Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Usatenko.
Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hops and Flow Beer Yoga is based right here in Atlanta, Georgia, and we bring together two of life’s simple joys — yoga and beer! Our goal is to create a fun, relaxed, and safe space where you can get your stretch on with a cold one by your side. We host classes in breweries and taprooms around town, giving people a chance to move, laugh, and connect with their community — all while enjoying some tasty hops.
We welcome yogis of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. The vibe is super friendly and laid-back — it’s all about having fun and experiencing yoga outside of a traditional studio setting.
I’m Melissa, and my journey with yoga started over 20 years ago when I randomly wandered into a class at my gym. I instantly fell in love with how calm and centered it made me feel, and I was hooked — not just on the work out, but also on the work in.
My love for craft beer came a little later, with my first sip of a Ballast Point Sculpin — which I lovingly call my “gateway beer.” From there, I started exploring breweries and connecting with amazing people everywhere I went, whether I was a thousand miles from home or right around the corner.
Hops and Flow Beer Yoga really started as a passion project, a way to blend these two things that bring me so much joy — yoga and beer — and share that joy with others. I wanted to create a space where people could relax, have fun, and maybe see yoga in a new light. At the end of the day, it’s all about community, connection, and enjoying the moment — one stretch and one sip at a time.
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?
I actually started hosting classes at Fire Maker Brewery during COVID, at a time when everything felt so uncertain. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how people would respond — yoga and beer in the middle of a pandemic seemed like a wild idea! But it turned out to be something really special. People were craving connection and a sense of normalcy, and getting to share a class, a laugh, and a beer (safely distanced, of course) gave everyone a chance to breathe a little easier while the world felt a bit unsteady.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Hops and Flow Beer Yoga, I specialize in creating fun, accessible yoga experiences that blend movement, mindfulness, and community — with a side of craft beer! I host classes in local breweries and taprooms around Atlanta, giving people a chance to unwind, stretch, and share a cold one in a laid-back environment that’s welcoming to everyone, no matter their yoga experience.
What I’m most proud of is how our classes bring people together. Whether someone’s rolling out their mat for the first time or they’ve been practicing for years, everyone is there to move, laugh, and just enjoy the moment. I love seeing strangers come in and leave as friends — that’s the real magic for me.
What sets Hops and Flow apart is the vibe. There’s no pressure, no judgment, and no need to take yourself too seriously. It’s about balance — finding your flow both on the mat and off. We mix good energy, good people, and good beer to create something that feels real and joyful.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My motto is yoga, as with most challenging situations in life, doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger. Beer Yoga isn’t about being serious — it’s about enjoying movement, laughter, and community. You don’t need to be flexible, coordinated, or a “yogi” to belong here. Every pose is an invitation, not a requirement. Modify, rest, or skip anything that doesn’t feel right. The best yogis are the ones who know when to pause.
Pricing:
- 20.00
- Tickets are $20, which includes your yoga class and your first beverage. We love supporting our local breweries and taprooms, so each ticket also helps us give back — we purchase all beverages directly from our hosts and include tax and a 20% tip to keep our favorite neighborhood watering holes thriving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hopsandflow.com
- Instagram: @hopsandflowyoga
- Facebook: @hopsandflowyoga
