Today we’d like to introduce you to Sommer Khachadourian.
Hi Sommer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first started practicing yoga as a teenager when I discovered a show on PBS that I could follow along with. I had injured my knees several times playing high-impact sports, and was excited to find a form of exercise that felt restorative for my body and soothing for my mind. From then on, I practiced yoga as a way to support both my physical and mental health. It allowed me to move my entire body without putting unnecessary pressure on my knees and supported me in so many other activities that I enjoyed, such as hiking and dancing. The discipline and stillness emphasized in yoga also helped me to deal with stress and anxiety.
After years in careers I didn’t feel passionate about, I finally made the choice to pursue yoga as a career. Although being an entrepreneur can be challenging, choosing work that I enjoy and think about even in my free time has greatly enriched my life. The ancient wisdom of yoga has been such a support for wellness in my life, and so many of us can benefit from having access to this wisdom earlier in life. More recently, enlightening research has been conducted on brain/body development and mindfulness that can also be so impactful for young people. My goal is to share both this ancient wisdom and this cutting-edge research with children and families in fun, playful ways that support them in the now and inspire them in the future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the struggles have been worth it and have helped me and the business to grow. Within months of completing my certifications in adult and kids yoga, the pandemic hit and schools and yoga studios closed. Some of my favorite studios never reopened. As a new yoga teacher, I had to be creative about how and where I taught, for example teaching classes outdoors or holding private lessons in my home. While this was challenging, it also gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of teaching styles, locations and students. After years of teaching students of all ages, I realized that my greatest joy and satisfaction came from teaching yoga to kids and I chose to focus my attention on what I found most fulfilling.
Choosing to work with kids has many challenges, but a lot of these challenges are also what make it fun! Kids, especially the littlest ones, can be very unpredictable. In one class, a kiddo may have so much energy that they can’t stay on their mat. Then the next class, they may have struggled to nap that day and are very tired. Another time, they may be grumpy and sick. In kids yoga, all of these feelings are OK! Part of yoga and mindfulness is being aware of how we are feeling and adjusting our activity to provide what our bodies and minds need at this particular time. So as a teacher, I can’t stick too rigidly to class plans. If the kids aren’t feeling it, I have to adjust and be spontaneous. Working with kids is a regular reminder to go with the flow and be mindful of what feels right in the moment.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business, Yoga Shapes, specializes in yoga and mindfulness education for kids and families, particularly preschool and elementary school kids aged from 2-7 years old. We are available to provide kids and family yoga at preschools, elementary schools, private studios and community spaces in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs.
Many people I talk to tell me that they had no idea that kids yoga even existed! It is a new-ish and growing field. But more and more people, especially educators, are recognizing the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for kids. Yoga can help kids physically – building strength, balance, and spatial awareness, and providing a form of movement that is noncompetitive, nonjudgmental, and grounding. By teaching conscious breathing, yoga also helps kids find ways to manage their energy, emotions and stress levels.
Mindfulness also has a ton of benefits for kids. Even at young ages, kids can have very busy minds and can get stuck on things that happened in the past or that they are anticipating in the future. Or sometimes, they are trying to focus on a million things all at once! Practicing mindfulness by reducing stimuli and focusing on what is happening in the present moment can help kids (and the rest of us) create calmer minds and nervous systems.
People often wonder, “what do you do in a kids yoga class? How do you get little kids to do yoga?” Unlike your typical adult yoga class, our kids yoga classes are story-based and play-based. We go on a “yoga adventure” together, using poses, movement, and our imaginations to act out a story. We include music, games and colorful props to engage kids’ senses and support different learning styles. We laugh and have a lot of fun. But at the beginning, end, and weaved throughout, we practice mindfulness and deep breathing, creating moments of calm and focus.
Every class ends with relaxation, and the kids love this! Adults often assume that little kids are always full of energy, and sometimes they seem to be. But they really do enjoy and benefit from taking time to be quiet and relaxed. In class, we practice creating a safe, comfortable space for ourselves and cultivating time for stillness and quiet. The kiddos are adorable when they are enjoying their calm, individual time, and the goal is for them to practice this off the mat as well. One of my greatest rewards as a kids yoga teacher is when parents tell me how their little ones have begun practicing deep breathing and other ways of calming themselves at home.
Coming up, I am excited about adding additional classes in my local area, as well as some collaborations that combine the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with those of gardening and spending time in nature. A bit further down the line, I am also looking forward to developing a yoga teacher training program so that more of us can be out sharing kids yoga and mindfulness in our communities. Finally, I have begun working on a book for families with young children that I hope will assist them in practicing yoga, mindfulness and relaxation at home.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I feel lucky to do this as a career! I am very grateful to get to do work that I enjoy and care deeply about. And I do feel that there is always an aspect of luck in life – especially in Vegas! But for my business, I don’t see luck as having played a large role. Moreso, my business has grown and developed over time by planting “seeds” – trying new things, saying “yes” to new opportunities, and getting OK with taking risks and making mistakes. Then, tending those seeds by always trying to learn more, build relationships, and participate in my local community. The kindness of others has played a much larger role in my life and business than luck. I have met so many people in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs who support and encourage entrepreneurs and creatives. They are genuinely excited and interested when someone is trying something new! I am lucky to be part of a community that is such an incredible source of support and inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yogashapeswellness.com
- Instagram: yogashapeswellness
- Other: sommer@yogashapeswellness.com
Image Credits
Tessa Cruz Portraits
