Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyra Marino.
Kyra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began practicing Yoga in 2010 after stumbling upon it at a nearby gym I belonged to. I was a stressed mother of a toddler, and I hadn’t been doing anything to take care of my mind, body or spirit. I was not feeling good about myself at all. I took my first class with Cindy Boulter, and was I ever scared to take the class! I remember feeling out of my element, very self-conscious, and sure I was going to totally embarrass myself. I spoke with Cindy before class, and she just said to do what I could and to listen to my body. If I needed rest, rest. What a concept! My Type-A self-wondered how this would go… well, I was happily shocked when I realized I had managed to go the entire length of class without worrying or thinking about anything other than how I was feeling, moving and breathing. For me, that was quite literally unheard of. I have always had pervasive issues with anxiety – feeling nervous and worried was my baseline, all the time. My first experience with Yoga was profound, and I was glad I had pushed through the doubts and insecurity to be able to give it a try. I quickly became a full-time yogi, attending as many classes as I could get myself to. Yoga truly changed my life.
Flash forward. I took my first class at Revolution Community Yoga in July of 2012. This studio quickly became my 2nd home. Through some serendipitous twists and turns, I connected with RCY’s founder, Paula Blanchard, and had the great honor of taking ownership of RCY on Dec. 1, 2013. I felt like the universe had finally bonked me on the head and said “this is what you should do”. Every day, it’s an honor to know that students come and share their practice with the RCY community. It really is my hope that every student finds peace and refuge at RCY.
I love being a student of Yoga. I practice when I can, and I really enjoy being on my mat next to all of RCY’s students! We really do have such a welcoming and accepting community made up of all different kinds of people. RCY is truly my happy place.
Has it been a smooth road?
I had never dreamed I would ever run my own business, so I’ve been learning since day 1… And the learning continues, every day. My biggest struggle is practicing what I “preach” – finding balance in life. Other than that, I’ve learned to stay humble and authentic, and to be endlessly grateful for the many amazing teachers, volunteers, and students that call RCY “home”.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the owner of Revolution Community Yoga – we have two locations. The original studios are located in West Acton in a great community hub called Villageworks where there are lots of other great businesses. I also just opened a 2nd location in Westford inside of The Mill Works Athletic Complex. Both studios are dedicated to Yoga. My mission has been to create a diverse and prolific schedule so there are many options for all different sorts of people and lifestyles. I have studio managers at both locations, Jenny Meshna in Acton, and Kim Blanc in Westford. I would literally not be able to keep things running without them! I also have an incredible staff, including Jen Olsen and Noel Weatherbee, who help with keeping the studios immaculate, well-stocked, and welcoming. RCY has an amazing family of volunteers led by Volunteer Coordinator Deb Ward. The program is near and dear to my heart – just a great way for all of us to benefit from one another’s help. I don’t teach classes, although I did get my teaching certification. I am happiest doing my thing in the background, organizing, marketing, scheduling, etc… And of course taking classes with the incredibly talented teaching staff at RCY!
I am so proud that RCY is truly welcoming and accepting of every type of person and practitioner. I know a lot of people find heading to a Yoga studio for the first time very intimidating… it’s always been my goal give people a safe and accepting space to come into and get started on their practice.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
My studios are in the suburbs outside of Boston, but I know there are a good selection studios in and around Boston. I really feel like Yoga is such a healthy and beneficial practice, I feel like it should be everywhere! Truly, whatever or wherever gets people on their mats is what I would recommend.
Contact Info:
- Address: 537 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA 01720
22 Town Farm Road, Westford, MA 01886 - Website: www.Revolution.Yoga
- Phone: 978-274-5596 • 978-727-8356
- Email: info@yogaacton.com • info@yogawestfordma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revolutioncommunityyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevolutionCommunityYoga
Image Credit:
Photos by Leslii Stevens or Kyra Marino
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