My Journey My journey with yoga began over 21 years ago when I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training while simultaneously pursuing my master's degree in Natural Health. During my studies, I came across a book titled The Answer to Cancer: Is Never Giving It a Chance to Start by Hari Sharma, James G. Meade, and Rama K. Mishra. One chapter in particular caught my attention, exploring the potential role of yoga in cancer prevention and overall well-being. It reinforced something I was becoming increasingly passionate about: the connection between the mind, body, and our overall health. I began dreaming of creating a wellness center that would bring different healing modalities together under one roof. My vision was never to replace conventional medicine, but rather to complement it by offering people additional tools to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That dream eventually became Centerville Yoga & Wellness Center, a space I built, owned, operated, and taught in for several years. As life would have it, around the same time I opened the center, I also became pregnant with twins! I remember thinking I could handle it all: two babies, a growing business, marriage, family, and everything else life threw my way. After all, I was doing something I loved. But I learned a very important lesson along the way. I wasn't Superwoman, and I couldn't do it all. Somewhere in the process of creating a space to help others heal, I had lost sight of taking care of myself. It's a lesson that has stayed with me ever since. Self-care isn't a luxury, and it isn't something we should get around to when everything else is done. It's essential, especially for those of us who spend so much of our time caring for others, building businesses, and managing the many responsibilities of life. Eventually, I made the decision to sell Centerville Yoga & Wellness Center and begin a new chapter. That next chapter became Love Yoga Fest, a yoga event business that allowed me to continue bringing people together through yoga, wellness, and community, but with the flexibility of working from home. I loved creating these experiences, but as my twins grew older, I recognized that they needed more of my time and attention. Once again, I found myself making a decision rooted in what mattered most at that stage of my life. I sold Love Yoga Fest to someone who could give it the time, energy, and attention it deserved. Looking back, I realize that every chapter of my life has taught me something about balance, growth, letting go, and honoring where we are in the present moment. And now, here I am, beginning another beautiful chapter. Today, my passion lies in creating meaningful experiences and nurturing spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and explore their own healing journeys. Through yoga, meditation, mindfulness, sound healing, and thoughtfully curated wellness experiences, I hope to share the practices that have supported me through life's many transitions. I don't believe we ever stop learning, growing, or discovering who we are. And I certainly don't believe I've figured it all out! What I do know is that taking time to nurture ourselves can change the way we experience our lives. My hope is to create spaces where others feel supported, connected, and inspired to do just that. My Training & Inspiration Throughout my yoga journey, I've had the privilege of studying with some truly inspiring master yoga teachers, including Seane Corn, Rod Stryker, Shiva Rea, Gary Kraftsow, Tiffany Cruikshank, Tias Little, Amanda Giacomini, Ariel Kiley, Patricia Walden, Jashoda Edmunds, Brahmani Liebman, and many others. Each teacher, experience, and chapter of my life has helped shape the way I practice, teach, and create experiences for others today. I can't wait to create healing journeys for you all. and thank you for being here! with love, Annika