Katy Lomas is the founder and driving force behind the recently opened Calm on Canning Street. However, Yoga and the balanced life was not always her thing. From the corporate finance world in two major international cities to going ‘off-grid’ in Portugal and India, Katy’s life experiences have shaped this beautiful space and studio in Edinburgh’s west end. Read on to learn what Calm on Canning Street is all about.
Share with us that pivotal moment when you thought ‘Yes, I am going to do this!’ (open Calm on Canning Street).
The minute the opportunity presented itself I knew immediately, I need to do this!! I’ve always dreamed of having a beautiful space where people could practice yoga and feel at home and looked after. When this opportunity came up, right around the time when my previous job was finishing, it felt like a dream come true, almost like it was meant for me. Everything just fell into place. I had a few sleepless nights with pure excitement and my mind buzzing with ideas and I couldn’t wait to sign on the dotted line. It was only after we had actually signed the paperwork that I felt, wow this is actually happening and could relax a little. I was so worried that it all might fall through and I would have been so devastated!
How is it different to other Yoga studios in Edinburgh?
Calm on Canning Street is a studio for everyone. There is no expectation or judgement in our classes and everyone is welcome. We have Lunchtime Express classes for busy workers, Beginners Yoga, Hot Yoga for those who enjoy a more challenging class, gentle classes and Pilates. Our clients range from students to a client in her 80’s who is doing one to one sessions with us! We are totally focused on bringing yoga, meditation & mindfulness to people who need it most. We partner with FourSquare who are an amazing local homeless charity and who use the studio for free on Wednesday afternoons to run their mindfulness clinics. We also partner with The Edinburgh Council Family Based care Service and run a free yoga class especially for Foster Carers every week.
We have an amazing schedule of events that we’re putting in place with teachers and experts from around the world, lots of trainings and workshops and so many opportunities to switch off from busy schedules, learn techniques to manage stress and anxiety and devote time to some self nurture. We’re also growing our wellbeing offering and have three wellbeing rooms at the studio which offer holistic therapies from Massage Treatments to Life coaching.
What can Yogis and teachers alike expect from their experience here?
You will always see smiley faces and happy people. We have wonderful teachers and clients and we feel so lucky that we’re building a community of warm and kind hearted people who support each other. You’ll most likely see Alfie our studio pup too who loves all the attention!
What has Yoga taught you that you translate into the commercial elements of your role as founder of the business?
Yoga has taught me so much and I use the lessons every single day! It has taught me the importance of gratitude. Everyday when I walk into the studio with Alfie, I am filled with such a huge swell of gratitude, I am doing my dream job in my dream space and I get to bring my puppy to work! The practice has taught me the ability to access my inner calm and manage stress. It has taught me the power of being present and enjoying the experience of that moment. Yoga has also taught me about faith and positivity. During challenging times, it has taught me to look for the lessons, learn and move on and not to be consumed by negative self talk.
Local independent businesses are becoming increasingly supportive of one another and more prominent in Edinburgh – what’s your take on the community and how can we support each other more?
One of our core values here at the studio is Community and I am absolutely committed to support local business. I use local suppliers wherever I can and sourced everything we use at the studio, from the handwash to the yoga equipment, from local businesses. I love partnering and supporting local businesses and I think it is essential to do this to ensure our local business community continues to thrive. In this economic climate it is challenging for small businesses to survive so it has never been more important to help each other.
Who are your three favourite Independents in the local community at the moment and why?
My absolute favourite café in Edinburgh is Roots on William Street. They are dog friendly, have the most scrumptious fresh vegan and veggie food and the most friendly staff. It’s a home away from home for me and I’m in there most days! I LOVE it!
Splintr for interior design and shop business fit outs. The team here are utterly incredible. They understood, translated and bought all my ideas for the studio to life and delivered on time and within budget within a really tight timeline. I gave them some really challenging tasks such as a brick wall for the reception area, a brick reception desk and drapes hanging from the ceiling in the studio!
Meraki Concept Studio for branding and website design. Jemma and Paula are an incredible girl duo and again totally understood what I wanted to do with the brand and my vision for the website. It was an absolute pleasure working with these girls, they are so talented and have amazing ideas!
It’s still very early days but what does the future hold for Calm on Canning Street?
I aim for this space to be a sanctuary for people. I want everyone who visits us to leave feeling nurtured and nourished. I want to help people manage stressful and busy lives and provide tools and techniques through yoga, mediation and other therapies to navigate challenging times. Ultimately I want to help people live healthier happier lives and support them in their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
What is your all-time top tip for a first-time visitor to Edinburgh?
Walk everywhere! Start walking and get lost, you always come across the most beautiful tucked away streets!
What’s your life motto? If you have one!
Regret something you did, not something you didn’t do!
Calm on Canning Street launches their Wellbeing Month throughout June. Claim a FREE yoga class anytime in June by signing up to any class on their timetable using the code JUNE18HE. Look out for discounted massages, holistic treatments, free courses and amazing events and workshops every weekend in June.
Contact Details
Find out more: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Address: 16 Canning Street Edinburgh EH3 8EG
Email: hello@calmoncanningstreet.com
Photos by Alix Mcintosh.
