Describe your business in one sentence.

Yogabliss is a vibrant community studio offering yoga in all of its different facets. Our foundation is in mindfulness, with a focus on excellence in education, authenticity in connection, and understanding for one another.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

Yes, I am. I moved here with my growing family 22 years ago. At the time, I was teaching dance, fitness, and yoga at various studios in Seattle. I decided to "dabble" in what it would be like to bring my teaching skills to Mercer Island . . . As I did this, the response was warm, supportive, and really had some "yes" energy to it!

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?

Well, it was an ongoing discussion with a friend/student who became one of our first studio managers. This was 17 years ago when I was teaching yoga out of the ballet studio in the Little Red Schoolhouse. Our classes were growing and the interest was building; she kind of told me that I needed to do it, and I knew that she was right! It has been a beautiful experience. Without question, the right decision.

What makes your business so unique?

We teach yoga in a way that is inclusive and educational. Our skillful teaching team offers practices that take the "whole" being into consideration and not just the physical poses. Ultimately, though, it is our community that makes Yogabliss so special.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

In one word, sad. In two words, unfortunate and sad. We went from 100 happy students coming in and out of the studio to a locked front door. Luckily, our amazing managers scrambled to get us up and running to teach yoga online, but a great deal of our community did not transition with us. As much as we'd like to paint a pretty picture around this experience, it has been and continues to be difficult. I chose not to lay off our managers (as they depend on the income for their families), yet we have had to make many other accommodations due to the drastically reduced income of the business. Our rent is debilitatingly high, and we are uncertain of what the future holds for our beloved studio. Our goal right now is to keep our community connected as we practice & learn together in the safest, best way possible. Our hope is to welcome many new members into our yoga community.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products or services that you would not have thought of before? How did it work out?

We currently teach our classes online. We offer the option to practice "live" with us or to receive the recording for practice at a later time. We also have just launched a beautiful recording library offering a broad selection of all kinds of classes in varying time lengths. This provides students with the ultimate flexibility and variety. (Again, kudos to our amazing managers for making this happen for us!)

If there was a single product, service, expertise, etc., your business should be known for, what is it?

Excellent yoga education, classes to strengthen and stretch the body, courses in mindfulness and meditation, all within a warm and welcoming community.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

Beginning a yoga practice does not require a flexible body, and beginning a meditation practice does not require a calm mind. Stiff bodies and busy minds are perfect conditions for getting started!

What is your favorite Mercer Island spot?

There are so many! The shores of the lake, in the lake (!), on the trails in Pioneer Park, my front yard, and at Yogabliss.

Since you've been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders or the Island community in general?

We have discovered that Islanders love their yoga and are eager to learn! There is a sense of kindness that comes through when Islanders come together to practice. We see students helping, encouraging, and supporting each other in ways that are so beautiful. The spirit of generosity is alive and well on MI!

When you aren't working, what's your favorite pastime?

I love to ride, run, hike, nordic ski, practice yoga, cook, read, and spend time with my husband in the Methow Valley.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover Mercer Island, what would you tell them?

This is a very beautiful island - a calming little oasis that is so conveniently close to the city yet provides us space for slowing down and remembering what matters most. Family, community, nature, and taking good care of each other.

Learn more about Yogabliss, and begin your practice at www.yogabliss.org.