Meet Amber Thomas of Hot Mess Yoga in Hyde Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Thomas.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an awkward black girl who is 5’3′,’ and 160 lbs. I have meaningless tattoos, I met my boyfriend on Tinder and most days you can find me at Leona’s right in time for happy hour. About a year ago, I was regularly practicing yoga at Core Power Yoga in Hyde Park, but I decided it was time to turn up the studio a bit and share my boozy charm with others. Last summer, I decided to become a certified yoga instructor. I enrolled in teacher training with Core Power Yoga and began a 15 week journey. I taught high school Geometry so I felt confident leading a room full of eager students, who are initially shocked to see someone who looks like me running things. Upon completing my 200-hour training, I began teaching regularly at Core Power in October of 2017. In January 2018, I began taking classes at the Second City, and then things kind of took off. I joined an improv group, picked up more classes at the yoga studio, and then it was summer–the season of passion projects. I reflected on my interests, and listened to the recommendations of others and BOOM!! Hot Mess Yoga was born. Our mission is simple, bring people to yoga and show them it can be fun and funny, make it cheap and make it nasty.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been textured, a pot hole here and there, but ultimately a productive ride. I initially sought to have it in doors, but venues got pricey so I entertained having classes outside. When you have class outside things can be unpredictable–mosquitoes, bad parking, rainstorms, heat waves, or creepy people and the worst is people and their Instagram stories walking past the lake. However, these were enough of reasons not to have the class. I was never concerned about turn out, because seven people in a yoga class is a great class. I did however value representation and diversity of the class, because I primarily sought to make yoga more accessible to people of color. I have exceeded my expectations of what I envisioned, and most classes draw diverse crowds of 23-27 students of all ages.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hot Mess Yoga – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Hot Mess Yoga is about teaching people yoga in relatable ways. The first excuse people make when you invite them to class is “but I’m not flexible,” or “I can’t afford it” and I want people to shy away from these beliefs about what yoga is. You never hear people say “but I don’t want to laugh,” so I’ve found a way to lure people with laughs and get them on their mats. So my job is to encourage people to “sing to songs, leave super sweaty, and don’t you dare shave your armpits to come work out” because this is a safe space. This space is for couch potatoes, Instagram models and everyone in between. In class, I’m cussing, wiping my sweat mustache, and telling a joke here or there about how I hate my cellulite, and people can relate to that.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that there are many ways to work out in Chicago. You have CrossFit, Bootcamps, Gyms, Yoga Studios, Circuit Training the list goes on and on. If you want to try all of these you also have Class Pass. What I dislike is that these venues are only located in more affluent Chicago neighborhoods. This perpetuates the idea that more marginalized groups must earn the privilege of holistic health. I think it is important that there are opportunities for black and brown communities to have access to health and fitness, and they only way that is going to be made possible is if there are more black and brown teachers leading the charge.

Pricing:

• Hot Mess Yoga is (and always will be) a suggested $5 donation
• August Classes coming soon

Contact Info:

• Phone: 7062963459
• Email: hotmessyogaflow@gmail.com
• Instagram: hotmess_yoga
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotmessyogaflow/

Image Credit:
Courtney Cheatham-Salt Creek Photography

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