We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Catherine Wetenkamp a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Catherine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

One of the ways we diverge from the industry standard is in how deeply we invest in the whole yoga teacher—not just their ability to lead a class, but their evolution as embodied leaders in their communities. While many yoga teacher trainings focus primarily on technique or curriculum delivery, we go above and beyond to ensure that our students receive mentorship, personalized support, and post-graduate opportunities that set them up for long-term success.

During our programs, every trainee receives 1:1 mentorship to help them integrate what they’re learning in a way that’s meaningful and aligned with their goals. But the support doesn’t end at graduation. All of our alumni are welcomed into the Seek Yoga Collective Community—our growing online platform (soon to be app) that provides continued education resources, collaboration opportunities, visibility, and more as they build their careers. We believe this level of ongoing investment is essential to creating truly empowered teachers who lead with authenticity and impact. All of our graduates get lifetime access to the Community tier. Higher tiers are available that include 1:1 mentorship, business coaching, content creation opportunities with professional photographers, and more perks.

One of the clearest examples of our impact is from the training group that graduated just under two months ago in June—more than 75% of them are already teaching, and several were hired on the spot during their auditions. Studios weren’t just impressed by their ability to cue a strong sequence—they were moved by their presence, their capacity to hold space, and the way they wove complex themes into their classes in a way that felt both grounded and profound. That level of depth doesn’t come from surface-level learning—it comes from mentorship, embodied practice, and a training environment that calls people into their highest potential as leaders.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Cat Wetenkamp, and I’m the founder of Kintsugi Yoga School and the Seek Yoga Collective. I’ve been teaching yoga for the past 8 years, but my relationship with the practice goes much deeper. I came to yoga during a pivotal moment in my life and quickly realized that it wasn’t just a way to move my body—it was a path back to myself. What began with vinyasa soon expanded into a deep study of kriya, tantra, and yogic philosophy. These lineages transformed me from the inside out, and now they shape the way I teach, train, and serve.

Kintsugi Yoga School offers immersive yoga teacher trainings that are rooted in power and vinyasa yoga, but deeply informed by the wisdom of the kriya yoga tradition. Our students don’t just learn how to sequence and cue—they learn how to cultivate presence, channel energy, and transmit yogic teachings in a way that is both powerful and authentic. We place a strong emphasis on embodied leadership: helping our trainees step into the role of teacher not just as someone who leads a class, but as someone who holds space for transformation.

Every program includes 1:1 mentorship and post-graduate access to Seek Yoga Collective (app coming soon)—a community space where our alumni can access continued education, mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and visibility as they grow their work in the world. We are invested in long-term growth, not just certification.

I’m most proud of the teachers we’re helping to shape. My goal isn’t to mass-produce yoga instructors—it’s to empower people to live and lead with integrity, clarity, and heart. Whether someone wants to teach, lead retreats, integrate yoga into other healing practices, or simply live with more intention, our trainings offer the structure and soul to support that path. These days, I’m most proud when I see someone I’ve trained living out their dreams—whether that’s leading international retreats, launching their own teacher training programs, getting hired to teach at iconic venues like Yoga on the Rocks, or creating the kind of life and impact they once only imagined.

At its core, my work is about helping others remember who they are and giving them the tools to share their truth with the world. This isn’t just about yoga—it’s about transformation.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation has been built on consistency, heart-led leadership, and an unwavering belief in people. I don’t give up on students—I hold a vision for their potential, often before they can fully see it themselves. That kind of belief can be life-changing, and it creates a ripple effect. I’ve stayed true to my values, led every training with integrity, and poured genuine care into every interaction. As a result, my clients leave not only with new skills but with a deep sense of confidence and connection—and happy clients naturally lead to more referrals.

A huge percentage of my clients are repeat students who come back time and time again—for advanced trainings, mentorship, retreats, and continued education. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from marketing—it comes from real relationships, trust, and transformation. I think that’s what has helped my work grow organically and sustainably within the yoga and wellness space.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients through a combination of personal connection and consistent community support. Whether it’s checking in 1:1 with trainees during or after a program, offering continued mentorship, or creating spaces where they can keep growing, I stay engaged well beyond the initial offering. Our alumni become part of the Seek Yoga Collective, which gives them access to ongoing education, collaboration opportunities, and a network of like-minded teachers and leaders.

I also stay active on email and social platforms, sharing thoughtful content, upcoming opportunities, and insights that help keep our community inspired and connected. But more than anything, I believe brand loyalty is built through genuine care. I take the time to truly see people, celebrate their wins, and support their evolution. When people feel valued and held, they naturally want to stay close to the work—and I feel honored to grow alongside them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kintsugiyoga.org
• Instagram: @kintsugiritualretreats
• Other: @seekyogacollective

Image Credits

@marlakeownphotography