Hometown?

Born & raised in L.A., Parents moved me to H-town (Houston) as a teen, Orcutt has been my hometown for over 8 years since 2014!

How did you get into Yoga?

I was a troubled teen. My therapist recommended Yoga & Meditation & I fell in love with the calming effects they have on me. I've practiced for over 12 years now, got my teaching certificate here in Orcutt, now I own the same studio! Full circle moment <3

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Healing.

What is your spirit animal?

Hummingbird.

Class Style?

Full of sweat, strength, & soul filling energy.

Odd Fact?

My middle name is Mabell- named after the Beatles song.. Michelle, ma Belle these are words that go together well…

-Jenn Barajas is the owner of Vida Yoga-

Hometown?

Born in Toledo, OH and have lived in several states since. I consider CA and UT to be home.

How did you get into Yoga?

I saw a flyer with a stick figure doing triangle pose. I went to class and loved it and haven't stopped.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Connection

What is your spirit animal?

Dragonfly. I also hope to come back in my next life as a sea otter: eating, swimming and playing, what could be better?

Class Style?

Depends on what I am teaching; Yin class is slow and quiet. Gentle class is fun and light.

Odd Fact?

I'm an introvert.

Hometown?

Litchfield, New Hampshire

How did you get into Yoga?

I found yoga through a 10-days for $10 dollars deal as a broke 18 year old college student. I practiced on and off for ten years before fully committing to a daily practice, and ultimately becoming a teacher myself after discovering LYT Yoga which resonated in my body and spirit. Yoga has helped me through the many transitions, stressors, and difficult moments in my life. I find the best way to calm my mind and brighten my spirit is through asana.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Awakening.

What is your spirit animal?

Cat…naps in sun spots and all!

Class Style?

Fun, challenging, and core-centric!

Odd Fact?

I’m the youngest of 6 kids.

Hometown?

I was born in Detroit, MI and raised in a tourist town on Lake Huron, moved to the CA Central Valley and moved to Orcutt in 2008.

How did you get into Yoga?

I didn’t find yoga until mid life and I was under a lot of stress in my job and at home.  I do love to walk and bike, but I needed more.  Yoga helped me focus on my well-being. I have one of those minds that struggles to slow down.  It felt good, was a challenge, and the yoga community was very supportive.  In 2013, I joined a teacher training class by an incredible Yogi and have taught since 2014.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Focus.

What is your spirit animal?

Turtle

Class Style?

My class style is a combo of stretch, strength, balance and energy.

Odd Fact?

I practiced yoga with seals, turtles, and lizards in the Galapagos Islands

Hometown?

Orcutt, CA <3

How did you get into Yoga?

I started really practicing in my 30’s and it immediately resonated on a soul level. I found a sense of centeredness. Started teaching only a couple of years later. Forever a student.

In one word describe what Yoga mean to you:

Connected

What is your spirit animal?

According to my medicine cards, Raven

Class Style?

Intentional, Inward Focused, and Encouraging

Odd Fact?

I have the same birthday as both my Great Grandmother and my Grandfather.

Hometown?

I'm a world traveler - I have never called any one place home.

How did you get into Yoga?

I can't recall a time when yoga wasn't part of my life - I believe yoga is embedded in my DNA.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you?  While I don't have a hometown, I consider yoga my spiritual home; yoga grounds and sustains me and continues to teach me something new every time I step onto my mat - the opportunity to share with others is something I take very seriously.

What is your spirit animal?

Coyote

Class Style?

Inclusive, non-judgmental, positive, and playful - but you'll work hard!!

Odd Fact?

Too many to mention; I embrace not only my oddities, but celebrate the uniqueness of everyone who joins me on the mat in my classes.

Hometown?

Born in Detroit, Michigan, raised in Dearborn, after College I moved to Fresno with friends, moved to Pasadena, then Monrovia with my husband and finally settled in Orcutt.

How did you get into Yoga?

I started attending yoga classes in 1994 and while training, found that my purpose is to be a Yoga Instructor & healer of students & myself alike, unfolding a whole other world in my life.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

The path of Love.

What is your spirit animal?

Hummingbird

Class Style?

My classes are kind, strengthening, stretching, lubricating, joyful and calming.

Odd Fact?

Sometimes I talk to my stuffed animals.. and sometimes they talk back :)

Hometown?

Born in Denver, CO, lived on the central coast since I was 5 years old..SLO, Atascadero, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Los Olivos and Santa Maria since 2005.

How did you get into Yoga?

I was a gymnast as a kid and my mom had a yoga book. I could do almost all the poses. I started taking yoga classes when I was pregnant with my oldest son (who is 25 yrs old now). I got my TT certification from Lisa Jansen (Prema Yoga ) at this studio. I also taught at Treetop and Juicy Life, and Hunnyfly Yoga.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Connection- with self and sometimes with others as well.

What is your spirit animal?

I love all animals, but birds are often my messengers, especially hawks.

Class Style?

Usually mellow, mindful, healing, opening and relaxing, with sprinkles of activation.

Odd Fact?

I have a degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, and am sensitive to energies (an intuitive empath).

Hometown?

Bucharest, Romania

How did you get into Yoga?

I was trying to heal my own movement issues and really loved what Yoga and its modalities did to better my health.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Freedom

Class Style?

Mobility, Stability and fun!

Odd Fact?

English is my second language