Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Shea.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Diana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was 16, I took an 8-week yoga class with my mother. She had already taken a few classes and thought that I would like it. I was kind of an intense kid — involved in everything, I was a two-sport varsity athlete, the editor of the school newspaper, Vice-President of student government, and a member of the orchestra. I did well in school and had lots of friends, but I was definitely stretched and experiencing my first taste of stress. I think my mom recognized this and thought that the practice would be a nice way for me to gain some tools for relaxation. And she was right!
I chose to become a yoga teacher 11 years ago while working as a Business Analyst in the Investment Management industry. At the time, I was looking to deepen my practice and gain a better understanding of the subtleties of the practice. After teaching alongside my professional career for many years, I decided to merge my interest in business and yoga by taking on the responsibility of managing The Yoga Centre in 2015.
This year, my yoga journey continues as I have been writing my first book. With the intention of opening up the world of yoga to the general public, this book will be a down to earth guide that will introduce its readers to the practice of yoga and give them the confidence to try it. I am really excited to get it out there and share it with the world sometime in early 2018.
The story of the studio began more than 25 years ago, well before I got there. The Yoga Centre opened its doors at 266 Lake Street in the Fall of 2011. For the previous 20 years, yoga classes of all types had been held within the doors of our sister facility, the Tennis and Fitness Centre (TFC), across the street. Demand for those classes became so great that the need for a dedicated program, with its own space, became clear.
An opportunity for studio space became available, and so the move was on! While retaining some yoga classes at TFC, the additional space at The Yoga Centre allowed us to broaden class offerings and staffing. This expansion included lengthening some classes and adding new yoga styles, including multi-level Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative and Meditation. Classes for special populations (Kids, Baby & Me, Prenatal, Seniors) and workshops were also added, along with two specialty dance fitness classes called Nia and BeMoved®.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the biggest challenges of the studio has been maintaining its dual identity as part of The Tennis and Fitness Centre, as well as a stand-alone studio. Our members enjoy unlimited ongoing weekly classes at both of our facilities, but most of them don’t take advantage of The Yoga Centre. We have found that it can be hard to convince members to simply cross the street to take advantage of all that we have to offer. This has been a surprise to us!
By the same token, there are members of the community that still don’t realize that the studio is open to the public. We offer a lot of value and we aren’t quite maximizing it for the community at large. Thankfully, we have built a really friendly, dedicated and thriving community of students. With their help, we continue to grow organically and serve those who are seeking ways to reduce stress, feel great and find strategies for self-healing and greater well-being.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Yoga Centre is an alignment-based yoga studio open to students of all ability levels. Beginners are always welcome! We specialize in Hatha Yoga for adults, but we also have class offerings for kids, teens, and babies. We are known for our high-quality instruction and friendly student community. We were recently awarded the Disability Access Award from the Village of Oak Park for our excellence in accommodating patrons with disabilities and their families.
What were you like growing up?
I was an outgoing, active kid that also really liked to hunker down at home and do creative projects. I was athletic, musical and crafty. For many years, I played basketball, tennis, and soccer as well as took lessons in violin and piano.
On my own, I really liked crafting and doing creative things. I enjoyed needlepoint, I made barrettes, tie-dyed clothes, I sewed myself a skirt and school bag in 7th grade. I made beaded jewelry and all kinds of friendship bracelets. One year, I remember, I even made 5″ Christmas wreaths for my friends.
Pricing:
- Drop-In Yoga Class = $16
- 10-class yoga package $140
- First Month Unlimited $39
- 12 mo individual membership $65/month
Contact Info:
- Address: 266 Lake St Oak Park IL 60302
- Website: www.TheYogaCentreOakPark.com
- Phone: 708-524-YOGA
- Email: info@TheYogaCentreOakPark.com
- Other: www.dianashea.com
Image Credit:
Sandy Sameshima, Sonya Shea
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