Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Mueller.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kaitlin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started teaching yoga in 2013 at various yoga studios and gyms. I eventually evolved to teaching my own classes at various event spaces in town and City Park. I have taught Vinyasa, Yoga Sculpt, Paddleboard Yoga, and now animal yoga.
In 2017, I started to teach puppy yoga with Bounce Animal Rescue first at a local climbing gym then at a brewery. I have been teaching puppy yoga every month since. It’s a great way to help out a local non-profit, teach yoga, and connect with animals and the community. Puppy Yoga is all about finding joy on your mat. The puppies allow you to stay present and focus on them and the class. The puppies are usually about five to seven weeks old and the class is an amazing way for them to socialize. Most of them come from kill shelters so this is the first time they’ve been put in a social setting. Each litter is so different, some classes the puppies just want to sit on the mat and cuddle with attendees and other litters just want to run around and play. We keep the class sizes small to not overwhelm the puppies and to allow everyone to get puppy time. Each class I donate $15 of each ticket to the rescue and the other portion of the ticket is used for marketing and to get everyone a beer for after class. We have all of our puppy yoga classes at Maxline Brewing!
I also have taught goat yoga and kitten yoga. I took a break from those once my son was born this year but I am excited to return to goat yoga next year! I work with a farm in Loveland called Barnyard Buddies. In each class, we usually have one baby goat per person so it’s an awesome time to be out on the farm connecting with nature and with the animals. The fainting goats are so personable and friendly.
I have also been working on various events such as yoga & wine and some workshops towards goal setting. I am excited to see where that goes for the rest of this year into the new year!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would not say it’s been an easy road. I am a graphic designer and have been working full time since before I started teaching so to find that balance between my designer role and teaching role has taken many years. I have found that I like to plan my classes and events.
As much as I love the yoga studio setting, I have found that right now it’s not the right balance for my life. I like the flexibility to plan when I should teach and it still gives me enough dedication to my design career as well. Maybe in the future, I can find the right balance to be in a yoga studio again but for now, I am enjoying this journey.
I would say balance is the biggest struggle and something that is a constant work in progress. Life can get pretty crazy so when it does I try to step back and re-evaluate often to make sure I am giving my best to each aspect of my life.
Please tell us about your business.
OmKai Yoga is rooted in connecting with nature and the community. OmKai Yoga is a pop-up studio located in Fort Collins, Colorado and offers a variety of specialty community centered yoga classes and workshops. OmKai Yoga was inspired by the child-like joy and wonder when you slow down, take time to be present, connect with your community, and enjoy nature. All of OmKai’s classes are for all-levels and we encourage beginner yogi’s to attend, especially with our animal yoga classes.
Right now, OmKai is focusing on animal yoga classes specifically puppy yoga but we are also planning more Yoga & Wine classes and a few workshops! OmKai Yoga was the first yoga company in Northern Colorado to teach Puppy Yoga, Kitten Yoga, and Goat Yoga.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am not sure about this one. My yoga company has definitely been a journey but also a really good learning process and a discovery of what I like to teach.
Pricing:
- Puppy Yoga classes are $25 and it comes with a beer/kombucha after class. Tickets usually sell out within 24 hours of going on sale so you must have a ticket to attend.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.omkaiyoga.com
- Phone: 9705182585
- Email: omkaiyoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: @omkaiyoga
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/omkaiyoga
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