Meet Karen

Karen (Kai) Smalls, RYT500

I first came to the mat in 2006 in Los Angeles at my mother’s advice to help me with jet lag. I was a Flight Attendant & my internal clock was out of sync. After my first class I fell in love! My practice was on & off until 2016 my mother suddenly got ill & she passed away 2019. I was at my lowest. I turned to my Yoga practice deeper to support the grieving process. My journey to healing has been humbling & gratifying. Yoga is beyond the physical practice, it is an internal work applying the principles to live by. I took the 200 Hour Teacher training in 2018 & advanced 300 Hour in 2019 at BE Yoga Charlotte. I taught my first class under Synergy Yoga Wellness owned by Sara Cain-da Costa and now I'm currently with Elite Gym Fitness and Rising StrongHER. Although I teach, I am very much of a student. Teaching allows me the opportunity to learn & grow! I want to share a movement meditation that balances effort & ease by allowing the pose to take shape in the body thru mindful breathing, creating space to connect to the present. I hope that my practice brings awareness to higher “Self”, letting go of self- doubt & expectations. 

Off the mat, I enjoy being a wife, a “yaya” to a 6 yr old grandaughter & a dog momma! I look forward to seeing you on the mat.