What is your day job?
My day job is owning Hot Yoga Grand Traverse & Traverse City Juice Co, with my husband, Charlie. I get to teach classes every day and prepare fresh juice for our community. When I am asked what my job is, I almost have to pause and remember I do have a job!!! It is just the absolute honor and privilege every day to be with our community practicing yoga and taking care of ourselves. It is the most fulfilling work, to be with all of you every day.
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
30 years! Born and raised here in the Grand Traverse area. I have left many times, often thinking I would find a place to call home somewhere else, the world really is so beautiful; however, I have always come back as there is no place like Traverse City and the wonderful people I have grown up with as my family, friends and community.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
My favorite aspect of living in the Traverse City Area is the water, and the people… We are so lucky to be surrounded by so much clean, refreshing, healing water and have so many different, wonderful people to share it with.
What do you do for fun?
I practice yoga, swim, read, and go on walks outside with my husband for fun!!
How do you get involved in the community?
I am involved in our community every single day (it is why I can’t live anywhere else-the love is big!) By teaching yoga at our school on S. Union Street, sharing fresh juice, I teach classes each week at multiple nursing homes in our area to connect with members I would not normally be able to meet and get to know. I love being involved with the Farmers Markets, community events and dances; I am very grateful we have many creative and fun ways to connect and be involved.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service,etc.) and why?
I have many shops and restaurants I love: My heart is always with our business, Hot Yoga Grand Traverse & Traverse City Juice Co. because it has been a decade long dream to create something so special with all of you. To be able to witness all ages, all levels, all body types, all personalities come together and share a space is the most amazing opportunity each day, something I treasure.
Aside from our home away from home… Cuppa Joe is the best place for coffee. We love shopping at Wilson’s Antiques, The commons, and Edson Farms. Everyone is so kind and helpful, and each place has its own welcoming atmosphere.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
The weirdest job I have ever had… that is a tough one, HA! I have done so many different jobs as I have always been determined to create a path toward a dream. And there have been times in life I have done many different things, even if I didn’t necessarily want to, knowing the bigger picture ahead…I would say running a motel at 17 was the weirdest job. The position required 24/7 customer service, managing over 24 rooms, and keeping track of administrative details. It was a lot of hours, often alone, with SO MANY CURVEBALLS and unexpected situations that made it the weirdest job. It made it possible to go to Bikram Teacher Training that following year and helped build a lot of qualities in myself I continue to need.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
People are often surprised to learn how different things were for me before now. My environment, my practice and my routine has changed so much. I am so lucky that I found yoga and a stable sense of community fairly young, however I haven’t always been surrounded by the greatest examples or felt connected to myself and the world around me. It took a lot of choices over and over again to be living what feels like the greatest life ever! It is a reminder that it is never too late to begin again, and no matter where you are in life, one step at a time, with patience, willingness and joy..anything can happen!
What is something you learned in the last week?
Recently I learned how to drywall, insulate, paint, lay flooring, grout tile… building this space has increased many skills I didn’t have before. It has been SO FUN!!!
Just last week I learned how much the outside temperatures, people, and overall surrounding environment affects our hot room each day- noticing the little things and adjusting accordingly has been an experience in itself and reminds us to do the best we can and enjoy it all!
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
We are so thankful and appreciate all of your support, whether you come in for a class, a juice, share about our new space, come see us at the farmers market, or mention to a friend you know that may want to check it out! Our community is strong, and full of supportive conversations and referrals– we would love to be thought of whenever you hear yoga, fresh juice, and community-driven activities. THANK YOU!!!
