How Erin Gorrie Grew Muskoka Puppy Yoga to 450 Million Views

In this week's episode of the Niche Pursuits podcast, Erin Gorrie, founder of Muskoka Puppy Yoga, shares the inspiring story behind her unique business and how she has turned puppy yoga into a thriving enterprise. 

After a career as a police officer, Erin found herself recovering from a traumatic incident, leading her to discover the therapeutic power of yoga and puppies. This journey not only helped her heal, but it also sparked the creation of a wellness business that combines the healing power of animals with yoga, making a significant impact on her community and far beyond.

Watch the Full Episode

A Life-Changing Shift

Erin's journey into the world of puppy yoga is as much about healing as it is about business. After spending 15 years as a police officer, Erin faced a traumatic event that left her grappling with PTSD. Struggling with her identity and mental health, she discovered the restorative power of yoga, which eventually led her to a puppy yoga class.

• Erin’s first experience with puppy yoga was transformative. It helped her reconnect with her emotions and find joy, which had been lost during her police career.
• The idea of bringing this experience to others in her community became her mission. She was not just starting a business but creating a space for people to heal and experience joy through the bond with puppies.

Building the Business from the Ground Up

What began as a passion project quickly grew into a successful business. Erin initially focused on local classes, hoping to simply share the healing benefits of puppy yoga. However, as word spread and her classes grew, Erin's business expanded in ways she never expected.

• Erin found a space in her community to host her first classes. With no business experience, she learned as she went, reaching out to local animal rescues and breeders to source puppies for her sessions.
• Through word of mouth, the business gained traction, but it was Erin's savvy use of social media that propelled her business to new heights.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media

Erin's social media strategy has been key to her success. Initially unfamiliar with the ins and outs of social media marketing, Erin took a course that helped her refine her approach. This led to the explosive growth of her online presence, with her videos gaining millions of views across various platforms.

• Muskoka Puppy Yoga has garnered over 450 million video views across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Erin’s most popular videos showcase the emotional reactions of people during puppy yoga classes, capturing the joy and vulnerability that connect with viewers on a deep level.

Rather than focusing solely on local ads, Erin’s content attracts viewers from around the world, driving them to her studio. This broad reach has allowed her to open satellite studios in other locations and even venture into international markets.

Connecting Passion with Purpose

While Erin’s business success is evident, the true driving force behind her growth is her heart-centered approach. She uses her platform not only to offer puppy yoga classes but to create a space for healing, particularly for those dealing with mental health struggles.

• Erin’s work with first responders and veterans highlights the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
• She’s also exploring digital offerings, allowing people worldwide to participate in online classes or simply enjoy the joy of watching puppies interact with yoga participants.

For Erin, the business is about more than just making money; it’s about sharing an experience that can change lives.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Erin has big plans for the future of Muskoka Puppy Yoga. While she’s still focused on growing her brick-and-mortar locations, she's also taking steps to expand her digital presence, allowing people from anywhere to join her classes virtually.

• Erin is building a digital library of yoga classes, allowing people to access the experience of puppy yoga from anywhere in the world.
• The goal is to offer a membership that gives people access to live or recorded classes, helping them maintain their mental wellness through the combination of yoga and puppy therapy.

What started as a healing practice for herself has turned into a global movement, offering joy and healing to countless people. As Muskoka Puppy Yoga continues to grow, Erin remains committed to staying true to the mission that started it all: to bring peace, joy, and healing to the world through yoga and puppies.

Final Thoughts

Erin's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning your business with your passion and purpose. Through her dedication to healing, both for herself and others, she has created a thriving business that touches the lives of many. 

From overcoming personal struggles to building a successful brand, Erin's story is one of resilience, growth, and connection. As Muskoka Puppy Yoga continues to evolve, her ability to combine heartfelt mission with innovative business practices is setting the stage for even more success.

• Erin’s journey from a police officer to a puppy yoga business owner highlights the transformative power of following your passion and purpose.
• Social media played a pivotal role in growing Muskoka Puppy Yoga, demonstrating the potential of organic content to drive business success.
• The therapeutic benefits of puppy yoga are not just physical but emotional, offering healing for mental health struggles, particularly for first responders and veterans.
• Erin’s future plans include expanding the online presence to help even more people experience the joy and healing of puppy yoga from anywhere in the world.

Muskoka Puppy Yoga is a perfect example of how aligning passion with business can create a unique and impactful experience for others.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Muskoka Puppy Yoga

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