9719 Village Center Drive, Suite 125, Granite Bay,
916-899-9134, yogacreatives.com
yogacreatives_gb

Services or products you offer: Innovative classes—including vinyasa, slow flow, yin, barre, sculpt, and family yoga—and workshops with caring, welcoming instructors in a gorgeous setting. We also sell yoga mats, bags, towels, and fitness accessories, such as barre socks with grip; and offer a comfy lobby to decompress in with snacks and tea.

What you enjoy most about your profession: I enjoy the “aha” moments of helping people realize they’re stronger than they think. I love the sense of community and joy that cultivating a studio brings!

Fun facts about your company: We have Japanese toilets with a remote control to customize your experience (it’s remarkably refreshing!) in addition to an orchid corner: if your orchid is out of bloom, we will care for it/feed it until it blooms again. We may also be the only yoga studio around equipped with Japanese katanas (I practice iaido, so our studio doubles as a dojo).

You started your business, because: I’ve been doing yoga since before it was trendy and trained in many different styles, so I’m able to meet students where they are. I opened this business as a place where people don’t just “do yoga” but can learn more about yoga, breathing, and meditation, while going deeper into the finesse of their poses and trying on exciting variations safely. I also wanted a place that felt less like a fitness studio and more like a Zen temple with opportunities for connection and exploration. 

Last big purchase: Zebra brand flooring for the studio. It’s a classic Japanese tatami-style and makes our room sound and feel softer than hardwood; plus, it’s easier on people’s knees, is antimicrobial, and is the official recommended flooring of Yoga Journal. Everybody loves it!

Favorite local restaurant: The Chef’s Table serves outstanding food in an unpretentious way. Their personal style of service is really comforting; they’re confident, cool, and always make me smile.

When not working, you can be found: On stage singing at local music venues or at weddings in the wine country with my cover band Stereotype (stereotype916.com). 

You love living here, because: I’ve lived all over the world, but this is where I found home. It’s such a wonderful place—with so much to do and so much natural beauty. The Granite Bay community is especially friendly and filled with people who have lived other places but found “home” here, too. Community is my love language.

photos by Jyo Bhamidipati

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