Sarah Alexander was working as a mental health therapist when she realized that yoga was a perfect supplement to help trauma survivors.

So, six years ago, Alexander began teaching yoga, working as an instructor at The Yoga Practice for a year until she purchased the Summitview Avenue business in June. The business has 12 instructors.

She has owned Mending Grace Counseling since 2005.

Alexander has a masters degree in counseling psychology from Central Washington University. She and her husband, Jason, have five children, ages 22 to 6.

How did The Yoga Practice get started?

Amie Alapeteri founded The Yoga Practice five years ago. I have been teaching as an instructor here for more than a year and purchased the business in June 2019.

I have practiced as a licensed mental health therapist in the Yakima Valley for 18 years. After discovering the powerful benefits trauma survivors experienced from yoga in conjunction with talk therapy, I began my own practice six years ago and have never been the same. My passion is to facilitate healing experiences for the mind, body, soul and spirit.

Were there challenges that you had to overcome?

Owning a private practice, having small children and taking over a new business has provided ample opportunity for challenge. I can honestly say that I am never, ever bored. Im practicing being intentional with every decision so that I have a shot at being my best self in all the different roles I have. When I say yes to something, it means saying no to something (or someone) else. Im learning the gift of saying no, asking for what I need and not being responsible for things beyond my control.

What do you do to stand out from other yoga classes in the area?

I have an amazing tribe of highly trained teachers who are passionate about sharing the healing power of yoga with our Yakima community. We provide quality, safe, challenging and fun instruction. We are a warm studio not too hot, not too cold the perfect temperature. We offer Hatha, Yin, Restore, gentle yoga, Vinyasa, Tune Up Fitness, and a variety of workshops year-round (yoga for beginners, snow sport enthusiasts, acro-yoga, yoga for runners, handstand workshops, and many more). Yoga not only makes you stronger physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

My favorite addition at the Yoga Practice has been Yoga Church on Sunday mornings: BYOR (bring your own religion), come early to get a spot. Visit theyogapractice.life for more detail on all our studio has to offer.

Is there advice you would give to other people seeking to start their own businesses?

If I did not truly believe in the service Im offering (the healing power of yoga), owning the business would not be worth all the work. Believe in your product. Success is so much more than monetary gain. My greatest reward is providing a service that I know helps people and ultimately makes the world a better place. Be willing to make mistakes and not fixate on failure but move on. Stay humble, willing to take advice and ask for help youll need it.

What is your favorite movie, and why?

As a double business owner, I choose not to spend much time watching TV. But when I do, I want to feel challenged and inspired. I love movies like The Shawshank Redemption and Sea Biscuit, stories of redemption. Witnessing the struggle of trauma transform into triumph gives me hope and courage. We are all wrestling with pain, past and present. Movies like these challenge me to soften my edges and practice radical grace and compassion for myself and others.

If you would like your business featured in Take 5, contact Donald W. Meyers at 509-577-7748 or dmeyers@yakimaherald.com.

See more here:
Take 5 with Sarah Alexander, The Yoga Practice - Yakima Herald-Republic