We recently connected with Aparna Ravichander and have shared our conversation below.

Aparna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Triangle Shala, our mission is to provide yoga that is both accessible and authentic. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where people can not only practice yoga physically but also explore its deeper roots—through Sanskrit, music, and philosophy. Our goal is to empower students to grow not just in their practice but in their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

This mission is deeply personal to me because of what I’ve observed in the West: yoga is often seen as a luxury workout or a trend, rather than the holistic practice it truly is. I want to help shift that perspective. Yoga, at its core, is about connection, self-discovery, and service. It is meant for everybody, regardless of background, body type, or income level. That’s why I keep my weekly classes at $10 or less—so a wider and more diverse community can experience yoga’s benefits without financial barriers.

For me, teaching authentically means honoring yoga’s traditional roots and cultural depth, while making it relevant and approachable in today’s world. My mission is a small act of seva—service—toward the community. I believe that when yoga is taught in this way, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation, not just physically but mentally and spiritually. This is why Triangle Shala exists: to preserve the integrity of yoga while making sure everyone feels welcome to step onto the mat.

Aparna, 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 India, where yoga was part of our school curriculum, so it has always been familiar to me. We moved to the US in the 90s and after completing my college, and starting to work in the workforce, I started attending yoga classes regularly with my mom—it became our Saturday ritual, and I was immediately hooked. Over time, I realized how much those classes helped me de-stress and reconnect with myself, and I felt a growing desire to offer that same gift to others. In 2013, I completed my 200-hour teacher training at a studio in Cary, and I’ve been teaching ever since. I’ve also traveled back to India to study with teachers there, and I continue to learn from my mentors to this day.

At Triangle Shala, I offer yoga classes for all levels, including hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, pranayama, guided meditations, and even classes accompanied by live Indian classical music. What makes us different is that our teachers all have full-time jobs outside of yoga, yet we are deeply committed to teaching as an act of service and community building—not as a business centered on profit. Our focus is on preserving yoga’s authenticity and roots, while making it accessible and welcoming for everyone.

I am most proud of the sincerity and dedication of our teachers and students. We are a small community that has grown organically, built on heart rather than flash. Our studio may not have the bells and whistles of a large commercial space, but it is filled with genuine care, knowledge, and connection. I’m proud of not giving up, of staying true to the mission even when the journey has been challenging. Triangle Shala is more than a yoga studio—it’s a community where people come together to practice, learn, and grow in a way that honors the depth and beauty of yoga.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When COVID hit, I had already been teaching yoga in local studios for over seven years. Like many others, I shifted to virtual teaching, but when the world began reopening, I faced a difficult reality: the small, independent studios I had been part of had closed, and I didn’t want to teach in large franchise settings. It felt like a crossroads. That’s when I decided to take a leap and start Triangle Shala in 2023.

In the beginning, it was tough. I rented space from a local dance studio, and many classes had only one or two students—sometimes none at all. It was discouraging, and there were moments when I questioned whether I should keep going. But I reminded myself that building something meaningful takes time. I stayed consistent: I kept showing up, continued sharing on social media, taught at local libraries and farmers markets, and slowly introduced more people to our mission.

We’re still growing—and I’m not yet breaking even—but I see that as part of the journey. What I am most proud of is that I didn’t give up when it was hard. My teachers and I kept showing up, and little by little, our community began to grow. That persistence is paying off, and now we are starting to see the fruits of our resilience.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

While we do maintain an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, the best source of new clients for us has consistently been word of mouth and personal recommendations.

In today’s world, social media often feels like the king and queen of marketing, and many businesses thrive on it. But with yoga, I’ve found it’s different. Yoga is such a deeply personal practice that its true essence—the atmosphere of the studio, the connection with the teacher, the sense of community—can’t fully be captured in a post or a scroll. People are far more likely to trust the recommendation of a friend or family member who has experienced that environment firsthand.

That authenticity and personal connection are what draw people to Triangle Shala, and I’m grateful that our students feel inspired to share their experiences with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.triangleshala.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triangle_shala/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triangleshala
• Other: https://triangleshala-newsletter.beehiiv.com/