When I lost my job and boyfriend around the same time, I decided to become a yoga instructor - and now I run my own business

When I first moved to Austin, I joined a Facebook group for girls new to the city. Not only have I made some great friends through it, but I've also found clients.

People are looking to connect online more than ever before. And people who are new to your city could be in particular need of your services, whatever you decide those may be.

Also, use social media to find local people in your industry. Building a business isn't just about finding clients; it's about finding like-minded people to learn from and collaborate with. I find that Instagram is the best platform for just this.

The key is to find people in your industry using the most-searched hashtags for your niche. For example, I used "#yoga" and "#yogisofinstagram" to connect with other yogis, and by connecting with them, I was able to find out about teaching opportunities in my city.

Follow people in your city on Instagram and look out for events that they post about. (Fun fact: I unsuspectingly met someone at a wellness event and we ended up dating for a little bit. My point? Get out there!)

Teacher training taught me the importance of sticking to a routine — which is especially important if you own your own business, and you don't have a 9-to-5 or an official office to keep you accountable.

I currently stick to a routine of my own, making sure I begin my day with a mindful movement and meditation practice.

Pro-tip: Starting your day with meditation is easier than ending your day with it. Meditating in the morning ensures you get it done, will give you clarity for the rest of the day, and will enhance both your mood and productivity.

So where am I now, six months after I began to build my business? I teach eight group classes a week, have a handful of clients I work with regularly, and am growing more every month. I can officially say I'm a full-time yoga instructor and financially independent!

Oh, and as for my ex? We don't talk anymore, but I thank the universe every day that I met him. If it weren't for our breakup, I wouldn't be where I am today. Sometimes, when you lose a man, you gain a plan.