12/05/2025
When I was little, I was artistic and creative in many ways. I was always in the ensemble of theater groups, as well as spent time painting, sewing, crafting. I didn’t stick with ballet or jazz or gymnastics, and only played basketball in 8th grade because I thought it was “cool”. I was a cheerleader all 4 years of high school (which consisted of wearing a cute skirt, making up cheers with my friends and heading to parties after games). I hand painted on photo frames that I sold at the local photo shop, and created a line of hand pained denim that I sold to a boutique.
Owning a yoga studio was definitely not in the plan.
But then again, I didn’t really have a “plan”.
From New York, I headed to University of Illinois for college studying Fine & Applied Art. After a 1/2 semester abroad in Florence, I realized
school /organized education wasn’t really my thing. I moved to Chicago, dabbled in many different jobs and hobbies, and eventually opened my own clothing boutique Jade in Wicker Park in 2005.
I was an avid gym rat on the side. A marathon runner and even attempted to get my personal training certification (but failed!)
After having my first child, a friend introduced me to a yoga class/teacher that changed my trajectory forever.
I became obsessed with the practice, mind, body & soul and did everything I could to get to classes & workshops, I even created a yoga DVD called Yogatude with some fellow yogis!
After moving to Glencoe in 2011, I got certified to teach yoga and things blossomed from there. Seven years ago I bought Reach Yoga and it has been the best decision of my life!
This space is a sanctuary for hundreds of yogis who walk in and out of our doors on a weekly basis. We were open through the pandemic; outside on lawns, basketball courts, hockey rinks, and the pier at Glencoe beach. We practiced in masks, socially distanced, temperatures taken and still today, remain open 365 days/year regardless of holiday or weather.
There has been a lot of laughter here as well as tears shed. Lots of healing, energy shared, and so much friendship & love.
I’m grateful each and every day that this is the place I call home. This is where I come every morning at 4am for peace, solace, and my sanity. Each and every student, instructor and team member is like family to me. Our neighbors, our village, other supportive studios of all kinds of fitness, they are who drive me to keep going, to keep showing up. Thank you to those who support us and me day to day, and to those who stand by the sidelines and show support in your own beautiful way. I feel the love, and I hope you know that I see you & appreciate you.
To me, this is only the beginning. Lucky #7 for Reach for sure, but “I” am the lucky one…Who knows what the future holds, I am always dreaming of “more”……so I hope you’ll stick around for the ride.
Thank you from the bottom of my humble heart.
xx
Laura
