Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Saunders.
Kim, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My sister gave me a yoga book as a gift when I was 12 years old and I thought it was fun to practice these poses. Little did I know that four decades later, it would become my business and passion. I was born and raised in Orange County, California and decided to go to college for business. I loved working as a National Account Manager at American Express in San Francisco, San Diego and then transferred to Atlanta at 31 years old.
Ten years into my business career, however, I knew I still wanted to pursue my goals of becoming a Licensed Counselor/Psychotherapist and opening a yoga studio….truly a mind, body connection.
In 2007, I attended a Deepak Chopra retreat and found myself walking alone with him for several minutes. I asked him if he knew anyone that had a counseling business and yoga studio together and he said, “No, but you can build it.” And that confirmation helped to create and spark the idea for Lift Yoga and Therapy.
In 2018, I was named an Ambassador for Athleta and I feel proud to represent a brand that is dedicated to helping women reach their limitless potential. This is the Power of She!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The most fun I’ve had with yoga is in the building, conception and creating of both community, classes and the physical space. It’s that energy that you are making something that will bring people together, bring them joy and uplift them. That’s always been my intention.
The pluses FAR outweigh the minuses but there were several people along the way that wanted to cause harm and ill will. If you are a yogi, you know that these principles are NOT yoga. It is a lesson for all of us to try to choose healthy individuals to draw into our lives and not be drawn to those that have ulterior motives. I’ve learned a lot! Thankfully the very good souls far outweigh the bad ones.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lift Yoga Studio – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Lift Yoga is known for providing a variety of yoga classes, styles, and teachers to accommodate different abilities and levels. We offer Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Ashtanga, bodyART, Heated Yoga, Barre, and other yoga and fitness classes.
In addition, I’m a Licensed Counselor and work with adults through a variety of challenges including grief, trauma, relationship, and health issues.
Lift believes in the mind/body connection and accessing not only the physical body but also the mental and emotional parts of ourselves as well.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We have been the premier yoga studio in Alpharetta for four years and in a thriving and growing city, continue to be a big part of this community. In addition to studio classes, we’ve partnered with the City of Alpharetta to offer classes at Brooke Street and Wills Park, we work with the City of Johns Creek to offer classes at Newtown Park and offer free weekly classes at the Alpharetta Library. I’m proud that we are an integral part of this community!
Contact Info:
- Address: 501 South Main Street
Alpharetta, GA 30009 - Website: www.liftyogastudio.com
- Phone: 470-268-4362
Image Credit:
Katie Bush, Caron Colleen, Abby Breaux
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.
