Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine LaMonica.
Hi Christine, 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 opened Prema Yoga in October 2014. Prior to that, I had been operating solo, teaching classes under the name Prema Yoga but renting space in a martial arts dojo. I opened on a shoestring! But slowly the clientele built, and we had a wonderful, thriving studio. In 2016, I opened a second space where we did more workout-type classes with weights and the TRX. We had a lot of fun there. But then 2020 happened, and the pandemic shut us down. I pivoted and started live-streaming classes and teaching in person at Northridge Park (shout out to the amazing staff over there – they were so helpful!). Finally, in November of 2022, we were able to get back into a studio space again, and we’ve been rebuilding our clientele, bringing this amazing practice to the North Valley. The instructors we have are amazing and have significant experience. We have a wonderful community of people – lots of good friendships built here!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning we definitely had days where we were hoping people would come in! But the teachers are all great, and slowly, the word got out. It was certainly challenging doing the whole thing on my own. I wanted a yoga studio in the north valley but being a business owner was a lot more than I anticipated! Fortunately, now I have a couple of awesome partners that make it all a lot easier. We’ve dealt with all kinds of crazy stuff, from a person backing their truck through the wall to the studio totally flooding from the heavy rains, but we just keep going! And our students are the best. Totally supportive and understanding all the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
We are a yoga studio teaching a wide variety of classes for all levels and abilities. Our teachers are very knowledgeable and experienced and offer personalized help during practice. We make an effort to get to know our students and for the students to get to know each other as well. Our community approach sets us apart. We offer a wide variety of in-depth workshops and yoga teacher trainings. We also do various charity drives to help the local community. You won’t find more talented, excellent teachers anywhere in the valley. We’ve all been teaching for many years and are passionate about the practice. We’re proud of our tradition of excellence, community building, and bringing high-quality classes with a variety of options to the wonderful people of the North Valley!
What do you think about happiness?
Lots of things make me happy! I enjoy teaching a good yoga class and helping my students do something they haven’t done before or didn’t think they could do. I’m also happy when I’m with my family – especially when we’re all together. My grandkids, in particular, make me happy. Being outside, walking my dogs, seeing the trees, and smelling the flowers all make me happy. I am a firm believer in the idea that you don’t need to wait – for the perfect partner or job or bank account or whatever – to be happy. We’re alive and experiencing this crazy world with all its challenges and variety. Why not enjoy it? All we have is this moment. We can marvel at the wonder of it all!
Pricing:
- New student special: $59 for one month of unlimited classes!
- $150/month for unlimited classes (6 month commitment; auto-renew)
Contact Info:
- Website: Premayogaflow.com
- Instagram: Premayogaflow
- Facebook: Premayogaflow
- Twitter: Premayogaflow
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@premayoga3608
