Meet Shannon Chalmers of Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Chalmers.

Hi Shannon , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Yoga Social started from a very simple idea: I wanted to create spaces where people felt welcome, connected, and supported—especially those who didn’t feel like they “fit” into traditional yoga studios.

I’ve been teaching yoga and working in events for over 15 years, and throughout that time I kept noticing the same thing: so many people were curious about yoga and wellness, but felt intimidated, priced out, or disconnected from the studio model. At the same time, I was deeply involved in Denver’s local community—working with small businesses, venues, artists, and nonprofits—and I saw an opportunity to bring these worlds together.

I started Yoga Social by hosting donation-based, pop-up yoga classes in unexpected places—breweries, rooftops, gardens, art spaces—anywhere that felt approachable and community-driven. The goal was never just the yoga; it was about creating experiences that made people feel like they belonged, whether they came alone, brought a friend, or were trying yoga for the first time.

What began as a small passion project quickly grew through word of mouth and community support. Over the years, Yoga Social has partnered with more than 50 local businesses, expanded into Pilates, sound baths, meditation, and special events, and built an incredible team of teachers and volunteers. In 2024, we officially became a nonprofit so we could further our mission of accessibility, inclusivity, and community impact.

Today, Yoga Social continues to grow, but the heart of it remains the same: creating meaningful, welcoming experiences that bring people together and make wellness feel human, fun, and accessible. Everything we do is rooted in connection—and I’m incredibly proud of the community that’s grown alongside us.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and honestly, I don’t think meaningful community work ever is.

One of the biggest challenges has been building something that’s rooted in accessibility while still making it sustainable. A large portion of our classes are donation-based, which aligns deeply with our mission, but it also means navigating inconsistent revenue, rising venue costs, and the realities of paying teachers fairly while keeping events affordable.

Another challenge has been growth. As Yoga Social expanded, so did the operational complexity—managing partnerships, schedules, volunteers, contracts, logistics, and compliance, often while wearing every hat myself. There were many moments of burnout, learning things the hard way, and having to rebuild systems as the organization evolved.

I’ve also faced challenges around boundaries and expectations—learning when to say no, how to protect the mission, and how to navigate partnerships that weren’t always aligned. Turning Yoga Social into a nonprofit was a major step that came with its own learning curve, from legal structures to governance, but it ultimately gave us a stronger foundation.

Despite the struggles, every challenge helped clarify why Yoga Social exists. The obstacles forced me to get clearer, more intentional, and more resilient as a leader. Looking back, those moments shaped not just the organization, but me—and they’re a big part of why Yoga Social is as community-driven and values-based as it is today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my personal time I create art as part of my meditation practice. It is very tactile, symbolic, and story-driven. I primarily create sculptural and mixed-media works—most notably mosaic skulls and sculptural pieces—using materials like gemstones, crystals, metals, wood, mirror, found objects, and natural elements. Every piece is built by hand and no two are ever the same.

I specialize in work that blends beauty with impermanence. Skulls, in particular, are a recurring form in my art—not as something dark, but as a reminder of life, transformation, and the stories we carry. Many of my pieces are inspired by the Southwest, by nature, and by spiritual symbolism. Some are designed as collector art, others as memorial or ceremonial objects, and many live somewhere in between.

What I’m most proud of is that my work holds meaning beyond aesthetics. Each piece has a narrative—whether it’s honoring a person, reflecting a phase of life, or representing resilience, grief, celebration, or rebirth. I’ve created pieces that hold ashes, commemorate loved ones, or mark personal milestones, and being trusted with that level of emotional significance is something I never take lightly.

What sets my work apart is the intersection of craftsmanship, symbolism, and intention. I’m not creating for trends or mass production; I’m creating objects that feel discovered rather than manufactured. My background in wellness, community building, and ritual naturally shows up in my art—it’s meant to be felt, not just displayed. People often tell me my pieces feel alive, layered, or emotionally resonant, and that’s the highest compliment I can receive.

At its core, my art is about transformation—taking raw, broken, or overlooked materials and turning them into something meaningful, powerful, and enduring.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that community work requires both heart and boundaries.
In the early days of Yoga Social, I led almost entirely from passion and generosity—saying yes often, overextending myself, and assuming everyone involved shared the same values and intentions. Over time, I learned that sustainability isn’t just about funding or growth; it’s about clarity, structure, and protecting the mission so it can continue to serve people long-term.

I’ve learned that accessibility doesn’t mean self-sacrifice, and that creating inclusive spaces also means honoring my own limits. Strong systems, clear communication, and aligned partnerships don’t take away from the heart of the work—they actually make it possible.

Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned to trust my intuition as a leader. When something feels misaligned, it usually is. Listening to that inner knowing has helped me make better decisions, build a healthier organization, and show up more fully for the community.

That lesson—leading with intention while honoring boundaries—has shaped not just Yoga Social, but who I am as a founder and as a person.

Pricing:

• Donation Based Yoga Classes Suggested $15-30
• Shannons Art Pricing from 150-1900

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yogasocial.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denveryogasocial/
• Other: https://skydesignsstudio.square.site