Special Advertising Feature
Yoga Instructor & Studio Founder
Meet Julia Collins, founder of Soul Society Yoga. In our conversation, she shares insights about her passion for yoga, mission and goals for her studio, and how both seasoned yoga practitioners and beginners can find a home at Soul Society.
Julia, please tell us about yourself and what led you to found Soul Society Yoga.
Throughout my 20-year career as a yoga instructor, I have witnessed that consistent yoga practice can make you stronger, leaner, and more energized because it benefits every system of the body. It can improve your mood and even help get you through the toughest of times. It can decrease stress and increase joy. At Soul Society, our mission is to put self-compassion and self-care at the forefront of our clients’ practice through teaching the traditional and historical paths of yoga. Our goal is to create a community that values kindness, and that kindness starts with being kind to ourselves. My hope from the beginning has been to provide a space that nurtures self-care and develop a community of more patient, understanding, and tolerant people. In turn, we can make the world—or at least our corner of it—a better, safer, more loving place.
What separates you from other yoga studios/centers?
The space is bright, clean, calming, new, and on-trend with high ceilings and abundant natural light. We have men’s and women’s showers and dressing rooms. Additionally, we provide amenities such as complimentary bath towels and well-stocked toiletries for showering after class. Our state-of-the-art yoga room cycles in fresh air to keep the room smelling fresh and maintain proper ventilation. The heat source for our hot classes is energy-efficient, radiant heat panels. Our sustainably-sourced cork floor is ideal for yoga practice—not as hard as hardwood or cement, yet not too soft to put unnecessary pressure on joints.
We provide complimentary props, including blocks, bolsters, straps, bands, and blankets. All props are maintained, cleaned, and organized. And our retail shop includes lululemon clothing and equipment, top-rated B Yoga mats, professional-grade Manduka mats and blocks, and other equipment and accessories.
What excites you about your profession?
One of my greatest joys has been watching new clients start their yoga journey, then start coming consistently, then make friends with their fellow yogis and get together outside the studio. We have all ages, men and women, different backgrounds, and seeing them make connections here has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s like I’m watching my mission unfold before my eyes.
If I’m completely new to yoga, how do you suggest I begin and develop a fitness/yoga routine?
We have a Beginner pathway, which is how most newcomers get started. It includes three weeks of unlimited yoga classes and one private lesson with me. During that private lesson, you learn the main foundational postures, two breathing techniques, how to use props, and modifications for your body. You can then attend almost any yoga class and feel comfortable.
If I’ve been practicing yoga for many years, what experiences at Soul Society would be appropriate for me?
Those looking for an athletic challenge will enjoy our Vinyasa, Barkan Method Vinyasa, and Yoga Sculpt classes. Our most popular class regardless of ability level is VinYin. Vinyasa classes are heated, and each movement connects to the next through the breath. Yin is a series of long-held floor poses targeting deep connective tissues.
Julia Collins Soul Society Yoga 2119 DiDonato Drive, Chester 410-708-4542 | soulsocietystudio.com
