Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Delshad.
Donna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Prior to opening Shorty, I was a branding and marketing executive at one of the top talent agencies here in Los Angeles. It was incredible, fast-paced and frankly as exhausting as you’d imagine. After several years in the business, I found respite in a very modern yoga practice. I was finally able to disconnect and unwind. Even then, I would say I was the least likely to open a yoga studio. But around the same time, I saw that my nieces, then ages 2 and 5 took an interest in yoga too, and unfortunately there was really no specialized or dedicated place for them to go. I already had my own transformative experience with yoga (why didn’t I find this at a younger age?) and started to learn more about the amazing health benefits of yoga for children (including positive body image, mindfulness, and self-control… you name it, really). So that’s ultimately what drove me to create a really cool place exclusively for children (from pre-crawlers to tweens/teens) to practice yoga.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course not! But it’s a satisfying journey nonetheless. I think the most glaring challenge is being a solo-preneur. I’m really fortunate to have supportive family and friends who have been able to help out along the way both professionally and personally. But at the end of the day, I’m the only one who eats, sleeps and breathes the business. And while the successes, alongside my team of awesome instructors, are all of ours, the setbacks really feel like they’re just my own. Some days that can be really overwhelming. There’s so much to do, and you’re only one person. But you know… then I do some yoga and handle it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Shorty Yoga – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Shorty is Los Angeles’ only all-kids, all-yoga studio. We offer classes for babies, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens. Shorty helps kids become awesome little human beings by introducing them to yoga, in a space just for them, with a program designed to help them thrive.
Existing yoga studios are designed for adults. Everything from the physical space down to the class format, they’re just not conducive for kids. So we created a studio that kids and parents both want to be in and created classes that kids want to take.
Shorty offers a modern and engaging take on the classical yoga practice and our classes are broken down by age and structured with their physical and mental capabilities in mind. No matter the age group, we guide kids through a 45-minute program that is suited for them energetically and developmentally. It allows them to disconnect and it’s super fun! Our teachers are incredible. The playlists are rad. Grownups can take a breather. We have a stylish lounge with wifi and draft lattes for parents to chill and watch their kids in class. And we’ve simplified the offering to class packages and memberships, rather than a series or commitment. All of these details were intentional.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Since opening, we’ve already expanded our offering to private sessions, fun community events, and our Big Shorties (teen/tween) classes, which has been really exciting. We’ve had so many clients ask if we’re the only location and we definitely want to reach a broader community, so hopefully you’ll see us collaborating with more schools and developing digital content to bring more joy, chill, and awesomeness to kids everywhere, not just in L.A.
Pricing:
- 6-Class Package: $125
- Monthly Unlimited Membership: $95/month
- Single Class Session: $25
Contact Info:
- Address: 333 1/2 South Robertson Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(Between Olympic Blvd. and Gregory Way) - Website: shortyyoga.com
- Phone: 424-646-3330
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortylosangeles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shortylosangeles/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shorty-yoga-beverly-hills
Image Credit:
Shorty Yoga, Kelly Johnson, Jonah Light
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.
