Umika, New Member Specialist

Umika's yoga journey began long before she was born: her paternal grandfather practiced yoga religiously throughout his life, often inviting his kids and grandkids to practice alongside him. His lifelong commitment to the practice made yoga a place of homecoming for her. In 2019, while juggling graduate school and research projects in London – and far away from her hometown in California – she began practicing yoga regularly. She has since cultivated her own treasured at-home practice. 

Through yoga, meditation, a strength training regimen, and a smattering of runs for good measure, Umika has found the empowerment and unbridled joy that comes from having a movement practice that truly fits your life. She's honored to support Blue Ridge Yoga's members in finding the practice that works for them, both on and off the mat! 

Outside the studio, you can find Umika either outside with her rescue pup – or inside with a great meal and a novel! 

“I want to do important work, I said. Then smile at the people you meet, she said, & play with dogs & tuck a blanket around someone who falls asleep. That's not what I meant, I said, & she nodded. Of course you did, she said, you just had a smaller idea of important.” ― Brian Andreas