Kristin Andrews
email: [email protected] www.kristinandrewsyoga.com founder of Karma Collective About Karma Collective: A beautiful shared space that welcomes everyone to create their own community, with full autonomy of their class offerings. After teaching for almost two decades and building yoga communities for various studio owners, I realized that the teacher actually created the community and built a loyal following, but were often paid very little relative to what they had built. I craved having a space where I could do this for myself, and allow other teachers to do the same thing — without having to "work" for anyone but themselves, and their students. The Karma Collective model allows teachers to use our beautiful studio space for a modest room usage fee, choosing a specific time/day of the week or month with full autonomy over how much they charge, and what and how they teach. In turn, we will work to promote your classes and offerings to our audience as well. At over 1,000 Square Feet, there's room for 40 yoga mats, so the space provides a huge opportunity for teachers to make enough income to support themselves, and be rewarded for the community they alone have built. Bring your practice to Karma Collective, and create community together with us. Please don't hesitate to contact me personally to learn more about offering your classes or special event at Karma Collective. My Shiatsu/Thai Yoga Bodywork Journey: When I’m not teaching yoga I’m seeing clients for Shiatsu/Thai Yoga Bodywork. For over 22 years I continue to have my own private practice (shaitsu/thai yoga bodywork & private yoga) located at In Fine Fettle Holistic Health Center located at 900 Chicago Ave., Evanston. I’m very Blessed to work with such an AMAZING COMMUNITY ~ I truly believe Body work and Yoga compliment one another so well. I have been practicing yoga since 1998 & studying Shiatsu since 1999; completed over 700 hours of training and am certified from the Ohashiatsu Institute in New York, NY/Evanston, IL, Soma Veda Thai Yoga Bodywork, Flying Shiatsu, Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stone Massage Therapy and Reiki. My heart's intention is helping people heal thru bodywork and yoga instruction. I integrate many techniques in a holistic approach to ensure the receiver is able to gain access to their own inner healing ability in order to obtain a deeper connection within their body, mind & spirit. I not only listen to what my clients/students are saying but also to what their bodies are communicating and meet them exactly where they are in growth and development with compassion, encouragement and reverence. Everybody deserves healing touch - hope you'll treat yourself to a little tlc ! My Yoga Journey: I first stepped onto the mat at my healthclub back in 1998 - I was looking for an alternative to "working out' since my mind raced about the past and into the future while at the gym and the only time spent on the present moment was watching the clock. After taking classes for several months I decided yoga wasn't for me. It wasn’t until I stepped back onto my mat in 2002 at Niyama Yoga Studio (located in Wilmette, IL) that I really connected with the practice, thanks to my class with Megan Dunn ! I can’t imagine my life without the yoga practice, it’s a part of my daily life and has helped me with many life changes and challenges. What I love most about yoga is it helps me LIVE in the present moment, it gives me a chance to practice letting go of expectations & judgements since each time I’m on my mat it’s always a different adventure ! And more importantly it got me out of the gym which truly allows me to be in the present moment & has many physical, emotional, mental & spiritual benefits which I like to call “side-effects”. In 2004, I completed my Hatha Yoga Teaching Training Certification with Suddha Weixler founder of the Chicago Yoga Center. I never thought about teaching since I have had a fear of public speaking my entire life, I enrolled in the training to have a better understanding of the practice. Mac McHugh helped me get over my FEAR of public speaking by inviting me to co-teach her Niyama Hot, KARMA class the beginning of 2009. Since then I've been teaching classes all over the northshore of Chicago. Have lead yoga retreats in Crete, Greece and continue to deepen & expand my knowledge by participating in teacher trainings and workshops. The main teachers I've studied with include: Suddha Weixler, Rolf Gates, John Friend, Desiree Rumbaugh, Manju Jois, Martin & Jordan Kirk, Amy Ippoliti, Noah Maze and Mac McHugh just to name a few. I will be forever grateful for my friend inviting me to try yoga again with her at Niyama and all the inspiring teachers & students I have had the opportunity to study and practice with throughout the years. Whether I'm teaching KC "Karma Collective" 🔥 Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Gentle Yoga, Glow in the Dark Yoga, Private Yoga, or SUP "Standup Paddleboard" Yoga my main focus is the students connection to their growth/experience of their own essence while keeping them safe on their mat or SUP by educating them with correct alignment (based on the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment). And with all that said, I try to have a light hearted class filled with good tunes, joy & laughter because life is too short to take our time on the mat too seriously !!! When I'm not teaching yoga/SUP yoga or giving Shiatsu/Thai Yoga Bodywork - I'm spending time in nature with my dog on land or on Lake Michigan ! Namaste, Kristin Andrews Founder of Karma Collective [email protected] Yoga Teacher Shiatsu/Thai Yoga Bodywork Therapist |