The Willow Branch Yoga Studio

09/18/2025

Hi, everyone! It’s been a while since I posted about myself and I wanted to reintroduce myself to anyone that may be new! First, welcome!! I’m so glad to have you here! I’m Heather!! I am an E-RYT 200 Yoga Alliance certified teacher. I got my initial training at Asheville Yoga Center in 2019 and taught my first class on February 23, 2020. Since then, I’ve been trained through Yoga Medicine, Yoga International, Yoga Alliance, and The Embody Lab mainly focusing on mental health, grief, and trauma. I’ve taught classes not only at my studio, but also at CrossFit864, YMCA, and goat yoga at Lush Acres Farm! Mental health is my “why”. I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression and I really want to provide a nice, peaceful, safe space where you leave feeling like a weight is lifted and you know that you are capable of being strong and getting through whatever challenges come your way. I also own The Vestibule Coffee and Tea, so I am only able to teach one weekly yoga class on Wednesday evenings 5:15-6:15 ($10/class). Every now and then I can do an additional pop up class. I do have some potential exciting news to share soon, so keep an eye out for that! Below is a long post, but the meaning behind the name of my studio. Even though I am no longer teaching 8 classes a week like I once did, I still do love this space and the amazing friendships it has brought me! Thank you for being part of this journey with me!

You may wonder where the studio name came from. The name means a lot to me and here’s why:

The Willow tree has been a lifelong favorite of mine. It is symbolic in many cultures and loved back even in ancient times. There are over 400 varieties of the Willow tree, each being unique, but at the same time similar. With many purposes, the sap, bark, and leaves are medicinal and are also used to make baskets and musical instruments. There is much symbolism in the Willow.

The trunk symbolizes strength, stability, and is the foundation for withstanding any storm that comes its way.

The branches are flexible, bending without breaking.

The leaves represent harmony, balance, and growth.

The Willow tree aids meditation and clarity of mind. It helps us realize our dreams. It guides us through the grief and healing processes, helping us accept and release emotions, survive, and thrive. It encourages us to be the best version of ourselves by persevering through the storms that try to break us. It offers hope, helps us learn from the past, and grow towards the future.

The Willow tree is ruled by the moon, our inner self, our yin side. Linking to the lunar cycles, the Willow is soft and delicate, yet strong and bright, reminding us to embrace all aspects of life, light and dark. The tree symbolizes compassion, comfort, and rebirth.

It is represented by air, the breath of life, the inhale and exhale of yoga. The Willow is also deeply connected with water, flowing as the breath flows and flowing with the ever changing tides of life.

The Willow is often linked to the bee and the dove. The bee symbolizes that we are all one and stronger together, while the dove symbolizes peace, love, and wisdom.

Like the Willow, the moon, the dove, and the bee, I want my yoga studio to be a symbol of healing, peace, inner strength, compassion, love, unity, clarity, hope, and all else that these represent.

With much love, The Willow Branch Yoga Studio will open soon at 207 W. Pitts Street in Clinton.

Thank you all so much for your support.

💜 Namaste

05/28/2025

So sorry for the last minute post, but no class today. I’m on vacation! Have a great week!!

04/22/2025

I have some exciting news!! I will be teaching 2 classes of GOAT yoga at Lush Acres Farm in May! The classes are at 10:00am on Saturday, May 10th and Saturday, May 24th. Here is the link to sign up. Registration is required for these. I hope you can come! It will be so much fun!!

04/07/2025

Good morning, yogis!!! I will be out of town, so no class this week. I hope you have a wonderful week! Take some time to stretch, move, rest, recharge, and breathe! I’ll see you next week!

Just a reminder - if you are new, everything is pinned to the top of the page and the cover picture.

01/22/2025

Good morning! We will not have class today since it will be below freezing and even with the little heat, it will still be very cold and then possibly have icy roads when leaving. I hope you all have a wonderful day and I will see you next week!!

12/18/2024

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! I will see you back in January!

Classes will be back January 8th. I’m sorry I am not very active on here! If you didn’t know, my classes are down to one per week since I own The Vestibule Coffee & Tea and that takes up most of my time. It’s a very busy season right now. Classes are Wednesday evenings 5:15-6:15. $10 per class or you can get a punch card - $40 for 5 classes and $75 for 10 classes. I have all the mats, etc that you will need or you can bring your own of course. I’d love to have you join in the new year!

I pray that you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends! I hope you are able to find time to nourish your body and mind, find comfort if you are grieving, and give and feel the love from those around you. Remember to breathe, to relax, and to enjoy every moment.

Namaste 💖

12/04/2024

I hope everyone had wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Most of you know that I own The Vestibule Coffee and Tea and that takes up most of my time. That is the reason that I now only have one class per week. December is our busiest time of the year at the coffee shop. I have two large events tomorrow (for about 500 people total) and I hate to keep having to do this, but I need to cancel tonight’s class. I need to get a few things prepared for the events. I am SO SORRY!!! I plan to have class the next two weeks and then be closed for Christmas and New Years Day, but please check and make sure nothing comes up in the next couple of weeks since this is such a busy time at the coffee shop. I do appreciate everything and am so thankful for you and your friendship!

11/20/2024

We won’t be having class the next two weeks. Tomorrow I will be at an event at my husband’s antique shop. Come join us! We’ll have apple cider and hot chocolate from the coffee shop and there will be lots of other refreshments as well. Then next weekend I will be celebrating Thanksgiving. I hope y’all have a wonderful two weeks and Thanksgiving!

10/22/2024

I’m not going to be able to have class tomorrow (Oct 23rd). I have several events this week at the coffee shop and I have to use that extra time for them. I’m so sorry!! I hope you are all doing well and have a wonderful week! Namaste 💜

09/29/2024

We will not have class this week. I hope everyone is safe and did not have any damage. I am praying for y’all!

09/25/2024

I’m not feeling great, so I won’t be able to have class tonight. I’m sorry! I’ll see you next week! Class is always at 5:15pm on Wednesday’s unless I post otherwise. Have a great week!

06/12/2024

Tomorrow is the last class until July 10th when I get back from vacation. I hope to see you there!