We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Fankhauser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
This is my 2nd yoga business. My first was inspired by my first mother in law who I practiced Pilates & Yoga with weekly who encouraged me to get certified and open a business in a beautiful building she bought at an auction intending to be a spa, she fell very ill (cancer) during her divorce and asked that I bring life into the empty space so I did. We parted ways during my divorce and I worked at another studio where I earned my ERYT and opened my first yoga training school where I successfully certified 17 yogis in my very first led 200 hour training then I felt empowered as I noticed my classes were the draw…my attendance was high and I was working a lot, making very little so I thought, what the hell, I need to take a risk and bet on myself…I thought “I can do anything for 1 year” so I saved enough rent money to pay for 1 year at a space I rehabbed in our town and the rest is history. Every class, every year kept growing and building, as did our yoga family and team of amazing like minded instructors now friends.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
None of it was easy. It’s still not easy! Nothing worth while ever is! I love our yoga community and our eclectic team of instructors/yoga family.

People say we are the best because we are authentic, we don’t copy and paste…we CREATE.

When people attend our studio and classes they say it’s incomparable because of the energy and nurturing atmosphere we provide and our classes are top notch and weaved with spirituality you can feel on an emotional level. You leave better than you came and that’s our mission.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well honestly my hometown is where my roots are but my branches love to travel! Hence why I lead so many yoga retreats! In 2023-2024 I led & co-led more than I can count!

TULUM, Costa Rica, Ocala, Jamaica you name it, we did it!

My fave places in Toledo/Sylvania Ohio area are as follows:

Handels Ice Cream (birthday cake)
Mancys Steakhouse
Domo Sushi
Local Roots & Erin Ann’s
Foot Spa’s
Culvers for a burger
Bensells Greenhouse
Homegoods
Roar Fish
Icaria

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My boys and my husband are my inspiration. They are my rocks, my pillars, my beacons, my cheerleaders. My oldest son, Oscar, wrote in my birthday card this year that “I was his greatest role model” and that in itself lights an internal flame for me in my heart and soul to show my boys anything is possible, there are no limits when it comes to passion and purpose and if you can hold it in your heart you can hold it in your hand (Bob Proctor)

My husband, the love of my life, Eric, has been instrumental in my growth as a woman, business owner and entrepreneur. He blindly supports me and accompanies me on my retreats all over the world and that alone is enough fuel for my spiritual vessel. His heart is gold and he is my good luck charm and dristi.

Website: https://Californiayogastudio.com

Instagram: @caliyogastudio @kimiraefank

Image Credits
Viridian Ivy
Magic Photography Kauai

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