By Kaity Coisman
Contributing Writer
GREEN BAY – A local woman-owned business is celebrating 30 years of giving back to the community this month.
Founder and director of Bay Area Yoga Health and Healing Kathleen Kelly started the business in 1993.
Kelly’s teachings are rooted in the ashtanga tradition of yoga which incorporates lifestyle, movement, breath, meditation, self-study and service with the help of her nationally certified and registered teachers.
“I started out in a little log cabin on East Mason Street, with one room and one focus (vinyasa flow) all on my own. Since then we have had many locations and have grown from simple yoga movement to where we are today. We have over 12 contributing teachers. We host visiting teachers, lead workshops and retreats, provide various types of practices ranging from Gentle/Restorative to Kundalini, Arial and Ashtanga. We provide yoga teacher trainings for the past 12 years. (I) currently offer yoga therapy, meditation and personal growth coaching. We are teaming up with Stealth Fitness to offer even more variety for our members,” reflected Kelly.
“This business has been such an amazing journey for me, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of this community for more than 30 years, and many have become like family to me. I’d love nothing more than to celebrate this milestone anniversary with my community.”
As this event is a celebration of the last 30 years of business, Kelly has goals for what is coming next.
“Currently I am working on building a community healing center. I would like to bring like-minded practitioners together under one roof. All different types of yoga and healing modalities. This is my future goal before I retire. My niece, Amy Wauters, will be taking over the business when I retire. She is learning and growing with me as a teacher, leader and businesswoman.”
Bay Area Yoga for Health and Healing revolves around the people.
Kelly said, “We have always been about more than yoga classes. We strive to be a welcoming place to practice safely with compassion and personal growth in mind. Your first week of practice is always free! We encourage you to come and check us out!”
An event to mark three decades will be held at 1825 Webster Ave., Green Bay, for live music, food, refreshments, henna painting, face painting, charitable raffles and free yoga classes for attendees.
The event is not only a celebration but will also give back to Golden House through the various raffles and fundraising efforts throughout the weekend.
The event will include upper and lower-level classes free for attendants.
For more information, visit www.bayareayoga.com.