Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Kimble.
Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had been in an accounting career for several years, and I knew I needed a change for myself and for my family. I was scared for change, but it was time for me to make it happen, to pursue happiness and fulfillment instead of complaining about being stuck. I decided to take my second yoga teacher training, and it was a major challenge, considering I had a demanding job, a toddler and a baby. Little did I know how much it would change my life. After training was completed, the studio owner gave me a great opportunity to teach at both of her studios. It was an amazing learning experience and a welcomed change of pace from the stress of the law firm. I found a passion for teaching and knew that I wanted it to be my journey in life instead of a side gig. That become a reality when my wonderful neighbor, friend and student Sonya encouraged me to look into studio space that was available right in our neighborhood, down the street from my home. A month later, I was signing the lease and became a business owner. It was both terrifying and exhilarating! Over the past year, I was given an amazing opportunity work with Jessica Rosen, owner of One Down Dog in Los Angeles, in back office operations (accounting and HR) for her successful yoga studios. This collaboration and the mentoring I received from Jessica gave me the confidence and resources to start my own business.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening Villa Vibes has been the most rewarding, and most challenging, career I have pursued. Deciding to leave a solid job (and paycheck) brought along some guilty feelings about leaving the financial burden of raising a family all on my husband. I was afraid that I was giving up something by not being able to contribute financially. In the spirit of full disclosure, I was completely stressed out and shed a lot of tears in those first several months after opening the studio! I had fear of failure, worry about empty yoga classes, and concern over whether I had made the right decision. But as cliché as it sounds, anything that is worth doing is going to be extremely hard work and require blood, sweat and tears. I would be lying if I said I no longer have feelings of fear, worry or stress — but those feelings are fewer and farther between, and are slowly replaced with feelings of excitement and accomplishment.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Villa Vibes Yoga – what should we know?
We are a boutique yoga studio. Our smaller, more intimate group classes allow us to focus on individual needs in a group setting. A new yogi and a lifer yogi can take the same class. Our mission is to create a safe, non-intimidating space for everyone to build their yoga practice, cultivate a healthy lifestyle, relieve stress, and meet new, awesome people. We have built such a tight-knit, strong yoga community. We are wacky. We love to laugh. We support each other. We are fast friends. We have a blast. And we always have room in our family!
Each class, workshop, event and teacher is unique. We keep evolving with new, fresh ideas, and really, we love to let loose, crank up the tunes. Music is a big part of the studio (see the musical note in our logo) so we take the time to create playlists with every genre you could imagine.
Most recently, you would hear the bass in hip hop yoga or feel the nostalgia in our 90’s class. Our music brings the laughs and the tears. But it’s alright to cry! Sometimes you just have to let it all go.
It has been spectacular to witness students build their physical and mental strength and reach goals beyond what they thought was possible. I have also been amazed and truly grateful for the camaraderie between students and the friendships that have been developed over the last several months. When students gain confidence in themselves and in turn inspire others, I know that this space is much more than just a yoga studio. It doesn’t matter how many yoga classes you have attended in the past — this studio is open to everyone!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think one of the most important qualities is patience, and realizing that everything won’t happen overnight. I have to push through the times that are slow, AND through times of growth. When things start to go right – that’s when you have to push even harder and not get comfortable.
I also think it is important to let go of the ‘what I should be doing’ mindset. At times, I can obsess over the things I haven’t done. I have to remind myself to stay present and do something now – plan what I’m going to do tomorrow and get it done.
Contact Info:
- Address: 26263 Prima Way,
Santa Clarita, CA 91350 - Website: VillaVibesYoga.com
- Phone: 661-388-3500
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/villavibesyoga
- Facebook: facebook.com/villavibesyoga
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/villa-vibes-yoga-santa-clarita
- Other: https://www.google.com/#q=villa+vibes+yoga
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
