Today we’d like to introduce you to Colby Cooper.
Hi Colby, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with yoga began shortly after college in the early 2000s, when I found myself drawn to the grounding and healing aspects of the practice after years training in classical ballet. Over the years, my passion deepened, eventually leading me to complete teacher training and take on a studio management role in Northern Virginia. In 2012, my husband and I made the decision to move to Raleigh to be closer to family. Pregnant with our first child and adjusting to a new city, I began exploring the local yoga scene. While I found wonderful teachers and welcoming studios, I also sensed an opportunity to create something unique, a space that offered inclusive, accessible yoga to support people through all stages of life.
Bliss Body Yoga opened its doors in August 2013 with a vision to serve a diverse community, offering classes for beginners, kids, prenatal students, and older adults. From the beginning, our intention was to create more than just a studio; we wanted to build a supportive yoga home where students could grow their practice and connect deeply with themselves and others. Over the years, we’ve grown into a thriving, heart-centered community. We’ve navigated the challenges of a pandemic, adapted our offerings to meet our students’ evolving needs, and cultivated a team of dedicated, experienced, and loving teachers. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m continually inspired by the resilience and kindness of the Bliss Body Yoga community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The first few years were full of trial and error, figuring out how to run a sustainable studio, building a community of students, and learning how best to serve their needs. The biggest challenge by far came during the pandemic. The pressure of trying to keep a small, in-person business afloat during a public health crisis was overwhelming at times. But I’m incredibly proud that we made it through. Our amazing team of teachers continued to show up for our students, whether that was online or in limited-capacity classes. And our loyal community kept showing up as well. Their support carried us through one of the hardest seasons of small-business ownership, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Bliss Body Yoga, our mission is to create a welcoming, supportive, and uplifting space where people can begin or deepen their yoga practice no matter their age, background, or experience level. We offer a wide range of classes including Beginners Yoga, Flow Yoga, Gentle Flow, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kids & Teen Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Baby & Me Yoga, so there’s truly something for everyone and every stage of life.
What makes Bliss Body unique is the highly skilled and personalized approach of our teachers. Our classes aren’t cookie-cutter or formulaic; each one reflects the individual strengths and creativity of the teacher leading it. We focus on quality instruction, mindful sequencing, and genuine connection, so every student feels supported and encouraged in their practice. More than anything, we’re known for our community. Our non-heated studio is an inviting place where people come to move, breathe, and reconnect with themselves and with others.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The teachers are truly the heart of Bliss Body Yoga. I know how deeply they care about our space and our students, and their dedication shows in every class they teach. Without them, Bliss simply wouldn’t be what it is today. I am lucky to have an awesome studio manager, Mary Scudella, who keeps me organized and sane! We’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have so many loyal clients who have been with us for years. Their ongoing support and word of mouth recommendations have helped us grow. Hearing that someone found us through a friend’s recommendation is always the highest compliment.
My family also deserves a huge amount of credit. I opened the studio when my first child was just 6 months old, and there’s no way I could have done that without my parents’ help with childcare. My husband has been my sounding board, voice of reason, our all-around handyman, and reluctant accountant. I truly couldn’t have done it without them.
Pricing:
- New Student Special – 30 days unlimited yoga for $59
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blissbody-yoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissbody_yoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlissBodyYoga
