Community Spotlight: Breathe & Learn
Breathe and Learn is a local kids yoga and mindfulness company based in the South Bay.
They specialize in developing mindful children who are kinder to themselves and others through yoga philosophy. They offer many programs for different age levels including babies up to teens with various topics. Their upcoming programming for Fall 2021 currently includes Mindful Minis (3.5-5 year old class), B&L Signature Series (K-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade and Mixed Level) and Breathe & Stretch (4th-8th Grade).
This week we are shining a spotlight on Breathe & Learn.
This is a sponsored post
Community Spotlight: Breathe & Learn
Tell us about Breathe & Learn:
Breathe & Learn is a kids yoga and mindfulness company offering a variety of indoor and outdoor classes throughout the South Bay area for kids ages 3.5 – 13. Our curriculum-based approach not only focuses on yoga poses and physical movement, but also building age appropriate skills surrounding the topics of emotional awareness, stress management, sense of self, physical development, positive relationships and creativity. The custom B&L journals are what truly set us apart and guide meaningful discussions for each age level. Our programming for Fall 2021 currently includes Mindful Minis (3.5-5 year old class), B&L Signature Series (K-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade and Mixed Level) and Breathe & Stretch (4th-8th Grade). On the weekends and throughout the summer months, we host special events and beach camps.
Tell us a little about you:
I moved from New York City to Manhattan Beach eight years ago in search of more sunshine and warmer weather. After earning my Masters in Childhood and Special Education at NYU and teaching in Brooklyn for three years, I jumped at the opportunity to become a founding teacher at Citizen’s of the World Charter School Mar Vista in LA. I taught there for three years, until 2016, when I decided to leave the classroom to start Breathe & Learn. During this time of transition, I met my husband at Shellback in Manhattan Beach:). We recently married in Big Sur, CA and are expecting our first child at the end of August. He’s been a huge part of my journey as an entrepreneur and we’re over the moon about growing our family and businesses in the South Bay.
What inspired you to launch this business?
In the spring of my sixth year teaching, I registered for a 200 hour yoga teacher training – something I had wanted to do for years. I needed it more than ever at this point in my life and although it’s a cliche to say, it changed everything. I started teaching yoga and breathing exercises to my students because I needed to practice and figured it would help them too. They LOVED it and it became a daily routine in my classroom. We wrote in special journals every morning and afternoon, during a time I called “Mindful Minutes”. I noticed a shift in my classroom and how just a few minutes of breathing and movement worked wonders in improving their focus and attitude towards learning. I knew this was the start of something really special, so I took a huge leap of faith and made the hard decision to step away from the classroom. I began creating an academic and yoga summer camp to experiment with different ways to introduce these concepts to kids and families. In the fall, I designed a series of after-school yoga classes and a student’s family offered to host it in their home. Word of mouth helped grow my class size and eventually, I was able to rent studio space. I slowly began to build my community in the South Bay and met so many amazing people along the way who supported and inspired me to continue pursuing my dream. I now have a team of five talented and dedicated teachers who are just as passionate about sharing yoga and mindfulness with children. They will be teaching throughout the South Bay this fall.
What is one of your proudest moments?
I never really considered owning my own business, nor did I have a clue where to start. I think one of my proudest moments is leaving my stable teaching career and just going for it. I followed my gut and just trusted that hard work and determination would open up doors and possibilities. It’s been quite the journey and I am grateful for all of the highs and lows I experienced along the way. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What can one expect when attending a Breathe & Learn class?
Our main goal at Breathe & Learn, whether it’s summer camp, after-school classes or special events is to create a fun, positive and safe space for kids to connect and learn more about themselves and others. Our communication with families is also a top priority. We always want families to be “in-the-know” and equipped with ways to continue supporting their child at home. We host our classes at local yoga studios and parks. Our schedule is ever-changing and we’re always open to hosting in new locations that are convenient for families.
What do you enjoy doing in the South Bay when you are not working?
I was born and raised on the east coast (Pittsburgh, PA), so enjoying the outdoors and beautiful weather is by far my favorite part about living in the South Bay. I love running and walking on the strand and green belt trail. I also attend a lot of different yoga and fitness classes depending on what my body is craving. Soho Yoga, Yoga MB and Coreology are my go to spots for group fitness classes. For personal training sessions, I love high-intensity and boxing workouts with Tommy Cassano and pilates with Roxan Kruse. My husband and I tend to eat out quite a bit since we live within walking distance to so many amazing restaurants in Manhattan Beach. Our favorites are Fishing with Dynamite, Love and Salt, Petros and Sugarfish.
How do you give back to the community?
Over the past few years, we’ve worked with Walk With Sally and Richstone Family Center to provide programming for their special events and after-school programs. We’re always open to giving back and learning about volunteer opportunities to share the practice of yoga and mindfulness with others.
Anything else you would like to share?
Our fall classes begin the week of September 13. You can view the schedule and register online at www.breatheandlearn.com. New students can register for 10% off as well as siblings pairs. Use code new10 or sibling10 at checkout.
