We believe we have the most incredible lineup of vendors participating at the 2013 Expo. In fact, we’re so proud of them, we want everyone to know more about who they are and how their business fits in to the Expo’s passion for seeing Ottawa the healthiest city in Canada. We recently sent our vendors a list of four questions. Between now and the Expo, we will be highlighting some of these amazing vendors. Watch our blog every Tuesday & Saturday morning for another vendor spotlight.
Who are you?
Renée Banville: My life journey and experiences are colourful and varied and my sense of curiosity and love of life has led me down many roads. In Yoga I found the balance, peace and serenity which has enabled me to slow down in the pace of a crazy and hectic life and re-focus my energies on what is truly important to me which is family, friends and community. I try to be honest in my self-expression through yoga in order to inspire my students in the benefits of yoga. I truly believe there is a ripple effect that comes from both the practice and philosophy of yoga that spreads inconspicuously into our lives and to those around us…simply put, the benefits of yoga are contagious. It’s for this reason that my partner and I and I started our quest 3 years ago to open a yoga studio in Orleans. After a personal bout with depression, I became very aware that we as Canadians are falling ill due in large part to our hectic and stress filled lifestyles. Yoga is a great way to let go of the stress and baggage that we accumulate throughout our day, our life, so that we may re-connect with ourselves and our loved ones.
Julie Pangilinan: I’m originally from Toronto, and moved to the Ottawa area 4 years ago. I’ve been actively involved in the health industry as a personal trainer since 1998, and involved in the yoga community since 2001, first as a yoga enthusiast and then as a yoga teacher. It was my belief in yoga as a means to achieve healthy living (both from a physical and mental perspective) that led me to become co-owner of Moksha Yoga Orleans and commit to sharing her passion and the benefits of hot yoga with the Orleans community. I’m also actively involved with East Ottawa Toastmasters, a division of Toastmasters International, a member based organization that provides its membership with the tools, resources and confidence to improve their communication and leadership skills. In the midst of my packed schedule I’m a marathon runner, and I love to cook. One thing is definitive with me, when I commit to something, I do so wholeheartedly, with passion, zeal and a dedication that is indisputable.
How long have you been in business?
Our studio Moksha Yoga Orleans just celebrated one incredible year on December 1, 2012. Although the studio has only been around for a year, the combined years of teaching experience that our teachers bring to the Moksha Yoga Orleans classes exceeds 25. Most of our teachers are trained in various types of yoga styles but have gravitated to the well rounded philosophy of Moksha Yoga as we all believe that the benefits of yoga are limitless and are accessible to all. Moksha Yoga Orleans is committed to ethical, compassionate and environmentally conscious living.
What is your business all about?
Moksha Yoga Orleans is part of the Moksha Yoga International group of environmentally conscious yoga studios and offers classes to yoga enthusiasts of all levels from the beginner, to the seasoned yogi, or to the serious athlete – all of whom can benefit greatly from Moksha hot yoga. Every class takes you through a series of strengthening and toning postures in the detoxifying calm of a heated studio.
The Expo focuses on four themes: be fit, eat right, think well, go green. Which of these does your business incorporate?
Calm mind. Fit Body. Inspired Life – This motto is a cornerstone belief of the Moksha Orleans team. We are always hearing of good new stories on how hot yoga is helping students enjoy a fuller and healthier life. Furthermore, our studio was built around the belief of using clean, green and sustainable technologies – cork studio flooring, VOC free paints, filtered faucets, energy efficient washer dryers, green cleaning products and mat disinfectant, reclaimed wood found throughout the studio – we incorporate our beliefs into our studio surroundings for the benefit of all our members.