Conversations with Ashlea Barnett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlea Barnett.

Ashlea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with yoga began back in college, where I was a musical theatre major. Dance and movement had always been an important part of my life, and yoga quickly became a natural extension of that passion. I fell in love with the balance it brought—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

At just 17, I started teaching children’s dance. I discovered early on that I had a deep love for working with young children—connecting with them through creativity, movement, and joy. That love only grew as I stepped further into the world of teaching.

Fast forward a few years: I became a mother, and that’s when my relationship with yoga took on a whole new meaning. My child and I began attending mommy-and-me yoga classes, even though the nearest ones were a bit of a drive. Eventually, we found some that were closer, and that consistent connection through movement inspired something even bigger.

Around that time, I completed certified kids yoga training and began working with Growga, a locally-based company that provided yoga and mindfulness programming for children and families. I had the opportunity to teach and connect with children in a meaningful way—experiences that further shaped my vision and values. My time with Growga, especially during the pre-COVID years, was an important stepping stone in my journey.

Post COVID, I began teaching children’s yoga independently, bringing it directly into my own community in Alamance County. From there, things began to grow naturally. I started teaching in preschools, and it was during that time that Slinky Kids was born.

Slinky Kids now brings yoga, dance, and mindfulness to children across various preschools and programs. We’ve started a vibrant dance program in Saxapahaw at The Bridge Wellness Center, and we’re proud to partner with local schools, businesses, and organizations that share our vision of putting kids at the heart of what we do.

I’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact that movement, mindfulness, and connection can have on young lives—and I’m passionate about continuing to grow Slinky Kids to meet the needs of our ever-evolving community.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any meaningful journey, building Slinky Kids hasn’t come without its struggles.

One of the biggest challenges came with the onset of COVID-19. Suddenly, everything stopped—including in-person classes. And while many industries found ways to shift online, working with young children through a screen was incredibly difficult. Movement, connection, and presence are the heart of what I do—and those things simply don’t translate well to a virtual format when it comes to little ones. The pause was not only a logistical setback but also an emotional one, as I felt the absence of that joyful energy and face-to-face connection.

During this time, my family was also growing. I had more children, and with that came the beautiful chaos of parenting young kids while also trying to nurture a small startup business. It’s a constant balancing act—wearing every hat, making every decision, and knowing that when something falls through, it often falls back on me. The emotional and physical demands of motherhood combined with entrepreneurship have stretched me in ways I never expected, but they’ve also taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of grace.

Another challenge has been navigating partnerships—learning that while collaboration can be powerful, not every opportunity is the right fit. It’s taken time (and some tough lessons) to trust my instincts, set boundaries, and prioritize partnerships that truly align with the mission and values of Slinky Kids.

Through all of this, my passion for movement, mindfulness, and making a difference in children’s lives has never wavered. The struggles have shaped Slinky Kids just as much as the successes have, and I continue to grow—both personally and professionally—as we evolve to better serve our community.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What We Do at Slinky Kids

At Slinky Kids, we offer yoga, dance, and mindfulness programs specifically designed for young children. We bring these movement-based experiences into preschools, community centers, wellness spaces, and local events—meeting kids where they are and creating opportunities for play, connection, and growth.

Our classes blend imaginative storytelling, music, breath work, and developmentally appropriate movement. Whether it’s a yoga adventure through the jungle, a dance party inspired by animals, or a quiet moment of guided relaxation, each class is thoughtfully crafted to spark joy and support emotional regulation, body awareness, and social-emotional skills.

What We’re Known For

Slinky Kids is known for creating joyful, inclusive, and engaging experiences for young children. Families and schools trust us because we bring consistency, heart, and creativity to every interaction. We’re more than just a “class”—we’re an extension of a child’s support system, helping them move their bodies, express themselves, and feel seen.

What Sets Us Apart

What truly sets Slinky Kids apart is the intentional blend of movement and mindfulness, tailored specifically to early childhood. Our programming isn’t one-size-fits-all—we understand the unique needs of little ones and we design every session to honor their energy, curiosity, and capacity for connection.

We’re rooted in community. As a locally grown business, we prioritize relationships with families, schools, and organizations. We’re not a franchise or a formula—we’re a living, breathing part of the community, and we adapt and evolve based on what our kids and partners need.

And finally, at the heart of it all is a deep respect for the magic of childhood. We don’t just teach movement—we create space for children to be their whole selves.

What We’re Most Proud Of

At Slinky Kids, we’re most proud of the connections we’ve built—with children, families, schools, and our community. Seeing a child light up with confidence during class, watching a shy student find their voice through movement, or hearing from a parent that their child practices “belly breathing” at home—those moments are everything.

We’re proud that we’ve grown this business from the ground up, staying true to our values while adapting to the real needs of the community. From weathering the challenges of COVID to balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, to saying “yes” to new opportunities and “no” when things weren’t the right fit—we’ve stayed committed to our mission.

We’re also incredibly proud to have made movement and mindfulness more accessible in Alamance County and beyond. Whether it’s launching our dance program in Saxapahaw, bringing yoga to preschools, or partnering with like-minded local organizations, we’ve planted seeds of wellness that continue to grow.

Most of all, we’re proud to be doing work that matters—work that nurtures the whole child and supports their journey from the inside out.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
At the heart of Slinky Kids’ success is a deep, unwavering commitment to connection—with children, families, and the community. That connection is fueled by a blend of heart-centered teaching, creativity, adaptability, and a strong foundation in early childhood development. We’re able to meet each child where they are because we lead with empathy, understand how young minds and bodies grow, and bring playful, engaging energy to every class. Our ability to show up consistently, collaborate meaningfully, and stay rooted in our mission—even through challenges—has made us a trusted and valued part of the communities we serve.

Pricing:

• 1 time events – starting at $125/h
• Open to the public classes – $15-$20/class
• Sessions or series – $105+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/slinkykids
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slinkykidsyoga
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/slinkykidsyoga