Downward Dog in New Downtown Digs: Union Yoga Co.
All images courtesy of Union Yoga Co.
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been an “interesting” year. I find myself yearning for a sense of normalcy and missing the many different types of connections I had pre-COVID. One way that I have found that lost sense of connection is through yoga. It has always brought a sense of peace and calm to my life, especially during tumultuous times. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see a new yoga studio open in our sweet town.
I was walking north on Colby heading home from visiting my favorite bike shop, shameless plug for Bayside Bikes, when the clouds parted and rays of sunshine shown on 2506 Colby Ave. Union Yoga Co. was opening its doors to the public and I jumped at the chance to practice yoga in my hometown. This delightful addition to our town is an experience you shouldn’t miss out on!
The owner of the studio, Kari Bayha, was introduced to yoga by some of her coworkers quite a few years ago. Yoga piqued her curiosity and with a fast-paced life, she wanted to explore what it would feel like to slow down, both her body and mind. Her kind and welcoming demeanor are reflected in the studio atmosphere.
The direct Sanskrit translation of the word yoga is union and Kari thought that was a perfect name for her studio. She wants a space where people can create a union with their bodies, minds, and the community.
When you enter the studio you immediately feel at ease because the space is so inviting. Kari told me she wanted to open a yoga studio to make a bigger impact. “When I've taught in the past, it was part-time and usually just one or two days a week. I always left the studios wanting more. More connection, more community, and more support”. She chose Everett as the location of Union Yoga Co. because “Everett is the place to be!” She said, “I've always been so appreciative of this area. While I didn't grow up in Everett, both my parents did, and I've always had so much love for this neighborhood. It didn't feel right that this community didn't have a safe space to move and breathe. I knew I had to bring it Everett.”
One thing she didn’t put in her business plan was opening her studio during a pandemic. She told me it has been very challenging. “I'm learning so much and growing daily as a person and a leader. Of course, I've faced financial challenges during the pandemic, but the biggest challenge has been staying optimistic and trusting the process.” Practicing yoga in her new space and seeing all the wonderful new students helps to slow her thoughts down, focus on all the good happening, and celebrate the little wins along the way.
Kari has navigated the ins and outs of opening a business during a pandemic with grace and humor. She has been delighted that Everett has welcomed her with open arms. “The support from the community has been amazing. There has been nothing but excitement to finally have a yoga studio in the downtown area.” She told me she is very grateful for everyone who walks through her doors from the Everett PD and Fire Marshall, to all of the wonderful yogis taking classes.
Union Yoga Co. has a wide range of classes available for all levels. From gentle flow classes to power vinyasa there is a class for everyone. I have been branching out from my regular power vinyasa classes, taking the gentle flow, and have been loving the chance to slow down, uniting with my body and mind. Kari really has created a studio in the true essence of yoga and it’s well worth taking a class to find out.
The studio is offering reduced size classes to allow for social distancing. All new students have the chance to purchase a 2-week unlimited pass for $25. This pass is the perfect opportunity to try all of the different classes to get a feel of the studio. Stop by Union Yoga Co. for a class, you will definitely not regret it. You can always contact Kari with any questions, she is excited to support our community.
Union Yoga Co.
2506 Colby Ave
Everett, WA 98201
hello@unionyogaco.com
Kim Brethauer is an Everett native who loves to explore all that the beautiful PNW has to offer. When she isn’t hard at work staring at data for a certain local aerospace company, you can find her out and about with her husband and three dogs.
