We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Watson Reeves. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.

Karen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

As a yoga instructor for 14 years and a studio owner for 12 years, there have been so many poignant moments. It’s hard to narrow it down to just a few sentences, but it brings so much joy and fulfillment to hear students say they feel better when they leave a class than when they arrive. I have been so fortunate to teach all ages and stages and capabilities of people/students. And getting to know the students and their stories is so uplifting.
I recently did four days of yoga with adolescent girls who had been sexually abused. Watching them embrace “staying in the present moment“,“accepting without judgment”, and learning to “shift perspective“, as well as seeing them go from pretty skeptical about yoga on day one to embracing it and wanting more by the time our sessions ended left a feeling of satisfaction, as though I had done my job well. And the best part about my job, is that it doesn’t feel like work at all!

Karen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in a very small town with a large extended family. And I liken my yoga community to extended family. I came to yoga after a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in my knees when I was in my mid 40s. What I learned about yoga was that it was a very good physical workout, but also a very good way to relieve stress and anxiety. I loved my practice so much that I entered teacher training school to learn more, and then was thrilled when doors started opening for employment opportunities. Soon after becoming an instructor, I was given an opportunity to open a studio in the downtown area of Hot Springs. I have compared pthe experience to birthing a baby, and have now watched it grow into an adolescent, 12 years! The best part about the job is meeting all the people and feeling so rewarded when they get up off their mats and tell me how much better they feel.
We offer classes seven days a week and four nights a week as well as special events, classes, private sessions, etc.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I am a people person, and thrive on getting to know my students. I think it makes them feel special when they walk in the door, and I, as well as my teaching staff, remember their names. I try to ensure everyone that no one is judging them, no one has to do the postures perfectly, (because none of us can all the time) And any movement they do is better than doing nothing.

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

A lot of patience and perseverance. I have definitely taken advantage of social media, which is, for the most part, free advertising and promotions. I advertise in some of our local publications, but honestly I rely so much on word-of-mouth. Being willing to talk about yoga and its benefits whenever I am out and about at functions, meetings, or gatherings, I am doing a lot of self promoting., which does not come easy for me, as I tend to be a bit of an introvert. It’s also great that happy students share information about“their“ yoga studio. Friends bringing friends with them has been a great way to keep our name out there in the public eye.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.theyogaplacehs.com
• Instagram: theyogaplace_hs
• Facebook: theyogaplacehs

Image Credits

Any photos that I would share were taken by either myself or my friend on our own personal phones