Hidden Gems: Meet Anissa Lawrence of Stretch Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anissa Lawrence.

Hi Anissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Los Angeles, and movement has always been part of my world. In high school, a lot of my friends were dancers, so stretching was basically part of the culture, like brushing your teeth, but sweatier. Our choreographer was serious about it too. Stretch now, stretch forever, stretch into old age. Around that same time, I was part of a community social club where I was introduced to massage therapy, so the idea of bodywork and recovery stayed quietly on my radar for years.
Fast-forward: I’ve been teaching yoga for about 10 years, and about three years ago my curiosity turned into a full-on deep dive into the body and the nervous system. My jam spans the full spectrum, Yoga Sculpt and Hot Pilates Fusion on one end, and Gentle, Accessible, Trauma-Informed Yoga, Somatic Movement, Yin, and Wall Yoga on the other. Along the way, I collected certifications in reflexology, assisted stretch, breathwork, and corrective movement, and eventually developed my own stretch-massage approach called the Mind Body Release Method, a blend of tools and philosophies that supports mobility, balance, and nervous system regulation all at once.
One big thing I’ve learned: stretching and yoga can feel intimidating. People often come in bracing, not just physically, but mentally, because they’re not sure what their body is going to do or how it’s going to feel. So at Stretch Studios, we focus on safety first. When the nervous system can downshift, the body becomes more receptive, and that’s when people get real results. More range of motion, less tension, better posture, and more ease in daily life.
Then life gave me a plot twist. After 21 years in the corporate world, I was laid off, and unexpectedly, it became the bridge into the thing I’d been preparing for without realizing it. Stretch Studios became the place where everything came together: movement, recovery, nervous system care, and community.
And honestly, the heart of Stretch Studios is the team. They’re incredibly skilled, and I’m proud of the culture we’ve built: relaxed, solutions-forward, open, grounded, and deeply supportive for both staff and clients. I always say my job is to take care of my team the way we take care of our clients, because when employees feel safe and valued, the whole experience gets better for everyone.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a beautiful road, and definitely not a smooth one. I think the biggest challenge has been building something that’s both high-care and sustainable. In wellness, it’s easy to over-give, especially when you genuinely want people to feel better. So learning how to price fairly, protect the team’s energy, and keep the business healthy without losing the heart of the work has been a big growth edge.
Another challenge has been education. People don’t always know what assisted stretching is. Some assume it’s painful, some think it’s only for athletes, and some are nervous because they’re not flexible. Helping people feel safe, explaining what we do in simple language, and building trust has taken time and consistency.
And on a personal level, going from a long corporate career into entrepreneurship was a nervous system journey in itself. You go from structure to figure-it-out, and you have to learn how to lead, build culture, make decisions, and keep going even when you’re tired. The upside is that every challenge has made the studio stronger, more intentional, more grounded, and more aligned with what we actually want to be.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Stretch Studios?
Stretch Studios is all about helping people move and feel better, no matter where they’re starting from. We blend assisted stretching, breath-led relaxation, and thoughtful movement so you can get back into your body. No need to be flexible or fit to begin.

Here’s what we’re really known for:

Assisted stretch sessions that aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re tailored to you.

A calm, supportive vibe, especially for folks who show up tense or in pain.

Practical support for mobility and posture that actually fits your life.

Breathwork and nervous system care woven into everything, so your body is ready to receive the work.

What makes us different? Lots of places focus on stretching muscles. We focus on helping your body feel safe enough to let go, because that’s where true, long-term change happens. Our approach isn’t just about quick fixes. It’s about giving your body tools to prevent pain and injury down the line. We don’t rush. We don’t force. We listen. We work with your nervous system, not against it. Our goal is to support you for the long haul, so you leave not just more open in your joints, but able to move through life with more ease and confidence.

What I’m most proud of is the culture and experience we’ve built here. It’s warm, grounded, solutions-focused, and human. My team is not only skilled, but we’ve also created a place that feels good for clients and staff alike. That matters to me. The energy in the room is part of the healing.

And if stretching or yoga feels intimidating, you’re exactly who we’re here for. You don’t have to be flexible or in shape. You just need a body and a willingness to be supported.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up incredibly curious and community oriented. I have always been drawn to movement, music, and people with passion, especially artists and dancers. I’ve like to know how things work, which makes sense now that Im obsessed with anatomy and the nervous system. I also had a mix of discipline and creativity. Structured enough to stay committed, playful enough to make it fun. That blend is basically my whole leadership style today.

Pricing:

• Intro Session is $39 for 25 minutes
• Quick Fix $65 (25 minutes)
• Complete Fix $120 (50 minutes)
• MindBody Release Method $150 (60 minutes)
• Small Group Classes $20-$30 (45 minutes)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheStretchStudios.com
• Instagram: TheStretchStudios
• Facebook: TheStretchStudios
• Youtube: TheStretchStudios
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stretch-studio-santa-clarita?uid=XE_wnj0rcoAilnr3aaDptg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits
Nils Lawrence, Maranda Rocha