New City Small Business Spotlight: SHINE Yoga Kids

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: SHINE Yoga Kids

Owner: Amy Hough

www.shineyogakids.com

118 Maple Avenue, New City NY 10956

How did you come up with the name?

I just love the word SHINE….it is so positive and sends such a powerful message to all of us. We all have light within us…sometimes we just need to look a little bit deeper to find it. That is what we try to do in all of our classes…get each child in touch with their own inner light and also to see the light in others. I definitely wanted to include the word “kids” in the name to make it clear that this studio is not an adult yoga studio. It is all about the kids!

Why start a business in this town?

I grew up in New City but left for several years. After I had a family of my own, my husband and I decided to return to raise our daughters here. New City means so much to me and I feel there is no better place for me to offer the important benefits of yoga to the children and teens throughout Rockland County.

What business are you in?

SHINE Yoga Kids offers children and teens the opportunity to practice yoga in a fun, non-competitive environment. We incorporate poses, breathing techniques, games and relaxation into every class. Many classes will have a theme such gratitude, kindness, peace, self-love, friendship, etc. which is discussed and practiced throughout the class.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Running a business on your own is definitely a lot of work…a lot of time and effort is spent “behind the scenes.” Providing a positive experience for my clients is incredibly important to me. I am married with two young daughters, so I often feel that perhaps I am working on my business too much after hours…but I am truly loving every minute of it. Fortunately, my family enjoys yoga also and definitely sees the value of it!

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

I love hearing how something that was taught in class (i.e. breathing technique), has helped a child prepare to take a test by calming their nerves. I often hear that yoga has improved a child’s sleep at night or has increased someone’s self-confidence. Knowing that children are learning such important life skills at SHINE Yoga Kids makes me proud. Our kids have a lot on their plates these days, so knowing that I am helping them navigate through their childhood and teenage years means the world to me. I wish there were children’s yoga classes for me when I was growing up!

How does your business give back to the community?

I am always happy to donate free classes to our local schools to help with their fundraising events! We have also participated in a coat drives, food drives and pajama drives all within the last year and will continue to do so!

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.