Finding a new direction
Stress was part of everyday life when Katie worked as a journalist and magazine editor. Yoga became her escape, then her passion, and finally a new path.  "The moment I discovered yoga, I was hooked," she says.  She completed teacher training while working full time. Within a year she started teaching. Today she has taught thousands of students across the Northern Beaches and built a strong, community focused yoga business.

Growing through every season of life
As Katie’s life changed, her business changed with it.  "When I was pregnant, I taught prenatal yoga. When my kids were little, I focused on new mums. Now I teach people of all ages," she says.  Her classes focus on helping people pause, breathe and reconnect. Her sunrise and sunset sessions at Long Reef are local favourites. Her full moon and new moon events at Narrabeen draw people from across Sydney. Students often leave feeling lighter and brighter than when they arrived.

Staying true during industry change
Yoga grew rapidly 10 to 15 years ago and competition increased.  "It suddenly became a very competitive space," Katie says.  Instead of chasing every trend she stayed grounded in her purpose. She adapted when needed, including shifting online during Covid. She created a full library of pre recorded classes that is now a valuable part of her business. Her approach is clear. Stay open, keep learning and stay true to what matters.

Balancing business, creativity and family
Katie is a yoga teacher, author, therapist and mum of three.  "Yoga taught me to be kinder to myself," she says.  Her writing and therapy work allow her to share tools that help people build calm into daily life. For balance she keeps her priorities simple.  "I put family, friends, nature, health and sleep first. I work flexibly to accommodate my life (which can be answering emails or doing Zoom calls in my car!)".

Creating experiences people return for
Katie designs her classes by imagining what she would want as a busy working parent.  The result is a mix of classes, retreats and trainings that people genuinely look forward to. Some travel up to two hours for her moon events. She also writes books, including Peaceful Paws, which helps people and their dogs relax together.

Her favourite feedback is simple. When someone says "Class felt like a massage for the mind and body."

Community at the centre
Katie has grown her business through strong relationships.  "Word of mouth is still the strongest," she says. "When students feel cared for they share their experience."  She attends local events, meets people in person and believes community connection will always be at the heart of her work.

Inspired by place
Katie feels grateful to live and teach on the Northern Beaches.  "Teaching yoga by the ocean is a privilege," she says.  When she is not teaching she is snorkelling with friends, enjoying breakfast after sunrise class or walking her dog Minty.

Katie’s advice for small business owners
•    Be passionate about what you offer.
•    Be consistent.
•    Be authentic.