Studio Shout Out: Yoga House London

Our yoga teachers and studios have been adaptable and ingenious, finding new ways to connect and continue to teach and support their students. Through lockdowns, technical issues and learning to make adjustments virtually over Zoom. This month we're shining a light on them! In January, we'll be offering studios and chatting with teachers here on the blog to celebrate those who have kept us grounded over the past year. Meet yoga teacher and studio owner Kasia Blackwell from Yoga House London.

Tell us a little about why you set up your studio?

I have been teaching yoga since 2016 and after the first year of renting space in my area (SE London) and reporting in a few studios, I began to explore the idea of ​​having my own studio. It felt like a natural progression and something our community needed. In February 2018 I opened my first studio, Yoga House London in Lee, SE12 and the second in Catford, SE6 in April 2019.

What was your vision and did it come to light?

My vision was to create a space where a yogi community could grow and experience the amazing benefits of yoga. To host workshops, sound baths and retreats. To bring people together and let them enjoy our studio full of nature (we have lots of plants!). To create a beautiful space where people can immediately relax and feel great as soon as they enter.

What are the lessons like in the studio?

We have many different class styles in the studio. From beginner to restorative Yin to more dynamic flows. We want to welcome everyone and have a wide range to suit all needs. Our online offering is also very diverse.

How has the studio helped your community?

Creating our community and letting people experience what yoga can really do for them. It's not about changing your appearance, but rather changing your self-image and doing it with a kinder perspective. People email us to share their stories - it's the most amazing thing. Running two studios takes a lot of work, but when we get emails from people saying it's changed their lives, it's really worth it. When you come to Yoga House, you can spend a little time away from the constant thinking of the mind. Giving yourself this break can actually make all the difference.

How was 2020 different for you as a yoga studio and what challenges did you have to overcome?

It was a very challenging year. Firstly, we have had to close and reopen our doors a few times this year... At first it was scary and confusing. We have had to adapt quickly and change the way we deliver our courses. Zoom replaced our studio sessions and after a few tries it became really enjoyable. We love seeing so many familiar and new faces online!

We started Sunday Live with Yoga House on our Instagram page, where we invited friends and people we wanted to learn from to weekly conversations covering: nutrition, Ayurveda, moon phases, sound baths (gong and alchemy crystal bowls), we lived HIIT for yogis, meditation, a conversation about how to manage your hormones can make up for it…you can still see them all on our IGTV.

We've had to use technology to its fullest, and while we love being together in person in our studios so much, this year we were able to explore new ways to share this amazing practice and for that we are grateful.

What is your personal yoga journey and practice and how has it evolved over the years?

My personal practice has changed a lot and has almost come full circle for me.

When I started practicing yoga in 2014, it was just for my mental well-being. I was struggling mentally after my twin babies and yoga brought me back to a fuller life - it literally saved me. After that, my regular practice showed changes in my physical body, I felt so much stronger and healthier. And now again – especially this year, it felt like a massive support for my mental health. The practice changes forever like your life, but it can give you everything you need if you stick with it and keep an open mind.

What is a vision for the future even though things are still up in the air?

First on the list would be to reopen our studios to offer in-person yoga, workshops, sound baths and retreats.

Growth of the community and our offering – in the studio and online.

More retreats in beautiful and sustainable locations would also be amazing.

To keep up with Kasia, keep following herInstagramor visit herwebsiteand to explore Yoga House London, head to theirwebsiteand keep following themInstagram.