Phoenixville Small Business Spotlight: BRV Yoga

There’s a story lurking behind the glass pane of every shop, and there’s oftentimes an innovative individual whose entrepreneurial spirit is helping to shape the town.

Our small business series shines a light on local business owners in the community.

Business name: BRV Yoga

Owner: Susan Naylor. Susan Naylor, Ph.D., RYT, and studio owner began her practice in mind-body connection with dance as a young child.

Training in neuroscience in college led her to interests in mindfulness and meditation as it relates to changes in the brain. Yoga practice was a natural extension of both her dance background and work in neuroscience. Her teaching style emphasizes precision, breath, and being in the pose, simply.

Because longevity of yoga practice begins with proper alignment, she helps practitioners find their way into and out of poses safely.

Susan is also a psychologist and professor at West Chester University, and facilitates the Mindfulness Stress Management programs @ BRV YOGA.

Address: 550 Kimberton Road, Kimberton Shoppes, Kimberton, Pa.

Website: www.brvyoga.com

When did you go into business?

Studio settled into Phoenixville in April 2014. Previous location was in Birchrunville - started in a converted studio space in my home.

How did you come up with the name?

BRV YOGA = Birchrunville yoga where the studio started.

Why start a business here?

“Phoenixville has the fantastic intersection of demographics in a growing city.”

What business are you in?

Yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Finding balance wearing the yogi hat and the business persons’s hat - these two hats are not always on the same page.

What’s been your favorite moment/proudest achievement since opening:

The ‘a ha’ moment when I began noticing real change in the well being of those practicing with us.

How does your business give back/get involved in the community?

BMV is always looking for ways to meet the needs and desires of the community.We offer studio class, and also invite yogis on hikes for YOKE: Yoga and Hiking. We bring the community together in our music and art events - live music in the studio with local bands, and new art on the walls by local artists. We offer organic teas - made and distributed by a local vendor; and, local artisan garments and jewelry - all by local artists. Our hope is to be a space where yoga, music, art, and book study intersect and help to ‘hold up’ our community.