Today we’d like to introduce you to Georgina O’Farrill.
Hi Georgina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After practicing yoga for many years, I decided to get certified as a teacher, and the discipline that really interested me was pre/post-natal yoga. I opened Two Hearts Yoga in 2008. The studio specializes in pre/post-natal yoga and baby-and-me yoga. We also offer a variety of workshops, such as infant/child/adult CPR, restorative yoga, pre-natal teacher training, therapy ball classes, and pre-natal nutrition.
When I opened the studio in 2008, it was a small space, and as the demand grew, the studio expanded. We grew to house a prenatal chiropractor and acupuncturist, a pre-natal masseuse, a resident midwife, and a doula. I still offer many resources for women, such as recommendations for pregnancy-related services, including for after the birth of the child—known as the fourth trimester.
The baby-and-me classes are designed so that Moms can practice yoga and have their babies with them. No need to pay for a yoga class and childcare. If your baby needs feeding, a diaper change, or just a cuddle, Moms are encouraged to do that and then return to their practice. Also, Moms love that the babies get to interact with one another. Two Hearts is all about reinforcing how important it is to be with other moms, to share, support, share experiences—to create community!
I feel strongly that a yoga practice will give the body better access to breath, strength, flexibility and calmness of mind. In all the years I have been teaching pre-natal yoga, I have seen the many benefits for expectant moms—not only during pregnancy but especially in labor and delivery. It was important to me to provide access to this demographic in the evenings and weekends as many women continue to work throughout their pregnancies. I wanted to offer a designated space for pregnant women to practice yoga at prime times and to support one another in this experience.
Two Hearts also offers pre-natal water aerobics. That part of the business is called Aqua Mamas. I offer this class in my private pool from May to October. The pool is saline and is maintained at 86 degrees. The class is so much fun! It’s a really great workout, and it feels so good to be in the water when you are pregnant!
I have extensive experience and training in many styles of yoga. I have completed several teacher trainings, including YogaWorks with Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford, and trained with Naime Jezeny, Sue Elkind, and Noah Maze. I regularly participate in the latest workshops, both as a student and as a teacher.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When the pandemic hit, we were forced to close down our physical space and had to creatively pivot. So, I met the challenge and built a gorgeous outdoor studio in my backyard. I also have a small indoor studio in my home. As of 2023, I now rent space at “What a Babe” in Sherman Oaks for indoor classes and workshops.
We’ve been impressed with Two Hearts Yoga, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a boutique yoga studio that specializes in pre-post-natal yoga and baby and me. We also offer a variety of workshops, such as infant/child/adult CPR, restorative yoga, pre-natal teacher training, therapy ball classes, and pre-natal nutrition.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I have learned is to take a nugget of an idea and passionately run with it. Despite opening in the middle of the recession, I really believe that women need a designated space to take care of themselves and prioritize their mental and physical well-being. Above all, I believe in the importance of creating community and building lasting friendships. I know women who met in my class, remain friends, and their little babes are now in middle school!
Having a baby is a tremendous joy, and yet it can be lonely. I encourage Two Heart moms to exchange information, and they often start their own group chats, share information, and celebrate birth announcements!
For me, sharing my knowledge, wisdom, and sense of humor brings me great joy. I have deep gratitude and love for what I do; I get to have a positive impact on the lives and families of the lovely women I have the privilege of teaching.
Contact Info:
- Website: twoheartsyoga.com
- Instagram: @twoheartsyoga
- Facebook: twoheartsyoga
- Yelp: twoheartsyoga
Image Credits
Elizabeth La Mura
Georgina O’Farrill
