March 2026
Xochiyapa Yoga is a heart-centered space rooted in tradition, healing, and community care. Our studio offers intentional, accessible yoga practices that honor both movement and stillness. The name Xochiyapa reflects our commitment to growth, beauty, and cultural reverence.
For those who may be new to Xochiyapa Yoga, how would you describe your practice and the intention behind your space?
Our practice is grounded, intentional, and welcoming. We blend mindful movement, breathwork, and moments of reflection to create a holistic experience. The intention behind Xochiyapa Yoga is to offer a space where people feel safe to reconnect with themselves — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — without pressure or performance.
What inspired the name Xochiyapa?
The name Xochiyapa is inspired by Nahuatl roots — “Xochitl,” meaning flower, symbolizing beauty and blossoming, and “yapa,” meaning offering or addition.
The name represents our intention: to create a space where growth unfolds naturally and where practice becomes an offering to oneself and the community.
What led you to open Xochiyapa Yoga and how did it come to be at the NACC?
Xochiyapa Yoga grew from a desire to create a space where culture, spirituality, and movement could coexist authentically. After years of teaching in various settings, I felt called to build something more rooted — something community-centered.
Finding a home at the NACC felt aligned immediately. The center’s commitment to creativity and cultural expression mirrors the values we hold in yoga: presence, connection, and intentional living.
How does your work honor both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, especially for students who may be new to the practice?
We approach yoga as more than poses. While we focus on alignment and strength, we also emphasize breath, awareness, and intention. For new students, we break things down in approachable ways — explaining the “why” behind the movements and integrating simple mindfulness practices. It’s about cultivating awareness, gratitude, and inner listening.
What makes Xochiyapa Yoga unique compared to other studios or wellness spaces in the region?
Accessibility and community are at the core of everything we do. We operate on a pay-what-you-can model with no contracts, because we believe yoga should be available to everyone.
We’re also proudly dog-friendly. Xochi and Yapa attend nearly every class, offering plenty of kisses and snuggles, and some students even bring their own pups to join in. The energy is joyful, relaxed, and welcoming — never overly serious or intimidating.
We offer adult classes for all levels as well as dedicated kids classes, creating a space where entire families can feel at home. More than a studio, Xochiyapa Yoga is a community-centered gathering place where people connect, grow, and support one another.
Can you share a moment or story that reminded you why this work matters?
I had a student who came to class on a whim with a friend. She had never taken yoga before. After her first class, she told me, “I’m not sure if I’ll come back. This might be too serious for me — and I don’t have a yoga body.”
But she did come back. Again and again.
Over time, she realized we aren’t as serious as she first thought — and that yoga truly is for every body. She began to feel comfortable, confident, and connected. Now she’s one of our regulars and is studying to become a yoga instructor herself.
Watching her find her niche and sense of belonging reminded me why this space matters. Sometimes all someone needs is a place where they feel safe enough to stay.
How does being part of the NACC community influence your teaching and offerings?
Being surrounded by artists and culture-bearers inspires creativity in how I design classes and workshops. There’s an openness within the NACC community that encourages collaboration and cross-disciplinary offerings. It reinforces that yoga, like art, is a living practice.
In what ways do you aim to create an inclusive, welcoming environment?
We intentionally use accessible language, offer modifications in every class, and cultivate a non-competitive atmosphere. All bodies, backgrounds, and experience levels are welcome. We honor cultural roots while ensuring that everyone feels safe and seen.
Representation, transparency, and warmth are core to how we hold space.
What classes, workshops, or offerings are you most excited about right now?
We’re especially excited about our growing lineup of collaborative and community-centered offerings. These include:
- Monthly sound baths
- Yoga + Reiki sessions
- Yoga + massage experiences
- Kids classes every Saturday
- Holiday-themed kids parties and movie nights
- Puppy yoga adoption events in partnership with local rescues
- Our Women’s Day Small Business Market in May
This year, we’re deeply focused on collaborating with other local businesses and organizations. We believe wellness thrives when the whole community works together.
Outside of the studio, how do you personally stay grounded and inspired?
Time with my dogs keeps me grounded. Their presence is simple, honest, and joyful — a daily reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the moment.
What do you hope students take with them after leaving a Xochiyapa Yoga class?
I hope they leave feeling more connected — to their breath, their body, and their inner wisdom. Off the mat, I hope they carry a sense of steadiness and self-compassion into their relationships, work, and daily decisions.
If someone walks out feeling even a little more at home within themselves, then the practice has done its work.
How can the community get involved or sign up?
Community members can follow us on social media for our class schedule, or stop by the NACC to learn more. We welcome first-time students, collaborations, and conversations. Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your practice, there’s space for you at Xochiyapa Yoga.
