Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Mitchell.
Staci, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When at the age of 42, I was given a breast cancer diagnosis and prescribed a western treatment plan, I accepted it knowing I would formulate my own healing regimen, informed by the ancients, to run parallel. Being a yogi for 18 years prior, I was humbled by the comfort yoga provided during treatment, while also being affirmed through the healing & strengthening benefit. However, while I was in treatment, the Black Lives Matter Movement was erupting here in Los Angeles and I am intimately linked. This connection & my healing process challenged me to re-examine my contributions to my community & myself. HIEROGLYPHICS was born in Struggle: ha-tha, sun and moon, highest and lowest selves, bound. Yoked. Raised in Grace.
“Studio founder and instructor (guide), Staci Mitchell, was raised In Altadena. She has alternately practiced Hatha yoga, Power, Hot and Heated yoga for many years.
“I was introduced to yoga by a systah-friend after the birth of my daughter in 1997 and have been practicing since. In yoga, there is always room for growth. HIEROGLYPHICS is that natural extension…Where my highest and lowest selves are bound through The Creator. This is a space for healing and strengthening; A space to safely meditate and to let go.”
Has it been a smooth road?
In many ways, yes. It has been smooth. But that’s most likely due to the fact that I practice yoga, lol! I believe. In this practice studio and in myself as a businesswoman. I have faith…a strong intuition about the space, the timing, the vibe and the offering Hieroglyphics brings to our community. Hieroglyphics Fam and Altadena residents are grateful that it’s here and that it’s me–homegrown. Because I don’t have a huge operating budget, my marketing is limited. I rely on word of mouth, my networks and contacts…I rely on the spirit to tell me when to talk to someone about the studio. That being said, folks are still discovering us. I call the Columbus Situation! We aren’t balling just yet but we’re growing every day.
Major challenges: adjusting to using social media for business, which is entirely different from how I use it in my personal life. I also had to adjust to the practice trends–Fridays are still slow and if things go as they did last summer, September will be too. I’ve also had some experiences with bringing in instructors and where I didn’t have a bad experience, it forced me to clarify what I want and need from another yoga instructor in this space.
And yoga is not an easy practice to sustain. I’m living proof of that so I also allow for students to drift away for a wide range of reasons-this encourages me to stay up on studio correspondences–stay in touch and keep my clients yoga practice on their plate.
Also, I’ve had to adjust the class offerings based on the people who come here–I’m responsive to my client’s needs and desires on their mats. They appreciate it and these organic developments help keep them engaged.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hieroglyphics Yoga Studio – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
This is a yoga studio specializing in Power yoga. I play a wide range of music during class: Hip-Hop, Reggae, World, R&B, banging Instrumentals & true jazz–, which works for me & those who come here appreciate the music selection and inclusion in their practice. Being a Black-woman-yoga-studio-owner-teacher coupled with my own unique energies, dramatically shifts the experience of a yoga practice for a lot of people who’ve come to Hieroglyphics. This space is my heart & soul.
It’s very intimate and private so classes are small by necessity and often circumstance. My classes are challenging but balanced. Vinyasa power yoga flow is our signature offering with a gentle infrared heat–healing and restorative. I’ve been accused of kicking booty…You will sweat, you will work–exert effort (tapas) in my classes but everyone leaves glad they came. Or so they say.
Every Wednesday at 5:30 pm we have the community class–complimentary or love offering class. My studio is here in Altadena so that I can serve the community I are up in; to make the benefits of a yoga practice assessable to everyone. The cost cannot be an obstacle.
I am most proud the fact that the people I grew up with, and those who watched me grow can witness and share in the beauty of my business as it too, grows. My people are proud of us! They know I am one of them and they know me–Staci–so any misconception or fears they may have about yoga, they trust me enough to explore the practice with. I take this humbling responsibility seriously and to heart. Also, a large percentage of the Hieroglyphics Fam–the yogis who choose to practice here–can walk to and from class, including me. That’s dope.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the beauty–the proximity to the mountains and the energy. The people of Altadena–but this little town goes to sleep pretty early and we’re missing out on quality grocery stores.
Pricing:
- Drop-in $15
- 5 class $60 (valid for 45 days after first visit)
- 10 class $100 (valid for 90 days after first visit)
- Monthly membership(unlimited) $90
Contact Info:
- Address: 3023 Lincoln Avenue
Altadena, California 91001 - Website: HieroYoga.com
- Phone: 626.486.2785
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @slimama7
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HieroFlowYoga/
- Twitter: @HieroYoga
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hieroglyphics-yoga-studio-altadena?hrid=pDPvK9SHZcWy404WFamq-Q&osq=Yoga+Studio
- Other: Hieroglyphics | MINDBODY
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.
