Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Name of business: Hot Yoga Bowling Green

Address: 730 Fairview Ave. across from Howard’s Bicycle Shop behind the Fairview Building.

Type of business: Yoga studio and beyond, featuring specially designed heated and humidified space.

When did it open? January 2007

Owner: Tony and Anice Bishop

Number of employees: Two employees, a rotation of up to six other teachers who are trained, certified and who are regular hot yoga practitioners.

Specialties: Hatha and other styles of yoga with an occasional fusion of other arts practiced in a clean, heated and humidified environment for health and relaxation.

How did the business get started? We prayed for God’s guidance, and as a Christian family were led to open the studio under His direction. We have been greatly blessed to have so many wonderful people in the area to help us grow and flourish.

What is your background? Tony has an extensive background in fitness with certifications/instruction in pilates, kung fu, tai chi exercise, various yoga styles, boot camp classes, core conditioning, cycling and after trying hot yoga, realized that this is the best of all those activities combined.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? Aside from significant expenses operating this type of studio, the greatest challenge is breaking through old stereotypes of yoga. This type of yoga is a great workout - burning as much as 900 calories - but it is also strengthening, relaxing, stretching and deep breathing as well.

What’s your business philosophy? Always go back to basics - the Golden Rule applies here. We pledge to treat everyone fairly, ethically and to diligently help them to achieve their goals.

What issues are affecting your industry? The desire of folks everywhere to become more healthy, along with the stresses of living in today’s economic challenges, have significantly increased the need for our style of yoga and its benefits.

What are the factors that make your business successful? Doing all for God’s glory, first and foremost. We know our clients by name, always have a smile for them with an encouraging atmosphere, and we actually have fun losing weight and toning up. The fact that we have some of the very best teachers in the U.S. also makes us shine.

How do you handle competition? We actually compliment everything our competitors do, so having other types of wellness programs and other styles of yoga is great. Then we strive to be the very best and offer a full-service, fully equipped studio.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? Seek God’s will and from that vantage point you will succeed by providing a needed product or service in your area. Always strive to improve and be kind and loving to all who enter your doors. Share a smile with everyone you see.