Meet Kim Setteducati-Mann of Piper Moon Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Setteducati-Mann.  

Hi Kim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Yoga found me – I wasn’t looking for it. I was working as a Human Resouces professional (a career I accidentally stumbled into) and was responsible for organizing the corporate wellness program. I had no desire to try yoga, but being a good employee, I showed up to the company’s weekly lunchtime yoga class. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, and yet I couldn’t deny how good the practice made me feel. As someone who struggled with stress and anxiety, yoga became an escape from the challenges of everyday life. My yoga mat was my safe space. I started practicing yoga regularly at home and in local studios and attended a yoga retreat in Aruba. Along the journey, yoga stopped being something I did – yoga became my way of life. 

My teachers say that when things come into alignment, things that are not aligned stand out. This was certainly the case in my life. I made some big changes and found myself with an opportunity to start anew. I left the corporate world and decided to pursue my dreams of teaching yoga and opening a yoga studio. I dove in headfirst and completed 500 hours of yoga teacher training with Yoga Farm Ithaca and started teaching online classes. My cat, Piper, often made appearances in those virtual classes – she inspired the name of our studio. 

In 2021, my husband, Tom, and I decided to leave behind the cold Ohio winters and move to Raleigh. We didn’t know a single person, but we felt called to this area. We began looking for the perfect space for our yoga studio – we wanted a welcoming community where we felt we could truly be of service. We found that in Youngsville. In August 2021, Piper Moon Yoga officially opened its doors. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening a business is hard – opening a business in a community where you don’t know anyone is even harder. We thought we’d be on the other side of the pandemic when we opened, and we weren’t. Our first few months, we only had a handful of people come through our doors. Most of our classes were canceled due to lack of enrollment. Our sweet Piper passed away just a few days after we opened our doors leading to even more heartbreak. It was discouraging and lonely. 

Even in that dark time, we held our vision and believed in our offerings. We knew this was the path we were meant to be on and trusted that it wasn’t supposed to be easy, but it would be worth it. And slowly, we began to build our beautiful yoga community – one friend at a time. 

Almost two years from our opening, we are no longer on our own. We have support from our Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, the amazing women of the Youngsville Chapter of Women in Networking (WIN), the inspiring business owners and entrepreneurs in Youngsville, and of course, our incredible yoga community. Through our connection with the community, we adopted a kitten, Luna, who represents new beginnings. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Piper Moon Yoga?
Yoga doesn’t have to be intimidating and should never feel inaccessible. We’re passionate about creating a welcoming space, community, environment, and experience where people of all ages and abilities feel comfortable, confident, and nurtured in their yoga journey. At Piper Moon Yoga, you can show up exactly as you are and trust that you’ll never be judged or criticized, only supported. You’ll be reminded that the practice is your own and encouraged and empowered to listen to your inner guidance and wisdom and only do what resonates with you. 

We offer classes 7 days a week, many of which are appropriate for anyone new to yoga, private sessions, and workshops. We love to partner with local businesses and offer yoga in our community through special events. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We’d love to meet you! Reach out or come take a class! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pipermoonyoga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pipermoonyoga/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiperMoonYoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1_jPLBawdVpEoBaqFOwJDA