May 1, 2017

Meet Lauren Ikeda of Lauren Ikeda Private Yoga in South Bay

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ikeda.

Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Nearly five years ago I dropped out of college in New York, quit my job, ended a relationship, and moved back home with my parents. I felt like a failure and sulked in my self-pity for several months, until I decided to finally do something about my unhappiness. I got back on my feet, graduated from FIDM with my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, and in the midst of adjusting; I discovered yoga. I remember thinking that yoga was the ultimate multi-tasking experience: mindfully breathing, exploring the physical engagements in the body, and all while trying to calm the wandering thoughts in my mind. I was hooked. From that moment on, I set out on my journey through yoga to find my most authentic self.

Upon completing my 200 RYT at Corepower Yoga in August 2013, I continued extensive training with Natasha Needles at Soho Yoga and took a leap of faith by quitting my retail management job to teach yoga full-time. Of course, my parents and friends thought I had completely lost it. However, as I began teaching public classes at several studios in the South Bay area I gained momentum and experience, earning my 200 E-RYT and YACEP designation. I explored a deep appreciation for my public classes as they grew in number and size, but also wanted a balance of working one-on-one with students. I began offering private yoga classes upon students’ requests and was immediately drawn to the connection I felt with my students and their growth in an individualized manner. As my student list continues to grow, my mission remains the same: To hold a space for my students to connect. To connect to strength and stability in their body, to thoughts that may have previously been constricted, to the quality of breath, to those around them, and to the most authentic version of themselves. The possibilities are endless.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Jumping ship to teaching yoga full-time was not always smooth sailing and I still encounter rough seas from time to time. When momentum was slow at the beginning, there were definitely nights when I would lie awake stressed about whether I could pay my bills. However, my extremely supportive boyfriend would always ensure that as long as I am following my dream everything else would fall into place. Now that everything is, I have so much to be grateful for.

Please tell us about Lauren Ikeda Private Yoga.
I specialize in offering private yoga classes to various students in the South Bay with the belief that yoga is for everyone and everybody. In order to make my students’ lives easier I meet with them at their home or at a local studio that is convenient. I have had the privilege of working with a wide spectrum of students including beginners, professional athletes, and advanced practitioners. I also have a passion for working with students recovering or living with injuries, body stiffness caused by stress, or medical conditions that affect their wellbeing. My proudest moment was after working with one of my first students who had Spastic Diplegia. Within 3 months, he showed the healing powers of yoga through dedication and practice. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to offer private yoga classes to all who truly wants to see positive change in their lives.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t change anything, because all of my experiences in my journey whether deemed positive or negative has led me to where I am today.

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