Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsea Riley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chelsea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.

My journey to owning a yoga studio has been anything but ordinary, marked by a series of unexpected twists and turns. I discovered yoga in my teens and quickly recognized its transformative power for both the body and mind. It soon became a cornerstone of my life.

I turned to yoga to prepare my body for the audition at the prestigious National Circus School in Montreal. By the time I was accepted, I had completed my yoga teacher training and was teaching yoga full time. My three-year intensive circus training program was incredibly rigorous and demanding, but yoga offered a vital balance. Every weekend, I taught yoga, which provided the mindfulness and equilibrium needed to navigate the physically intense circus training. Yoga wasn’t just a practice; it was my anchor, helping me stay centered and resilient through the challenges of circus school.

During my time in circus school, I combined my passion for movement with my love for invention. I designed and created an aerial apparatus, which holds a special place in my heart. This invention, called the Aerial Kite, is a combination of aerial silks, cloudswing, and lyra. It features a diamond-shaped frame with silks hanging from the bottom, resembling a kite soaring in the sky. I toured with the Aerial Kite throughout my twenties, performing acts that were a blend of grace, strength, and creativity, all while maintaining my yoga practice.

However, life took an unexpected turn when I suffered a traumatic head injury. My two-year recovery was challenging, but it was during this time that my yoga practice deepened and became a crucial part of my healing process. Yoga provided me with the resilience and inner strength needed to navigate my recovery journey.

Nearly three years ago, I decided to open Coast Flow Yoga, inspired by my experiences and the transformative power of yoga. Our mission is to empower individuals, provide a diverse range of offerings, and create an inclusive and supportive community where everyone can achieve their personal goals.

Chelsea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I was 16 years old, I discovered Bikram yoga in Vancouver and instantly fell in love. The heat, the zen feeling after each class—I couldn’t get enough. This passion led me to Los Angeles to study with Bikram himself, and at 19yrs old I was teaching. My journey then took me to circus school where I trained to be a professional aerialist and continued to teach and explore the practice of yoga.

My dedication to yoga deepened further at the Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica. I have since continued to deepen my practice and my offerings, and have pursued specialized trainings in Bhakti Flow yoga, prenatal yoga, chair yoga, health coaching, Thai massage, and Breathwork. I eventually landed in San Francisco, teaching aerial yoga programs and immersing myself in a vibrant yoga community.

With a profound devotion to Bhakti yoga, kirtan, and meditation, I infuse my classes with heart-centered practices that inspire and uplift. As an experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500), I empower my students to explore the transformative power of yoga on and off the mat.

Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud of founding Coast Flow Yoga. When envisioning my dream yoga studio, community was at the heart of my vision—a place where people could feel they belong, grow spiritually, heal, and forge new connections. Seeing Coast Flow flourish with amazing experiences and unity has been a blessing beyond words.

At Coast Flow Yoga, we are committed to providing a diverse range of offerings, ensuring inclusivity, and empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals. Our mission is to uplift our students, to help them feel better in their bodies, connect deeply within themselves, and find joy within our community.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Living in a small town has its unique charm, and when I first opened Coast Flow Yoga, I was determined to make our studio a sanctuary for everyone. In those early days, I was teaching up to 20 classes a week—sometimes even five classes in a single day. It was a labor of love, and I believe the community saw how deeply I was invested in making the studio a success.

Balancing the demands of the studio with raising three little boys at home was no small feat. I wore many hats: teaching yoga, kids’ classes, fitness classes, aerial classes, workshops, and camps. Beyond that, I took care of all the cleaning, retail, gardening, and social media. While I had a few wonderful teachers supporting me, we were a relatively small team committed to providing a consistent and caring experience for everyone who walked through our doors.

The entrepreneurial journey required not just passion but also strategic planning and relentless dedication. From these humble beginnings, we have grown into a flourishing practice with two locations, 17 teachers, and over a thousand students. At Coast Flow Yoga, our mission is to greet each person with genuine care and love, striving to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for all. Our reputation has been built on this commitment, and we continue to uphold these values every day.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

From the very beginning of my journey as a yoga studio owner, I made a commitment to connect with my yoga community, through a weekly email. This isn’t just a task on my to-do list; it’s a heartfelt effort to support and uplift our students on their wellness journey.

Each week, I share something meaningful—whether it’s practical yoga tips, insights into yoga philosophy, or reflections on the challenges and joys of maintaining a consistent practice. For instance, as we emerge from the busyness of the holidays, I might write about the importance of slowing down and grounding ourselves, offering three yoga poses to help you integrate this practice into your daily life.

I understand how challenging it can be to stay inspired and committed to our wellness goals. Through these weekly emails, I hope to provide a touchstone of encouragement and practical advice to help everyone stay on track.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coastflow.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastflowyoga
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastflowyoga

Image Credits

CBR Photography – Chelsea Roisum
Marissa Trefry Photography