Conversations with Natalie Lorber

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Lorber.

Hi Natalie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with yoga really began in 2005 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). At the time, I was looking for something that could help me both physically and mentally. I was also hoping to improve my overall health and lose weight, but what I found through yoga was so much more than exercise. It became a way to cope, heal, and reconnect with myself.

The impact yoga had on my life inspired me to deepen my practice, and in 2006 I completed my yoga teacher training. I wanted to share with others everything yoga had given me. I began teaching at local businesses, schools, and community spaces, introducing people to the physical benefits of yoga as well as its ability to reduce stress and build resilience.

In 2007, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. That was another defining moment in my life, and once again yoga became my anchor. It helped me navigate the emotional challenges of caring for a loved one and reminded me of the importance of slowing down, breathing, and finding strength even during life’s most difficult seasons.

By 2008, I realized Lake County needed a dedicated space where people could experience everything yoga had to offer. My dad and I built Harmony Yoga in a small, charming storefront in Downtown Willoughby. It was a true family project, and we poured our hearts into creating a welcoming community where everyone felt they belonged.

The response was incredible. Classes both power yoga and our non-heated offerings—filled quickly, and it became clear we had outgrown our original location. As demand continued to grow, we expanded into a larger space. Rather than operating separate hot and non-heated studios in different buildings, we brought everything together under one roof. Today, Harmony features both our Radiant Room for heated classes and our Zen Room for non-heated practices, allowing us to offer a wide variety of experiences while continuing to build the supportive community that started with one small studio and a simple belief in the healing power of yoga.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for any small business. Over the years, we’ve experienced the normal highs and lows that come with owning a business. We’ve seen competition come and go, navigated the challenges of hiring, training, and retaining great staff, and continually adapted as our community and the wellness industry have evolved.

One of our biggest challenges was COVID 19. Like so many small businesses, we had to temporarily close our doors, rethink how we connected with our students, and find creative ways to keep our community together during an incredibly uncertain time.

More recently, inflation has presented another set of challenges. Rising costs—from rent and utilities to payroll and everyday supplies—have made operating a small business more expensive than ever. We’ve had to be thoughtful about balancing those realities while keeping yoga accessible and continuing to provide a high-quality experience for our members.

Through it all, our mission has never changed. Every challenge has made us more resilient, more adaptable, and even more grateful for the incredible community that continues to support Harmony. Looking back, those difficult moments have helped shape us just as much as our successes.

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’m a yoga teacher, studio owner, and lifelong student of the practice. I love teaching classes that challenge people not just physically, but mentally too.

More than anything, I’m proud of the community we’ve built at Harmony. My goal has always been to create a space where everyone feels welcome, supported, and connected. It’s become so much more than a yoga studio—it’s a second home for so many people.

I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely care about every person who walks through the door. I want students to feel seen, encouraged, and leave a little better than when they arrived.

And if you ask my students, they’ll probably tell you one more thing I’m known for… being a pretty good DJ. Music is a huge part of my classes, and I love creating playlists that push the energy when it’s time to work and help everyone melt into relaxation when it’s time to rest.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just like to invite everyone to come experience Harmony for themselves. Our motto has always been **”Come Practice Not Being Perfect.”** Those aren’t just words on the wall—they’re the heart of everything we do.

Yoga isn’t about touching your toes, standing on your head, or looking a certain way. It’s about showing up exactly as you are. Some days you’ll feel strong, some days you’ll feel challenged, and some days just making it to your mat is enough. That’s the practice.

You don’t have to be flexible. You don’t have to be experienced. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to begin.

So if you’ve ever thought, “I’m not good enough for yoga,” I’d encourage you to come prove yourself wrong. We’ll meet you exactly where you are.

Pricing:

• New Student Intro: 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30
• Monthly Unlimited Membership: $125/month with unlimited classes.
• We offer over 40 classes each week, including heated and non-heated yoga, Pilates, meditation, restorative practices, and specialty workshops.
• 10 Class Pass – $155
• 20 Class Pass – $285

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harmonyyogastudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyyogacle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyyogacle/