We were lucky enough this week to catch up with Kacey Smith, owner of Kula Yoga, to discuss all things yoga, business and life during/post lock down.
I truly believe small businesses are the heart and soul of a community. They’re led by passionate people who are there to help and serve and enrich the surrounding area. I love the connections that are made when supporting local business.
How did Kula Yoga get started?
I’m a corporate drop out who knew I had a deeper purpose. While I was in a high stress office job I practiced yoga to strengthen and stretch my body and to clear my mind. When I took the next step to become a yoga teacher I knew that I had to share the incredible benefits I’d experienced with others. It was my calling to create Kula Yoga as a local wellness sanctuary to help our community strengthen, energise, release and thrive.
In 2020, my mindset has shifted – it’s about finding the best people behind the product I’m looking out for, and supporting them via choosing to shop with them. Every little bit counts!
What does shopping local mean to you?
I truly believe small businesses are the heart and soul of a community. They’re led by passionate people who are there to help and serve and enrich the surrounding area. I love the connections that are made when supporting local business. It brings me so much joy to see that our studio has become a sanctuary for our community to move, breathe and connect with like-minded people.
Who are your favourite local businesses?
You’ll find me enjoying an almond chai in the courtyard at Porgie & Mr Jones, enjoying a treatment with Eastern Osteo or sweating it out with the community at CrossFit Hawthorn East.
I’m so proud of our virtual studio with over 500 on-demand classes, and more being added each week, which gives our community the convenience of at-home classes combined with our in-person sessions at the Hawthorn studio.
How has COVID changed Kula Yoga?
Covid has had the entire health & fitness industry in a spin. We were closed for 7 months of 2020 and pivoted online to continue to serve our community. I love that we were able to support them during the challenges of lockdown and the Online Studio we created will now be a permanent fixture of our business. I’m so proud of our virtual studio with over 500 on-demand classes, and more being added each week, which gives our community the convenience of at-home classes combined with our in-person sessions at the Hawthorn studio.
What are you most looking forward to in life post lock down?
Reconnecting. Both personally and professionally. Making up for lost time with friends and family and our wonderful Kula community. Sharing stories and a laugh. And giving each other the gift of compassion and support.
Click below if you want to learn more about Kula Yoga and their range of classes.