Inspiring Conversations with Carley DeMarco of Clayton Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carley DeMarco.

Hi Carley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was not an athletic kid. My mom loves to joke about how I would pick flowers during my soccer games. Throughout my younger years, I tried almost every sport possible: from softball and soccer to swimming and track (where I used to hide under blankets and pretend I was sleeping during my races). Sports just weren’t in the cards for me—I would’ve rather been playing cards during recess than kickball. But this wasn’t going to help me in high school.

To graduate from my high school, you needed a certain number of sports credits. So in an attempt to beat the system, I asked if yoga would count. There was this really cute studio down the street from my house that I loved to drive past.

When my school agreed, I was off to my first class with high hopes of getting longer and leaner and more ~zen~ (all while wearing cute athleisure wear). I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I hated it. My thighs were on fire from holding the warrior poses. My thoughts about upcoming tests and parties and boys and friendships were rampant and didn’t just “float away without judgement” like the instructor encouraged. My breath was short. My body felt weak. And when we entered our final resting position, savasana—laying there in stillness felt unbearable. But I really needed to graduate, so I kept going and going until, eventually, I could quiet my mind and focus on my body and breath. Over time, I had better control over my anxiety and stress. I was doing better in school and felt more at home in my body.

After high school, I continued my yoga journey exploring all different types from Hatha and Vinyasa to Bikram and Yin. The benefits of my practices rippled into every area of my life. I craved healthier foods, deeper relationships, and richer experiences. After college, I began working as a women’s health ghostwriter and got my certification for holistic health coaching. Last year, I finally signed up for Yoga Teacher Training with no expectations of teaching or opening a studio—just with hopes of deepening my practice and meeting like-hearted people. The training completely changed that. After receiving my certification, I decided I definitely wanted to teach. I thought I would teach at one of the local gyms in Clayton. There wasn’t a space dedicated solely to yoga. So I called and emailed places multiple times with no response. Then, one day I drove through town and saw a For Rent sign in the window of the cutest brick building. Next thing I know, I’m going to look at the building and the second I walked in, I knew it was the perfect space. I could already envision the classes, the workshops, the community we would build.

The owner of the building let me know that there were more than 20 other people interested in the space, so it would be a long shot. I thought ok, if it happens then it’s supposed to and if it doesn’t then it wasn’t. 2ish months later, after an insane amount of renovation and help from SO many amazing people, we opened the doors to Clayton Yoga.

We offer a variety of classes every week as well as monthly workshops and events like yoga and live music! This January marked our first Holistic Health Group Coaching Cohort where we discussed lifestyle and nourishment habits for the winter, chakras, and more. It’s the perfect blend of science and spirituality.

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?
No, definitely not easy. Shortly after opening, I sent out an email sharing the #1 thing I learned from opening a studio. I talked about how it took a little over 3 months to bring Clayton Yoga to fruition, and how when I wasn’t daydreaming about the community, I was filling out paperwork, scrubbing and painting walls, juggling 4 jobs, and checking off to-do lists longer than a kid’s Christmas list.

During this time, I put my yoga practice on the back burner. I told myself that I didn’t have time for it, but what I learned (after many breakdowns) was that I didn’t have time not to do it.

Opening a business is so much more than just opening a business. Of course you have the typical challenges, but there’s also limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome. There was a constant flow of thoughts like you’re not cut out for this, who do you think you are to be doing this, what will people think, etc.

My yoga practice helped (and continues to help me) me work through all of that. It helps me become more conscious of how I am speaking to myself. It helps me remember my “why” and stay connected to my truth. When I’m consistent with my practice, I am more resilient when things get tough.

So no, it wasn’t easy—but once I began to prioritize my practice again, it felt more doable.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Around a year and a half ago, my partner and I officially made Clayton our home. He has been coming up to the North Georgia mountains his entire life, and 6 years ago, when he first took me up here—to his “favorite place in the whole world”—it quickly turned into mine.

After we settled, I craved community, so I joined a Women’s Entrepreneurs Group, despite not being an entrepreneur. I was hoping to make inspiring friends wherever I could, and they welcomed me with open arms.

Every Tuesday at 8am, I’d meet the group at White Birch Provisions where we’d sip on warm drinks and talk business and life.

I learned a lot from these women: I learned how hard it is to start and run your own business and how sometimes it takes everything in you and everything out of you to keep going.

It wasn’t all cute work clothes and unwavering #bossbabe energy—it was a messy schedule, a never-ending to-do list, and sometimes, loneliness.

But behind the sweat, tears, and mini horror stories, I also learned that there’s a heart-beating-out-of-chest kind of excitement and sense of purpose that comes with it.

The same thing that throws you into bed at night exhausted is also the same thing that gets you out of bed in the morning.

I may have a naive view of business, but I think that if you’re going to start one, you need to start with why. That’s the only thing that will keep you going when all you want to do is quit.

Everything we do at the studio has a strong why behind it. A why that’s rooted in love and a desire to serve. So we offer classes, workshops, events, women’s groups, and holistic health circles to help you reach your potential and create your most beautiful, authentic life. We’re in the business of helping people.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think oftentimes the yoga that we see on Pinterest and Instagram feels like this unattainable thing. Headstands and splits while wearing the perfect set out in front of some grand view. While that’s all lovely, that’s not what yoga is about to me. My hope is that the industry will see a lot of growth—more inclusion and accessibility and less “gurus” (listen to Yoga is Dead episode 3) and gatekeeping. As a teacher and studio owner, I know it’s my responsibility to contribute to that.

But really, I just want more people to give it a go and make the practice their own. Whether it’s a 5-minute or 60 minute practice, breathwork, asana, or meditation—just taking time to become conscious and present with yourself will foster profound self-love and growth. The practice has saved my life (and many others)—and something that powerful is for everyone.

Pricing:

• Drop in rate is $15
• Unlimited monthly membership is $119 with discounts on workshops/events
• 10 class pass is $135 with discounts on events/workshops
• holistic health coaching online/in person 6 week program $499
• holistic health coaching online/in person 12 week program $850

Contact Info:

• Website: www.claytonyogastudio.com
• Instagram: clayton.yogastudio
• Facebook: Clayton Yoga Studio

Image Credits
Jenna Bradfute (photos of me in nature yellow dress, white skirt, overalls)