Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Craig
Hi Christine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started practicing yoga many years ago, but it wasn’t until 2011, when I discovered hot yoga, that my journey truly began. At the time, I had just bought my first house, only to be laid off during an economic downturn. Feeling the weight of uncertainty, I needed an outlet, so I bought a Groupon for Red Hot Yoga. Ironically, I hated it at first—being in that intense heat while trying to move seemed impossible. But something kept calling me back. Day after day, I found myself on the mat, gradually feeling calmer, more focused, and grounded.
As my practice deepened, my confidence grew, and I began to understand the transformative power of yoga. That inner voice pushed me to pursue Yoga Teacher Training, even though I was terrified. I wasn’t the “typical” yoga teacher; I struggled with poses, and self-doubt loomed large. But I followed my instincts, knowing I needed to understand why yoga had spoken to me so deeply.
With the support of my mentor, Bethany Vaughn, and a diverse group of peers, I completed my training, despite never intending to teach. It wasn’t until two weeks before the final assessment that I realized I wanted to share this soulful, enlightening practice with others.
Afterward, I returned to my 9-to-5 in Fin-Tech while teaching yoga on nights and weekends. I even completed a 500-hour teacher training, diving deeper into understanding myself and shedding old perceptions. Despite my love for yoga, I never imagined opening my own studio. But over time, corporate life began to feel increasingly disconnected from my values. The environment felt toxic, and I could no longer compromise on what I believed was right.
In 2020, amidst the pandemic, I was laid off again. This time, I was ready to leave corporate life behind, but as I applied to new jobs, I felt a growing sense of dread. I cried during applications, interviews, and resume updates—it felt like my spirit was dying. After much contemplation, I listened to the quiet but persistent inner voice, telling me to take the leap.
In January 2021, I opened Red Hot Yoga Smyrna. My vision was to create a space not only for students but also for teachers—a community where people didn’t have to drive far for hot yoga and where teachers could find opportunities to grow. We started small, with socially-distanced classes of eight students, but they filled quickly. It was clear the community was hungry for the practice, just as I had been.
I was fortunate to be joined by incredible teachers—Dannie, Kenya, Ashley, TT, Laxmi, and my most recent teacher trainee, Leida—who bring grace, wisdom, and unseen beauty to our studio. Together, we have built something special.
Red Hot Yoga Smyrna has grown beyond my expectations, and the stories our clients share about their emotional, mental, and physical transformations continue to inspire me every day. I am deeply grateful for the honesty and trust our clients offer us, and I’m honored to support them on their journeys.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. The journey has been filled with financial challenges, moments of questioning my purpose, and dealing with some of the difficult aspects that business and money can bring out in people. It’s been a constant cycle of overcoming obstacles, learning lessons, and moving forward—physically, mentally, and emotionally. There have been many stumbles, falls and mistakes of course. That however is life! And the practice of yoga has helped me to ground, focus, learn, listen and practice patience and most importantly acceptance in this journey.
The biggest challenge for me has been finding balance. As a first-time business owner, I juggle everything—managing finances, marketing, human resources, teaching classes, private lessons, and running the day-to-day operations, all while trying to take care of myself and others. It’s an ongoing struggle to make time for eating, practicing yoga, and resting amidst the demands of running a business. One persistent challenge has been visibility—despite all our efforts in marketing, even after four years, we still encounter people who say they didn’t know we were in Smyrna.
The most difficult moment came last year when my parents were in a serious car accident while traveling to visit me, considering a move to Georgia. Thankfully, they survived with minor injuries, but it was a terrifying experience. I found a home for us where they could age in place, and we now live together. While this adds a new layer of responsibility, it also brings me immense joy to know that they are safe and taken care of. Balancing my role as a caregiver with running the studio and taking care of myself has been a challenges. Its a journey filled with insights and challenges, but also love and laughter, conflict and kindness and has really enabled me to understand myself and my parents at a deeper level. For that I am grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of Red Hot Yoga – Smyrna. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Red Hot Yoga Smyrna, yoga is far more than just a workout or a way to sweat. While those can be benefits, the deeper intention behind our practice is one of mindful transformation. We use the body to train the mind, cultivating strength through purpose, focus, and conscious action. By integrating breath, awareness, and asana (poses), we help students form a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. It’s a journey of self-discovery that invites peace, calm, and growth from within. Our message to students: be patient, stay dedicated, and allow your heart and mind to open to the possibilities this practice offers.
We specialize in offering clear instruction and guidance through yoga asana, but our focus extends beyond the physical practice. What happens on the mat—your thoughts, emotions, and reactions—mirrors life off the mat. If you’re self-critical, forceful, or impatient during your practice, you’ll likely find those traits present in your daily life as well. Our practice teaches compassion, acceptance, and patience. We use yoga as a tool for self-study, digging deep into ourselves with honesty to uncover a compassionate and loving connection.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built at Red Hot Yoga Smyrna. We have a diverse and inclusive clientele that continues to grow both individually and collectively, and we’ve seen friendships form that extend well beyond the studio. Clients have shared their personal journeys with us—whether facing loss, health challenges, caregiving, or moments of joy like new jobs, babies, or life transitions. It’s a privilege to hold space for their experiences and to create a safe, supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing both sorrow and triumph.
We offer a variety of yoga styles to meet the diverse needs of our community. For those needing to unwind, we offer Yin, a slower, meditative practice. For those seeking more movement, we offer everything from the foundational Traditional 26 to our dynamic, fast-paced Vinyasa. Our classes provide options for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, with guidance on props, breathwork, and modifications for injuries or conditions, ensuring the practice is accessible to all.
Red Hot Yoga has been part of the Atlanta yoga scene for over 15 years, originally founded by Bethany Vaughn, one of the best teachers in the state. Many well-known teachers have come through her school, some teaching internationally today. While our sister locations had to close during the pandemic, we continue to thrive and grow, holding true to the values that have made Red Hot Yoga a trusted name in the community.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is a birthday party my parents threw for me. I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but they had rented a carnival ride, and the whole neighborhood was filled with kids. Growing up in a Haitian household, with lots of family living nearby and added to the neighborhood kids, it felt like a block party. There was laughter, music, and so much energy—it was just pure, carefree fun. It’s a memory that still brings a smile to my face.
Pricing:
- $10 Noon Classes Saturday & Sunday
- $25 Drop-in for all other classes
- Class packages starting at $110
- $115 for Unlimited Yoga Memberships
- Private Parties starting @ $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.redhotyogasmyrna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhotyogasmyrna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedHotYogaSmyrna
