Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimi Fankhauser.
Hi Kimi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a dancer growing up, always loved movement and expression. I got into Yoga in college as an elective in Arts at Ohio University, then accidentally got into Pilates Profession through my 1st mother-in-law, who’s since passed on. We enjoyed Pilates together for years during her divorce, and she encouraged me to get certified and licensed. She also helped me through the licensure and apprenticeship with my mentor at the time. I helped manage a local studio, and then my mother-in-law bought a building she attended to make a spa called TONIC around 2011…when her marriage fell apart, she was diagnosed with cancer and asked me to make the building useful, so I developed a STUDIO that offered pilates, Barre, & Yoga. I traveled to NYC to get my Barre certification, ACE; after catering my CPT and years of teaching pilates and practicing yoga, I was encouraged by my friend in Chicago to get certified in Power Yoga Chicago. I feel madly in love with yoga and never looked back. I owned and ran TONIC for years, and then after my own divorce, I changed directions, starting a teacher training program at another local studio and earning my ERYT…later I went on to start my own business, now called California Yoga…my ideas was offering the caliber of yoga at the time in California to the Toledo and surrounding areas. I nicknamed every class and style after my favorite cities in California.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No-not in the least.
Struggles have been navigating small businesses in a constantly changing inflation climate where people value possessions over the investment of their wellness and physical and mental health.
In authentic & lackluster, In-experienced imposters are trying to steal my creations and ideas…
Everyday ins and outs and complications of small business dynamics, dealing with high rent real estate and ruthless landlords, recovering the business post-COVID and the uncertainty that ensued financially and emotionally during the pandemic & more.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a yoga teacher and healer, and wellness advocate. I love what I do, and I love people and the community we have created where everyone is nurtured, treated with respect and kindness.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Authenticity
Contact Info:
- Website: californiayogastudio.com
- Instagram: caliyogastudio
- Facebook: California Yoga by Kimi Rae
Image Credits
Tetyana Photography
