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?

The beautiful Astoria, Oregon

How did you get into Yoga?

I grew up as a dancer so I got introduced to Yoga at a young age, but didn't really get into it until after I had my first child. It helped me reconnect my muscles again. 

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Connection

What is your spirit animal?

A Salmon

Class Style?

Fun with a lot of movement and strength

Odd Fact?

I love peanuts with pickles

Hometown? Born and raised in Reno/Sparks, NV. Once I turned 18 I joined the Air Force and got to live in Guam and Florida. Then separated from the military and lived in New Mexico, New York City, Maui, Minnesota, and landed here in CA about 2 years ago.

How did you get into Yoga? I found yoga in 2014 when I was writing a paper on how Yoga benefits the nervous system for my Master’s degree. I decided to take a class, found the right teacher for me and fell in love with the practice. I got my 200 HR on the Big Island of Hawaii in October of 2015 and never looked back.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you: Freedom.

What is your spirit animal? It’s a toss up between the otter and the owl.

Class Style? Slow, restorative, and deeply nourishing, yet empowering.

Odd Fact? I was on MTV when I was 17 for a SO CAL summer countdown…before we taped the VJ had me guess the song, but when we filmed I had to act like I was just guessing it for the first time and then get really excited that it was Madonna’s song “Hey Mister DJ” that was #1 that week. I don’t think my acting skills came off as believable, but for a whole minute I was on MTV.

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?

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?

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

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?

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.