it will also be a place to unwind,” tells the lady with stars in her eyes.  She laughs.

“I provide guests with all solutions except telling them which yoga class to join as I am not here to promote any particular yoga centre, I am here to promote yoga and make yoga chic,” she explains.

Sayoga is housed in a heritage building (80 years old). Except the interiors which had to be furnished to fulfil the requirement of a boutique, most of it including the garden has remained untouched to retain the old world charm.

“Life is a bliss if you make your passion your work. I have quit working at our family business and now spend all my energies on Sayoga.” Shruthi signs off.