Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Perez.
Tina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My yoga journey started nearly 15 years ago. I was a fit, healthy 30-something runner. A tiny, young yoga teacher dared me to hold a plank for 1 minute, and I failed! My competitive nature compelled me to learn more about this mind/body/breath magical pathway to strength, stability, and endurance. And so it began. Every morning at 6:00, practicing with Steve Ross’s Inhale on Oxygen.
Eventually, I made my way to group classes and expanded my practice to include a wider range of yoga styles like yin, restorative, and hot yoga. And even though my inner voice began telling me that my journey would lead to teaching, I allowed uncertainty to delay teacher training for a few more years.
Well, I did complete my 200-hour teacher training, and halfway through the course, I knew that I would open a studio where it would do the most good. I set my sight on the east side of DeKalb County and set about facing one obstacle after another until we had a lease, a business license, and a tribe of amazing yogi souls eager to share their practice with our Stonecrest/Decatur/Lithonia community!
Great, 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?
The road has been anything but smooth, but certainly nothing unexpected. We’ve dealt with a lack of faith from those who think bringing the practice to this community is a doomed endeavor. I was told I’d make more money ITP or on the north side. Those people don’t realize that yogis don’t teach for the money. We also worked around a number of licensing and remodeling delays in getting our space ready for the public.
Our grand opening date was pushed back twice … but it happened! And although we are still adjusting teachers and class schedules to best serve the community, we have succeeded in setting up a beautiful, safe space dedicated to mindful practice.
Citta the Soul Yoga and Meditation Shala – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Yoga is a very personal practice. It is an individual journey for everyone who steps onto the mat. Each student has their own reason for taking this journey. Some will use it as a form of exercise. For others, it is a time for meditation and introspection. Still, others might seek social enrichment. No matter the reason, yoga is an uplifting practice of self-discovery. Regular yoga practice promotes physical health and mental wellbeing.
At Citta the Soul, we believe mindfulness (citta) is the seat of our very soul. Citta the Soul is a yoga and meditation shala, or yoga practice home, located in the City of Stonecrest, just 13 miles east of downtown Atlanta. With an emphasis on breathing techniques and guided moving meditation, Citta the Soul practices thoughtful and reflexive yoga to promote both physical and mental wellbeing. We keep our classes small in order to cultivate a sincere connection between teacher and student. Our shala is equipped with mats, towels, and props … everything you need for your physical practice!
Citta the Soul offers group yoga classes, private lessons, workshops, series, and special events convenient to DeKalb, Fulton, and Rockdale County.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This venture is most definitely, a family affair. From my work family at First Southern Management who’ve taken me on as a tenant in an amazing retail center, to my actual family; Jaden (my daughter) and Gina (my sister) who pitched in with lots of 11th hours decorating.
Alan (my significant other) who always showed up for the heavy lifting, and Tyler (my son) who created all of the graphics for our social media posts. And, of course, our amazing Citta Crew of teachers (Michelle, Ashlee, Karissa, Flannery. and Chelsea) who so much passion and understanding of the true meaning of mindful living, that they are serving at ground zero as we build our tribe.
And the support of this community at large. They showed up for a chilly, rainy grand-opening day of yoga and have continued to grow in practice and in numbers ever since!
Pricing:
- Walk-ins are always welcome at $12 per class.
- Unlimited monthly membership fits every budget at just $74.
- Or try us out with a Six-Pack of any scheduled group classes for $60.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5304 Panola Industrial Blvd, Suite I, Decatur 30035
- Website: CittaTheSoul.com
- Phone: 770-609-6424
- Email: info@cittathesoul.com
- Instagram: @citta_the_soul
- Facebook: @CittaTheSoul
- Twitter: @CittaTheSoul
- Yelp: Yelp.com/CittaTheSoul
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
