Hometown?

Born & raised in L.A., Parents moved us to H-town (Houston) as a teen, Orcutt has been my hometown for over 10 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 16 years now, did my Yoga Teacher Training 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 Gagarin is the owner of Vida Yoga-

Hometown?

Born & raised in Santa Maria, moved to Los Angeles for 17 years off and on. Now am back on the central coast with my husband and beautiful daughter.

How did you get into Yoga?

I’ve always been into movement and had my first spiritual experience in a ballet studio at age 14. I had an active addiction for most of my adult life and when I got sober in 2016 found myself in an AA yoga meeting. I was sent back to 14 year old Ashley, infusing movement and spirituality, I knew I had found my way back to me through YOGA!

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

UNION!

What is your spirit animal?

A black cat

Class Style?

Spiritual & Strong.

Odd Fact?

I once met Michael Jackson at Boomers in Santa Maria!

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?

Santa Maria, CA

How did you get into Yoga?

I really got into Yoga after reading the book 'Autobiography of a Yogi' 

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Inspirational

What is your spirit animal?

Cat

Class Style?

Challenging, fun, meditative

Odd Fact?

I am a triplet

Hometown? Born and raised on the Central Coast! I'm an Orcutt local.

How did you get into Yoga? I struggled with stress and being present during college. After attending my first yoga class at the school gym I was hooked! Practiced for 7 years and received my teaching certification in Arroyo Grande.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you? Mindfulness

What is your spirit animal? Wolf

Class style? Grounding, strengthening, and brings awareness to the small blessings life has to offer

Odd fact? I lived on a vineyard as a child. I’d enjoy taking my two dogs, Chard and Caber, on walks around the vines.

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?

Born in SoCal, Raised Salt Lake City, Utah. Living on the Central Coast since 2013.

How did you get into Yoga?

I struggled with anxiety, depression and relationship to myself  as a young adult/teen. I found Yoga and meditation after graduating high school and it immensely support me with my my mental, physical and emotional health. It ended being a huge catalyst of my own spiritual and wellness journey. Practicing since 2013, was trained in Costa Rica in 2017 and began teaching that year along the Central Coast.

In one word describe what Yoga mean to you:

Connection

What is your spirit animal?

Wolf

Class Style?

I love all my classes to embody heart centered being and creative flow. I intend to create space where we can deeply connect with our bodies, destress the mind and uplift our soul.

Odd Fact?

I had long natural dread locks for over 10 years and decided it was time to let them go about 2 years ago

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?

Born and raised here in Santa Maria and Orcutt

How did you get into Yoga?

During the pandemic, I magically stumbled upon Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. Towards the end of my undergraduate studies, I had extra space in my schedule so I signed up for a Yoga class to learn more. I was a total nerd when learning about the philosophy and history of Yoga and I loved the challenge and the mind-body connection of the asanas. I would oftentimes find myself in tears at the end of class. I knew I wanted to keep learning so I signed up for a 200-hour YTT in Santa Barbara and completed it in 2023. The rest is still unwritten!

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Connection

Class Style?

Powerful, grounded, and playful flow. A place where your inner child can play and where your inner warrior can shine!

Odd Fact?

My middle name is my mama's last name

Hometown: I was born in Oahu and moved to Orcutt when I was 6 months old.

How did you get into Yoga? I drove by the studio a few times a day & would say, "I'd really like to take a Yoga class." For Mother's Day several years ago, my husband bought a 1-month trial membership for me. I was hooked. 

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you? Centering

What is your spirit animal? Elephant

Class style? Equal parts meditative, stretching, heat building. 

Odd fact? I have 26 first cousins