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

Monica &, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The magic happens when we allow our fears to drop and go in the direction to fulfill the soul. One of the most significant risks we took was the decision to launch our psychedelic yoga training program. At the time, the intersection of psychedelics and yoga was a relatively unexplored and controversial territory. We had been operating a successful yoga studio, but we felt a deep calling to expand our offerings in a way that could profoundly impact our community.

The idea of combining yoga with psychedelic experiences stemmed from our personal journeys and the transformative power we had witnessed in others. However, this path was fraught with uncertainties. We knew that stepping into this space would not only require substantial financial investment but also the courage to challenge societal norms and navigate stigma around non-ordinary states of consciousness.

The backstory begins with our personal experiences and extensive research. We spent months immersing ourselves in studies, connecting with experts in the fields of psychedelics and mental health, and attending numerous workshops and conferences. The more we learned, the more convinced we became of the potential benefits of psychedelic yoga, without the use of mind altering substances. Yet, the stigma surrounding psychedelics presented significant obstacles.

Despite these challenges, we decided to move forward. We began by hosting small, invitation-only sessions to gauge interest and effectiveness. The positive feedback and transformative experiences shared by participants were overwhelming. Encouraged by these results, we embarked on developing a structured, 200-hour hybrid psychedelic yoga training program.

The initial launch was nerve-wracking. We had to ensure that every aspect of our program was meticulously planned. Our risk paid off. The training program was a success, attracting participants from diverse backgrounds who were eager to explore this new frontier. The feedback was immensely positive, with many sharing stories of profound personal growth and healing. The success of our program also led to the establishment of our Foundation, which focuses on making consciousness education and legal psychedelic medicine accessible to LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities.

This risk not only expanded our business but also solidified our commitment to innovation and inclusivity in wellness. It taught us the importance of trusting our vision, even when it meant stepping into uncharted territory. Today, we are proud to be pioneers in the field, offering unique experiences that empower individuals and foster a more inclusive, conscious community.

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

For folks who may not have read about us before, we are passionate about guiding others on their journey to wellness and consciousness. Our path to the yoga and wellness industry evolved organically, beginning with humble roles working at a local yoga studio. This experience allowed us to deeply understand the community’s needs and the transformative power of yoga. From there, we transitioned to management positions, which honed our leadership skills and provided us with the insights necessary for running a successful wellness enterprise.

Eventually, this journey led us to studio ownership, where we were able to implement our unique vision fully. Recognizing a growing interest in the intersection of yoga and psychedelics, we expanded our offerings to include psychedelic yoga sessions. These sessions are designed to deepen the meditative experience and foster profound personal insights.

Our services have since grown to encompass a diverse array of experiences, including a comprehensive 200-hour hybrid psychedelic yoga training program, immersive psychedelic retreats with plant medicine, and a dedicated Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to create access to consciousness education and legal psychedelic medicine, particularly for LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, ensuring that these powerful tools for healing and growth are available to all who seek them.

What sets us apart in this rapidly evolving field is our holistic and inclusive approach. We are not just about yoga or psychedelics in isolation but about the symbiotic relationship between them and their combined potential to foster personal transformation and community well-being. Our pride lies in the community we’ve built, the lives we’ve touched, and the progressive steps we’ve taken to make consciousness education accessible to marginalized groups.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that our brand is dedicated to authenticity, inclusivity, and transformative experiences. Whether you are attending one of our psychedelic yoga sessions, embarking on a retreat, or participating in our training programs, you will be embraced by a community that values personal growth, healing, and the expansion of consciousness. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we continue to explore and expand the frontiers of wellness and self-discovery.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

We built our first yoga studio with personal capital, driven by our passion for creating a welcoming space for our community. Following the advice of legal counsel, we entered into what we believed was a solid contract for the construction and leasing of our studio. However, as the months went by, it became clear that the contractor had not fulfilled their obligations. The construction work was subpar, and we found ourselves facing numerous issues that impeded our ability to provide the quality environment we envisioned.

After 18 months of operating in this challenging environment, we entered into a legal battle with the landlord and contractor. The landlord, in particular, was extremely difficult to work with, frequently attempting to charge us for non-lease items and inflating our monthly financial obligations. As we navigated this stressful period, we discovered numerous other tenants had experienced similar issues with this landlord.

Despite the mounting pressure, we decided to persevere. We meticulously gathered evidence of the shoddy construction work and the landlord’s unfair practices. Our determination paid off when we won the legal case, validating our claims and relieving us of some of the financial burdens.

Around this time, we learned about another yoga studio in the area that was closing down. Recognizing an opportunity, we jumped at the chance to relocate. This decision was not without its risks—we didn’t know if we could secure the new location or if the move would be feasible given our strained resources. However, we were committed to providing a better environment for our clients and ourselves.

With perseverance and careful planning, we successfully navigated the transition. We managed to extricate our business from the troublesome landlord and move into the new studio. This move marked a significant turning point for us. It allowed us to rebuild and rebrand, offering an improved space that aligned with our vision of a serene and supportive yoga community.

Looking back, this experience taught us invaluable lessons about resilience, the importance of due diligence, and the power of community support. Despite the initial setbacks, our ability to adapt and overcome challenges set the foundation for the successful and innovative business we have today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www-mk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohm_and_k
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohm_and_k
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ohm_and_K
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ohmk_creative

Image Credits

Brian Wimer