Hidden Gems: Meet Morgan Linkhorst of Venice Yoga Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Linkhorst.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was 18, I walked into my local gym in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and took my very first yoga class. I didn’t know what to expect and was honestly a little nervous! But when I left, I knew instantly that the feeling I had just experienced was something I wanted to cultivate for the rest of my life, and share with others. From that moment on, I made it my goal to become a yoga teacher and to truly embody yoga, both on and off the mat.

For years after that first class, I kept practicing at home, at different gyms, and at local studios. Yoga became an anchor in my life, not because of the cool poses or physical practice alone, but because of how it supported my mind. It helped ease my anxiety and became a tool to navigate life’s ups and downs that always offered a sense of calm, presence, and grounding that I couldn’t find anywhere else.

Early on during the pandemic, I decided to finally sign up for an online yoga teacher training program. Like so many of us, I struggled during lockdown, and it felt hard to get everything I needed from a screen alone. I didn’t complete my training, and I felt disappointed in myself, and a bit of imposter syndrome that I didn’t have ‘what it took’ to become a yoga teacher. I kept up my home practice, and when studios finally reopened, I found an incredible community that felt like home at Yoga Nest Venice with teachers that inspired me every time I stepped into the studio.

In June 2023 after nearly 10 years of practicing, I took a solo trip to the Peruvian Amazon to complete an in-person 200 hour yoga teacher training. I spent weeks in the jungle with women from around the world, studying the roots and philosophy of yoga. When I returned to Los Angeles, I felt inspired to share what I had learned and hosted my first beach class the very next week. For over a year, I continued teaching free & donation based classes on the beach while building my brand, Flow with Morgan.

As I kept teaching and occasionally subbing at Yoga Nest Venice, I felt a growing pull to do more. I realized that what people were truly craving wasn’t just movement, but real, in-person connection; something to anchor them in an increasingly busy and digital world. At the same time, I wanted to stay true to what first inspired me years ago: making yoga feel accessible, fun, and approachable for everyone. Especially for those who might feel nervous about stepping into a traditional studio setting or who simply can’t afford the typical $35 class in LA.

In August 2024, I brought these two visions together and founded Venice Yoga Club: a space where anyone could roll out a mat, meet new people, and experience the joy and grounding power of yoga without barriers. A club rooted in community, genuine connection, and the belief that yoga should belong to everyone.

As VYC grew, I started inviting other local teachers to join and share their unique voices. We’ve partnered with brands who shared our mission, bringing products to the community and supporting local wellness. Over the past year, we’ve raised hundreds of dollars for causes close to my heart, including The Trevor Project and the LAFD during the LA wildfires. We’ve also collaborated with amazing brands like Magic Mind, NuGo Nutrition, Grüns, Koia Protein, and more.

At its core, Venice Yoga Club is about bringing people together to practice, to connect, and to support one another. Making yoga accessible while building a mindful, welcoming community is what drives me every day. And it feels especially full circle that I now also teach a weekly class at Yoga Nest Venice; the very studio where I once dreamed of teaching. As VYC continues to grow and evolve, I’m so excited to see how much more we can create and give back!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any path to growth, there have definitely been bumps along the road!

I remember the weeks when not a single person showed up to my beach classes. In those moments, I felt disappointed and started to second guess my ability to teach. But that’s when I had to truly lean into the inner practice of yoga – reminding myself that it isn’t about numbers, validation, or external recognition. It’s about showing up, staying open, and trusting that the right people will come when the time is right. And thankfully, they did!

As Venice Yoga Club has continued to grow, I’ve also faced the challenge of balancing my love for teaching and community-building with the realities of running a business. It’s a constant dance of staying grounded in why I started, while still thinking strategically about how to sustain and scale. I’m incredibly grateful for my mentors and friends who’ve supported me along the way and helped me navigate each new chapter.

At the end of the day, every struggle has brought me closer to my purpose and made the journey that much more meaningful.

As you know, we’re big fans of Venice Yoga Club . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Venice Yoga Club is an outdoor yoga community based in Venice. We offer donation based classes every week designed to be fun, accessible, and welcoming to everyone whether you’re brand new to yoga or have been practicing for years.

What really sets us apart is the sense of genuine human connection we create. At the start of every class, we ask what we call a “connection question.” It’s a simple, thoughtful prompt that helps spark real conversations and friendships because VYC isn’t just about yoga, it’s about building authentic community.

Our classes are intentionally relaxed and playful: no fancy props, no judgment, and no pressure to look a certain way or “master” the poses. We laugh, fall over together, and always finish class feeling lighter; both mentally and physically.

We’re also proud to give back! Over the past year, we’ve partnered with mission driven brands and raised funds for organizations like The Trevor Project and the LAFD. As we’ve grown, staying rooted in accessibility and mindful connection has remained at the heart of everything we do.

What I hope people know most about Venice Yoga Club is this: it isn’t just a yoga class you attend, it’s a community you can be part of. Whether you’re stepping onto a mat for the first time, coming back after a break, or just looking to spend an hour by the ocean with kind, open minded people… there’s always a spot here for you!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
First off, I hope this inspires you to try some yoga! It truly changed my life and continues to be an anchor through everything and anything I do.

Lastly, I am endlessly grateful for the thousands of students from all over the world that have graced my classes over the years. Each and every one of you inspire me every day to show up for you, show up for myself, and the community we are building. And always remember: even if others don’t always see your vision, stay true to yourself and your abilities. Trust that what you’re building matters, and the right people will find it when they need it most. xoxo

Pricing:

• all Venice Yoga Club classes are donation based

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flowwithmorgan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannllee/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/veniceyogaclub/