One of the aims of the Maternity and Newborn Photography blog is to feature local businesses that cater to women at this time in their lives. Krissy agreed to sit with me for a few moments and talk about her role in our Montrose community.

Hi Krissy, and thank you again for being here to answer some questions. I know you have a lot to do running your studio. So let’s get started.

What is your business?

We are Spiritual Heart Yoga Center (SHYC),  your sacred space to practice yoga and connect with the community. We offer yoga classes and workshops for all levels.  We are located in Montrose, on Honolulu Ave, near the bike shop.

How did you get started in this area?

I grew up in LCF, went to Cal Poly SLO, fell in love with yoga on the central coast, completed my  first 200 hour yoga teacher training program in 2015, worked in a yoga studio teaching classes and at the front desk. My  dad told me  about a yoga studio in Montrose that was for sale, the owner wished to retire, and so I  came back down to LA to buy the studio and it became SHYC in fall of 2017. 

What is your philosophy about birthing?

I don’t have kids yet, but I have studied prenatal yoga and have had many students who have practiced  yoga for fertility, prenatal, and postpartum. Yoga plays an integral role in preparing for pregnancy, and healing post pregnancy, because it connects you to your own inherent wisdom. SHYC's philosophy about  birthing is to trust your body's innate intelligence and use the tools available to us  (our breath, our mindfulness, and our community)  to guide you on your unique birthing path,

Can you share a fact or experience that most would be surprised to hear about your work?

Yoga is an ancient practice that is accessible to all people. Whether you are preparing for a child,  have a baby in the belly, or have had 10 children, the practice of yoga is a rich addition to anyone's life.

What do you find to be the hardest part about your job/industry?

Owning a small business is challenging in California, as it is expensive to operate.

What are your most important skills?

Creating a sacred space to practice yoga and connect with the community.  So building community is our most important skill, as our community is the nectar of our small business, and provides such a rich network of yogis from all walks of life.

Can you explain your different services so people can understand the differences or what type of service they may need?

We offer daily yoga classes for all levels, and each month we offer workshops like beginner yoga, prenatal yoga, sound baths, and more!  Daily yoga classes can be attended on a drop in basis, monthly membership (ask about our  most popular unlimited SHYC membership), or if you are a new student we highly suggest trying our 2 week intro offer!  If you are a beginner, try our beginner workshop, or any gentle flow class on the schedule.

In your experience, what is the most scary thing for expecting moms? or post partum moms?

When mamas-to-be come in, they share they are overwhelmed with all the information on birth.  For postpartum moms,  it can be scary  to experience drastic changes in your body while also caring deeply for your newborn. The yoga practice helps us to trust in our wisdom, and feel comfortable and strong in our bodies again so we may take care of our families in a harmonious way.

Do you have any concerns about health care for women? Anything my readers may want to know or hear about in your opinion?

My concern for women's health care is that we often feel like it is out of our control. We must be the greatest advocate for our own health, and that will take a lot of the fear out of it, and bring clarity into any healthcare situation. It's important that women know they have so many options with any sort of health concern.  We can shift from fear to empowerment when we know our options  and make decisions from that place

What is the process for starting to work with you? How would a new client get started?

If you are a prenatal yogi, check out our prenatal workshops! We offer them at least once per quarter. If you are a postpartum yogi and are looking to reconnect to your body, check out  any of our gentle flow classes, or try a beginner workshop.  Join us for our  prenatal workshops.  We are also working on getting a Mommy & Me class on the monthly calendar!  We are also looking at adding a pelvic floor workshop. So get on our mailing list on our website to be notified of these upcoming offerings.

Are there many changes in your industry? How do you stay up to date ?

Yoga is an ancient practice but is constantly evolving to fit the needs of society.  It's important that as yoga teachers, we always remain students and listen to the needs of our community.  I have personally been into aligning my practice with the phases of the moon, and it has created a harmony in my hormones. As women, using a yoga practice to align with the phases of your cycle can be a game-changer for any imbalances we are experiencing.

Do you find most women are well informed about birthing choices?

 I find that most women listen to their doctors because they are fearful of the birth experience, especially first time mamas.  I think it is OK to get second opinions, and to seek out alternative solutions to common birthing choices.  The best choice is the one you feel comfortable with because you did your own research and listened to  your own wisdom. As women, we know the feeling of ignoring our intuition and how that  can affect us in many ways, physically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually.

What questions do you think women should ask when selecting a prenatal yoga class?

I think it is so important for the instructor to be trained in prenatal yoga, so asking that question is important. One of our instructors, Megan Roy, is certified in prenatal yoga, and she offers incredible modifications for mamas to be so they feel safe, strong and good in their yoga practice. A good rule of thumb if you have baby in the belly is, no belly down poses,  and stay away from closed twists. 

Describe the features of prenatal yoga.

Prenatal yoga is an opportunity to prepare your body for birth, and honor your body in each changing stage. It's also an amazing opportunity to practice connecting to your breath, which is our life force, and will play an important role in the birth experience.

When prenatal mamas come into the studio and practice, there is such a special energy that comes from them connecting to their wise, strong bodies and ultimately passing that wisdom down into their babies while in the womb. It's really such a gift for yourself but an even greater gift to your baby.

Be sure to visit Krissy at Spritual Heart Yoga

Katie is a certified pregnancy and newborn photographer serving Sunland-Tujunga, La Crescenta, La Canada, Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, San Fernando, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita and more. Book Your Session Today