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 offered me. I've practiced for over 20 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 habla Espanol!

-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?

Tulsa, Oklahoma

How did you get into Yoga?

Many years ago I found a 90's Bryan Kest Power Yoga DVD left behind by a previous tenant in my apartment. This was the first form of "exercise" I did where I actually felt good in my body during and after. I kept up with the practice, and over the years, took a few classes in different studios, eventually landing here at Vida Yoga. During the most difficult season of my life, my commitment to Yoga practice, especially in community, was a lifeline of peace and healing. My desire to help others find this same healing led me to take Kelly Keene's "Living and Teaching from Your Spiritual Heart" teacher training at Harmony House in Pismo Beach.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Healing

What is your spirit animal?

Butterfly

Class Style?

Relaxing, gradually challenging, strengthening, and safe

Odd Fact?

I am an only child

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

Ysabel habla Espanol!

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?

The Santa Ynez Valley

How did you get into Yoga?

I was a local law enforcement officer for 12 years and an interpersonal violence detective since 2018. I picked up some bad coping mechanisms and knew I had to find more healthy ways to process. I hesitantly  started attending a Yoga with weights class, not trying an actual Yoga class for a year and a half after that.

Creating a safe space for all people is a deep passion of mine that I learned in law enforcement & I get to continue that in my Yoga classes. I truly believe- if someone feels safe they will allow opportunities for expansion towards their most authentic self.

In one word, describe what Yoga means to you:

Release

What is your spirit animal? Believe it or not, I don't have an "animal". I connect with the Redwood tree & mountains

Class Style?

My trauma informed classes focus on turning attention inward to remind your nervous system you are safe, then we'll challenge our physical bodies. This creates a healthy pattern when our bodies are experiencing a stress response.

Odd Fact?

I am currently teaching myself how to play the native double drone flute, which has helped me deepen my connection with my ancestral roots. But don’t let that fool you, I am a lover of 90’s hits, so don’t be shocked when you hear one during class.

Hometown? Born in the Bronx, NY, moved to Big Sur, CA & lived there 30 years. I've lived in Orcutt 5+ years. 

How did you get into Pilates? My best friend took Pilates in NY & invited me to a class. I've been hooked ever since! I started teaching Pilates in 2001.

In one word, describe what Pilates means to you? Body awareness

What is your spirit animal? Cat

Class style? Core focused encouraging strength and fluid movements. I aim to keep body awareness offering various props and modifications

Odd fact? I taught private Pilates classes at my ocean view house in Big Sur.