Who am I outside of yoga? Honestly, the same person you see on the mat. Yoga has never been just about the asana for me. It’s always been a way of life. I carry the 8 limbs everywhere I go, not as rules, but as a path to live with presence, kindness, and joy. Off the mat, I’m still loving, still kind, and still laughing (probably way too loudly). Whether we’re in a deep yin stretch, sharing coffee, or just crossing paths, you’re getting the real me, always. I was 18 when I took my very first yoga class. By then, I’d already been working at a gym since I was 14, teaching group exercise classes and loving the energy, music, and movement. But yoga was different. From the first breath and the first stretch, it lit something deep inside me. It wasn’t just about working my body, it was about connecting mind, breath, and heart in a way i had never known before. That spark still burns bright today. The biggest challenge in those early years was being young and stepping into teaching at a time when most people my age didn’t yet understand yoga. But I was fortunate to find a mentor — a chiropractor and yoga teacher — who took me under his wing. He saw something in me, guided me, and opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

Looking back, it was less about obstacles and more about alignment. The right people, the right timing, the right calling. I simply followed where it led.

The Evolution of My Practice

My roots began with B.K.S. Iyengar Hatha yoga, which became my foundation during my years in Canada. It was steady, grounding, and precise — and I loved it.

When I moved to Houston, everything shifted. A friend invited me to The Garage, a small, hidden gem of a studio. That’s where I met Achim and took my first Vinyasa class. The energy, the freedom, the flow — it left me hungry to learn more. That hunger pushed me toward another certification at The Yoga Institute with Lex, and soon, I was teaching all over Houston.

At one point, I was a full-time “yoga gypsy,” teaching at four different locations, filling my days with classes, and living fully immersed in yoga. Every class, every student, every space filled my cup. But eventually, I felt the call for the next chapter. And when you listen to that inner nudge, the path keeps unfolding.

Building My Yoga Business

When Covid hit, I found myself teaching online from my living room. I had no intention of starting a studio. But then, an unexpected opportunity came — the owners of a large space asked if I would consider renting. I thought it was crazy. Businesses were shutting down, and I was being asked to start one?

But that seed planted itself. As Houston reopened, the nudge grew louder until I finally said yes. I had no business partner, no clear roadmap, and very little money. What I did have was heart, belief in the practice, and drive. That was enough to open Home Yoga and Fitness.

In the early days, I leaned on free marketing channels — Facebook, Instagram, community events — connecting with people wherever I could. Growth came not just from classes, but from connections: heart-to-heart conversations, shared laughs, and the “see you next week” moments. That’s what built the foundation.

Over time, I realized something powerful. I, Kendall — Honey — am the brand. People weren’t just coming for yoga, they were coming for the way I share it. Retreats followed, combining my love for travel and teaching, and I said yes to opportunities that kept expanding my world.

Then, in 2024, my son Daigen broke his back. Five weeks in the hospital shifted everything. By the end of that year, I closed my studio and brought the business home. Home Yoga found its truest meaning when I created The Loft in my own space. It was one of the scariest decisions I’ve made, and one of the best.

Lessons I’ve Learned

I’ve learned that growth isn’t always about expansion outward. Sometimes it’s about going deeper, becoming more authentic, and aligning your business with your life. I’ve learned that a community doesn’t depend on walls, but on the love and presence you bring into it. And I’ve learned that saying yes to opportunities, even scary ones, keeps the journey alive.

My Message to Founders

Lead with your heart, always. When you force things, life tends to push back. But when you stay open, organized, and willing to adapt, the direction reveals itself. Don’t chase, don’t cling, don’t act from desperation. Trust yourself, move forward, and most importantly, do the work.

My Mission

My mission is simple: to help others feel good — in body, mind, and heart — while building an authentic community where people show up for each other. Whether in person or online, I want everyone who walks into my space to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Business Takeaways from Yoga Founders Magazine

Heart-led Branding

Your energy is the brand. People connect more deeply to you than to your logo or studio name.

Community First

Classes may attract students, but relationships keep them coming back.

Adaptability Wins

Life shifts. Businesses must shift too. The ability to pivot can turn hardship into growth.

Say Yes

Opportunities rarely come perfectly packaged. Growth often begins by saying yes before you feel fully ready.

Home Is Enough

A business doesn’t need big walls or perfect timing. What matters most is creating spaces that carry love, resilience, and belonging.