This month we are proud to feature TWO sets of dynamic duos that we love seeing around the studio: Husband and wife, Tiffany + Justin, and mother and daughter, Gwen + Cassie. You know what they say- those who yoga together, well they generally just get along better 😉

We’re grateful to have these folks as part of our WYC community and honored to have helped them start or continue on their yoga journeys. To help you get to know them  a little better, we asked them to share a little bit about themselves and how yoga has become a part of their lives.

Tiffany + Justin

1. Tell me about your experience with yoga: how it began, where it has taken you, and how yoga has impacted your life.

T: I began an “at home” yoga practice in 2009 and attended my first yoga class while living in Greensboro, NC a few years later. As my involvement in the flow arts deepened, it became clear that a strong yoga practice could broaden my hoop dance abilities.

In 2014, I became more serious about regular practice and not only did my hoop skills improve but I noticed significant improvements in my ability to control emotion and thought, I began to experience better rest and more peace.

Since the majority of my yoga practice has been in solitude, I‘m grateful the Waynesville Yoga Center has provided me the opportunity to connect with such a vibrant, creative and loving yoga community! Finally, on New Years Day 2020, after 10 years of subtle encouragement for my husband to give yoga a try, we attended our first yoga class together. 

J:  I started practicing yoga about 5 months ago. Right away I noticed a desire to be better in all areas of my life.  I quickly realized, ’there’s something to this’  and ’m currently in the best shape I’ve been in a long time and am seeing constant progression. And that goes for my mind, body and soul.

     2. What are your favorite styles / classes?

T: First off, I have to say, I’ve not been to a yoga class I didn’t like, especially at WYC. I’ve tried them all and each have significant benefits. However, my most favorite are Buti, DEEP and Flow + Sweat.

J:  Warm Slow Flow/Power Core Yoga.

     3. What’s your favorite pose and why?

T: Balasana or Child’s Pose and Malasana or Yoga Squat are my favorites because I feel so well grounded to and supported by the earth while in these poses. 

J: Savasana… it’s the most challenging.

     4. What do you do when you’re not practicing yoga?

T: Currently, I’m blessed to be a stay at home mom of two amazing children, Layla Rose, 5 yr. and Stephen, 19 mo. I adore family time, though especially love attending concerts with my brilliant, passionate husband! I also enjoy performing, teaching flute lessons and teaching hoop fitness classes. 

J: I’m filled with joy being a happy husband and proud father, as well as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments, where I absolutely love helping my clients with their short and long term financial goals. 

     5. Tell me something funny or unexpected about you

T: I was a level 8 gymnast as a child, have a Masters Degree in Flute Performance and Pedagogy and I love to sing and dance!  

J: I was in a touring band for 4 years playing keyboards in 200 shows around the country every year.  My current band Sanctum Sully was mentioned in Rolling Stone Magazine in 2018, and I recently released an album on vinyl LP for the first time.  Music is a huge part of my life.  

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Cassie + Gwen

1. Tell me about your experience with yoga: how it began, where it has taken you, and how yoga has impacted your life.

G: I think it is a very fun experience. I was a gymnast at a center in Asheville and the teaching plateaued so I began to regress and was still wanted to maintain my flexibility and increase my skills, so when my mom approached me with yoga I was very excited to give it a try to see if I liked it. Since I joined WYC I have achieved more flexibility, have lots of fun and it makes me happy.

C: My journey with yoga began October 2019 with Waynesville Yoga Center. As a mother I was searching for something for an activity to do with my daughter Gwen that we could enjoy together being active while getting to have fun and spend time together so after several weeks of trying to figure out something a child an adult could learn together Yoga was what kept coming to mind so I approached Gwen with this idea and she was more then excited to give it a try. So I did my research online and Waynesville Yoga was the winner and after joining I could not believe it had been here in town for these last several years and all we were missing out on. It has had a positive impact on my life it has helped reduce anxiety, promote good sleep, strengthen muscles I forgot I had, increasing my flexibility among many other benefits.

2. What are your favorite styles / classes?

G: My favorite classes are definitely Buti and Fascial release.

C: My favorite style class is BUTI! I have known about Yoga for years and had started practicing some over the last eight years at home but I had never heard of this style until I attended Kayla’s class.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and continue to I like traditional yoga is incorporated with cardio burning dancing/workout AND the music your burning calories while having fun- which is hard to find. The Hot Stone Restorative is another favorite of mine.

3. What’s your favorite pose and why?

G: I like the Tree pose because it challenges my balance.

C: My favorite pose is the child’s pose I find it the most comfortable and relaxing and beneficial at stretching back muscles.

4. What do you do when you’re not practicing yoga?

G: I love having play dates/sleepovers, I like playing with my little cousin, Star. I love traveling especially Tennessee and Lake Chatuge and definitely the beach. I love to swim so much!😁😁

C: While not at yoga, I enjoy shopping locally on main street and trying out different foods on the menus at our local restaurants around town. I spend summers at Lake Chatuge at a little lake cabin we have there and enjoy going to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and staying at cabins there and relaxing in the hot tub.

5. Tell me something funny or unexpected about you.

G: I use to think I would never like Volley ball🏐. Then I went to Volley ball camp and absolutely loved it then I joined my school team ( GO HCA 🐾) and it was amazing.😃😃👍👍

C: I am a career student and am currently working on my third college degree. My first was in Massage Therapy.  I used to practice massage here at both local gyms as well as the Balsam Spa at the Waynesville Inn, then I went back for an Associate Applied Science in Medical Assisting and worked as a CMA (AAMA) and the Balsam Center on the Adult Recovery Unit where I would lead a yoga session for those who wanted to attend and most found it therapeutic in their recovery. Now I am currently finishing my nursing degree and will be an RN May 2020.