Throughout the years we have had the privilege of working with hundreds of yoga studios that have helped shape our business and become a part of our story. We want to give back to the yoga community and open up the floor for studios to share their stories with us. To do this we’re launching a new Yoga Studio Spotlight blog. We will select a yoga studio we have worked with and invite the owners to share their story.
For our inaugural Yoga Studio Spotlight we are thrilled to present Andrea Levy, owner at Lotus Loft in Palm City Florida. If you’re interested in having your studio featured please email ian@HeatingGreen.com
- Tell us a little about your background in yoga. When did you start and how did you progress to where you are now? I started in 2001. I was jobless and moved to a city where I didn’t know anyone and was trying to remedy a disc herniation in my neck. Yoga became my everything! Took my pain away physically and emotionally and really gave me a reason to keep my head up…no pun intended! I continued my journey and received my first certification in 2007 after i had my son. I then started teaching at a few local gyms in my town. In 2010 I started teaching at a studio where my practice, passion and hunger grew…I needed more. In 2012 i got my 200 hours and knew i was on my way to a longstanding relationship which came to be my career path!
- What inspired you to start a yoga studio? So many things, but mainly my close friends and yoga community supporting my vision of having a place to call home away from home that encompasses all that a studio should be. In addition…..a desperate need of a career change!
- What do you think makes for a good yoga session? As a student, a clear intention, connection to my mat, euphoric breath, moving like I’m dancing to great tunes and a whole lot of sweat! As a teacher, connection to my students, the feeling of energy surrounding the room, watching the growth of long term students and the blossoming of new ones, and being able to make a difference to each and every student!
- Your studio obviously offers hot yoga. What are some of the benefits to practicing yoga in a hot environment? DETOX! Get those muscles warm and go!
- What advice would you give to perspective students who are on the fence about trying yoga or making the switch to hot yoga? Just try it..if anything for the experience…you can always drop to child’s pose or take a break outside the room.
- What are some characteristics you look for in a studio? I think the studio should have a warm feeling from the minute you walk through the door. The staff makes the experience. It could be the most beautiful studio in the world, but if you aren’t greeted with an inviting smile it sets the tone and your experience might be jaded. I love wood floors or faux wood/vinyl even cork. It just has a more studio feel and you know that they can be cleaned well. Any other type of flooring doesn’t work well with that amount of sweating pouring off on a daily basis. Also music is a must…a well planned playlist is just the icing on the cake!
- How did you go about planning and designing your space? OMG…the absolute BEST part…i could be one of the most indecisive people out there…but one of my best friends and instructors was with me every step of the way…I wouldn’t make any decisions without her. We had a blast planning and shopping!! Of course i would be remiss if i didn’t share that we did have MANY changes throughout that did drive a few of the subcontractors crazy…oops…but all in all it is exactly what we envisioned…and perfect in every way!
- What were some of the biggest challenges you faced with your studio? How did you overcome them? The biggest challenge was patience…things take longer than originally promised…you have to let it go and push harder but with a smile..
- If you had to do everything again would you make any changes? Of course…don’t pay someone in full until the job is done…i learned the hard way!
- What has been the most rewarding part about the experience? It is a new adventure and I went from a government job with no flexibility to fulfilling a dream…I love that I took the risk.
- Looking ahead, what are some of the goals you have for your studio? I want it to be a teaching studio with trainings throughout the year. I would like to host workshops with famous yogis and teach others how to teach yoga…There is nothing better than passing on you passion to others and watching them shine!
- Is there anything else you would like to share regarding yoga, your studio or Heating Green? LOVE the panels!!! I love that just when you don’t think the room is hot enough…you feel them pressing on you and heating you from the inside out!!!
