Today we’d like to introduce you to Val Sklar Robinson.
Val, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started practicing Bikram yoga in 1996. (20 years ago!). I was only 28, but my right hip was already developing arthritis from a break at age 13. The yoga helped reduce the pain, improve my range of motion and regular practice meant I could throw away all the pain pills given to me by western doctors. I was so inspired I quit my successful shoe career in 1998 and attended the 6th Bikram yoga teacher training then held in LA. After graduating from the 11-week course I traveled to the few other studios that existed in Portland Seattle New York and Florida. Then I opened my studio in the fall of 1998.
My studio was small and simple the first 14 years but 3 1/2 years ago we doubled the size and complexly remodeled to create beautiful space and larger yoga room. My passion is helping people to feel, live and look better. We help anyone willing to do the best they can while trying the right way. We encourage people to sit when they need to and to breathe well to not over do it. Many of our teachers have been teaching with us for years and we set a high standard for teaching. We have a large and diverse community that embodies diversity and inclusiveness. I am getting ready to host a lunch meeting in February for the chamber of Pasadena and have a large professional poster with photos of done of my students and the amazing stories that go with them. At a time when we are surrounded by knock off hot yoga studios, other yoga and a deluge of corporate boutique fitness we continue to survive because if our love and dedication to this yoga we find bring health and healing to those who dedicate themselves to it. In 2015 we changed our name to hot yoga Pasadena so we could freely offer hour classes (Bikram yoga is usually 90 minutes)and offer our fun fitness class using yoga principles. Called hot core fusion.
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?
There have been many struggles. I opened a second location in 2002 which was too much for me and ibdol it in 2004 to one of my teachers. There have been some rough years but my commitment to survive helped me persevere. I will teach more , spend more time and make sure my pricing structure makes sense. I ha evhad ti adjust many times over the years when things get rough. Adding hour classes in late 2015 has really helped offer classes to more people and bring the numbers and attendance up.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hot Yoga Pasadena story. Tell us more about the business.
We are very dedicated to a very special product. bikram yoga. We are kind, welcoming and experts at what we do. Anyone can come and practice but not everyone can take the heat! But the diversity of our community inspires me everyday. We have students who have practiced with us 10 or 15 years encouraging new folks to stick with it. I am most proud of our diversity and that everyone feels welcome at our studio.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I was lucky to find the yoga early and get to Pasadena But I would not credit luck much. I credit my success to passion, endurance and loving people and what I do
Pricing:
- Our intro month for 1st time local students is $49
- We offer a community class on sat at 3 pm for $25
Contact Info:
- Address: 2089 e Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, Ca. 91107 - Website: Www.hotyogapasadena.com
- Phone: 6263049642
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Hotyogapasadena
- Facebook: Hotyogapasadena
- Yelp: Hot yoga pasadena
