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

Hi Christina, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My father, the child of Mexican immigrants, and my mother, the grandchild of Mexican immigrants, faced numerous struggles growing up—too many to detail here. Together, they built a successful commercial painting company in Southern California, driven by my father’s relentless work ethic and his unwavering commitment to integrity. One valuable lesson he instilled in me was the importance of keeping one’s word. A handshake was not just a gesture; it was a promise, a testament to trust and honor.

Unfortunately, my father passed away when I was in my early 20s, a time when impulsiveness and recklessness defined my choices. It became painfully clear that I needed to create significant change in my life; otherwise, I would face dire consequences. Shortly after his passing, I discovered yoga. While my journey with yoga has ebbed and flowed over the years, it truly became an integral part of my life over the last 12 years, offering me balance and clarity.

Yoga gave me a purpose to devote my life to the service of others, with integrity as the cornerstone of the service my studio offers. This commitment has shaped not only how I lead my business but also how I interact with my community. Every class I teach is infused with the values my father taught me—the importance of being authentic, building trust, and fostering a supportive environment. This alignment with my father’s principles has allowed me to create a space where others can grow, heal, and find their own paths to wellness.

As I run my own business, I carry my father’s principles with me – integrity, respect, and the importance of honoring commitments. His legacy fuels my drive, reminding me that success is built not just on profit but on the relationships and trust cultivated along the way. Embracing these values has not only shaped my professional life but has also guided me through personal challenges, providing a solid foundation on which to build a meaningful life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Buena Park, California, where being active was a natural part of my life. Cheering and dancing became my passion, and I dedicated countless hours to honing my craft in the dance studio. Despite my love for movement, I quickly learned that talent alone wasn’t enough; I had to put in the effort and work hard to achieve my goals.

My life took a dramatic turn when my father passed away while I was in college. Grieving, I found myself lost, unsure of my path and juggling various jobs—mostly in retail—without any real direction. I was pretty nomadic for years, living in San Francisco, Miami, and eventually making my way to Colorado, where my love for the outdoors flourished. Biking, snowboarding, and hiking became my new normal, and it was here that yoga entered my life in a more profound way. I encountered incredible teachers who ignited my passion for the practice, leading me to understand its deeper significance.

In October 2016, I made the big move to Lexington, KY, with my daughter. The transition was tough; Lexington felt so different from the mountains of Colorado and the bustling business scene of Southern California. Initially, I struggled to forge authentic connections in this new environment. However, I continued to teach, even navigating the challenges of a messy divorce. During this period, I met my now-husband, and together, we lead yoga teacher trainings, further enriching our shared journey.

I have always had reservations about opening a studio, however an opportunity presented itself in September 2023 when an existing studio was going out of business. It felt as though the timing was perfectly aligned. I had trained many passionate individuals eager to teach, yet there was no existing studio that aligned with the unique format they offered. This inspired me to take the leap and create a space where these talented instructors could thrive.

Forum Modern Yoga is dedicated to a practical approach to yoga that emphasizes strength and mobility. Our classes are designed to help students fully witness and embody their experiences on the mat without any false promises or fluffy words. We believe in the power of authentic movement, allowing each individual to explore their unique journey within a supportive environment.

What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a space where personal growth can thrive through the practice of yoga, our students confront and embrace their challenges, both on and off the mat. I take immense pride in the community we’ve cultivated and the transformations I’ve witnessed among our students. It is my hope that everyone who steps through our doors finds not only a physical practice but also the courage to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives.

Ultimately, what I want potential students to know about me and Forum Modern Yoga is that we are rooted in authenticity, integrity, and a deep respect for the individual journey. We provide a sanctuary for personal exploration and growth, where each class is an opportunity to foster resilience, connection, and self-awareness.

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

My reputation in the market is largely built on my deep commitment to personal growth and ongoing education. I’ve invested significant time and effort into countless trainings with sought-after teachers to enhance my skills as a facilitator. One of my core strengths is the ability to make individuals feel truly seen and heard, empowering them to deepen their practice.

I excel at helping students identify patterns on their mats and guiding them toward clarity in their movement. By encouraging self-exploration, I help them experience sensations they may not have encountered before and achieve shapes they once thought were beyond their reach. I pride myself on being their biggest cheerleader, supporting them every step of the way as they navigate their unique yoga journeys. This genuine investment in my students’ growth fosters trust and community, which has been instrumental in building my reputation in the industry.

Any advice for managing a team?

My overall approach to managing my team is centered around creating a safe and supportive environment that prioritizes my teachers’ safety and well-being over profit. I view the studio as a passion project, one that thrives on the sense of community we foster. I want my staff to feel that this space is not just a place of work, but a second home where they can grow and thrive.

In our business, we are dedicated to providing service to others, and this selfless act keeps our intentions grounded in authenticity rather than allowing for the commercialization of an ancient practice. It’s more than just yoga; it’s about personal development and growth for both our students and our team members. By maintaining pure intentions and focusing on the collective mission, we cultivate high morale and a strong sense of purpose that resonates throughout the studio. Ultimately, when my team feels valued and supported, it reflects in the quality of service we provide to our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://forummodernyoga.com
• Instagram: forummodernyoga christinamoralesyoga

Image Credits

head shot : Tyriq Duckwyler
group photos : Tom Sawyer Creative