Tropicana Nov-Dec 2020 #133 The Festive Issue

In person, Jojo Struys is the epitome of poise and calmness.
“How positively you start your day, and with consistency, can
change your life,” says the renowned wellness personality and
regional TV host. That is ace advice coming from the founder
of OhanaJo Studio, the largest yoga and sound healing space in
Malaysia.
Her fortitude was put to the test by the coronavirus pandemic and
resulting Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia. Like many
companies, Struys’ studio was forced to close its doors for the entire
duration of MCO, with zero income for three months.
Fortunately, she found other avenues to grow and has no doubt
emerged from the experience wiser and stronger. She shares her
journey thus far and tips on how to improve one’s wellbeing.
How do you feel about OhanaJo Studio’s journey?
OhanaJo was fully brick and mortar until the MCO forced us to go
digital, almost overnight. We served over 100 free classes by donations
during the lockdown across Facebook, Instagram and Zoom until we
started to build our own subscription platform. We always had plans
to go digital anyway but I don’t think we’d have made the transition
so fast. For this, I’m grateful, though it was a very challenging period
How has the pandemic affected your business?
We were closed down for the entirety of MCO, with many workshops
and events cancelled. So, it was pretty harsh with zero income coming
in for three months as I was fully on ground as a business before the
pandemic hit.
However, we grew in other ways by increasing our engagement
online. We had letters of gratitude from our students for continuing
to conduct classes online so we could keep up with their daily
habits and routine. We started to build a community beyond just
the neighbourhood we were serving. Once you go digital, you are
essentially borderless.
What are the actions you’ve taken to improve the
situation?
I’ve just hired three more people this month. We are expanding into
digital offerings so despite a dismal back balance, coming out of the
MCO, I’m investing forward as I truly believe in what we are doing.
It’s been really encouraging to hear people share how much their life
has changed or improved from the work we are doing.
How have you adapted to the new normal?
I have learnt so much more about the wonders and challenges of
being online. It makes the world feel connected somehow, no matter
where you are. At the same time, human connection is priceless so we
have opened our doors again. We are now both on ground and online.
What are the biggest lessons you learnt this past year?
Stay flexible. Adapt to whatever is coming your way. Do not fear
change. Embrace it. Let go of any fear you have and get out from
your comfort zone.
97 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 | TM