KIND Yoga is a yoga studio located outside of the typical studio space; all the classes take place surrounded by nature. Owner and Founder Ellen Reesor wants to give people the space to disconnect with technology and reconnect with themselves grounded in the world around them. We had an opportunity to connect with Ellen to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
KIND Yoga is a unique, off-the-grid, yoga studio that offers nature-based yoga experiences. Our first location was established in 2015 and operated out of a tranquil greenhouse that overlooked our family farm, in Markham, ON. In July 2023, we opened our second location nestled in an off-the-grid geodesic dome on Cheeky Ranch amidst the picturesque mountains of Squamish, BC.
Our classes, teacher training and retreats provide individuals with the rare opportunity to disconnect from their busy, modern lives and reconnect with themselves and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
What made you want to do this work? What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I grew up on a farm and was provided the unique opportunity to engage with nature on a daily basis. I experienced first-hand how the fresh air, wide-open spaces and abundance of greenery had a direct impact on my mental, physical and emotional well-being.
The modern world has brought some remarkable advancements that have undoubtedly improved our lives, yet somewhere along the journey of progress, we’ve gradually disconnected from the natural world that sustains us, and consequently, ourselves.
My motivation to pursue nature-based yoga stems from a desire to bridge the gap between our convenient modern lifestyles and our connection to the natural world. By incorporating elements of nature into our daily lives – like nature yoga, we can strike a balance, and the two worlds can coincide harmoniously, improving our overall well-being.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
The clients who gravitate to KIND Yoga aren’t interested in a crowded, fitness-focused yoga class with generic instruction. Our clients are in pursuit of an unconventional yoga experience that feels authentic and meaningful. Beautiful natural setting aside, our students are attracted to the thoughtful guidance of our instructors, the genuine sense of community, and the kindness that follows them off their mats into their everyday lives. These elements are what set us apart, and are difficult to find in a typical mainstream studio.
In addition, we believe that our services are aimed at everyone. We’ve learned that each individual has varying physical capacities, and if we request the same pose of everybody in the room, they’re expressions will look wildly different. With diversity in mind, our instructors empower students by offering creative adaptations to all poses ensuring that everyone can experience the benefits of the transformative practice, regardless of their current limitations.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
The best question a potential customer could ask is “Is it worth me driving the extra ten minutes to do yoga at KIND when there are plenty of options in town nearby?”
It depends on what you’re seeking in a yoga experience. KIND Yoga isn’t your everyday run-of-the-mill studio. The clients who gravitate to KIND Yoga aren’t interested in a crowded, fitness-focused yoga class with generic instruction. Our clients are in pursuit of an unconventional yoga experience that feels authentic and meaningful. In addition to the beautiful natural setting, our students are attracted to the thoughtful guidance of our instructors, the genuine sense of community, and the kindness that follows them off their mats into their everyday lives. These elements are what set us apart, and are difficult to find in a typical mainstream studio.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Being an entrepreneur certainly has its advantages – like the flexibility to ski when the fresh powder is calling – but it also comes with its fair share of risks and daily stressors that many will never be able to fully appreciate. Balancing the responsibilities of running a successful business while also being an active, caring community member can often feel like there are fragmented parts of myself, as I am required to exist in seemingly opposing worlds.
On one hand, there’s the pressure to ensure profitability, stay afloat, and plan for personal long-term financial security – the numbers side of the equation. On the other hand, there’s staying true to the reason I started this business in the first place – to leave a positive impact on the planet, to foster community, and to improve the health and well-being of our students.
Owning a community-centric business is not like selling a gizmo or gadget where the goal is high profitability, with little regard for the long-term sustainability of the business or the planet. They can get away with a lot more because they never have to see their customers. Thankfully, we couldn’t operate this way because we interact with our customers on a regular basis, and we’re held accountable for the services we offer.
There are many inherent challenges when running a “people first” business, but I am learning to find harmony between profitability and purpose, and I think when done intentionally, there doesn’t need to be a compromise, those two worlds can exist.
Overall I’d say the worst part of what I do is the indefinite amount of work – it never stops, and no one is going to pick up the slack and do it for me. My paycheck is directly correlated to the amount of effort I put into my business. Despite the challenges, the work is incredibly rewarding. I get to see the direct impact of our business on students’ lives, and the community. When times get tough, it’s the comments like “I’m not the same person I was when I started practising at kind” or “Your teacher training program completely changed my life” that remind me that our impact extends far beyond financial gains.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
There are so many, how does one choose!? Most recently, CREATE Makers Space opened up in Squamish. We’ve begun collaborating with them on an event. They’re incredible, check them out here.
