Kimberly Wilson is the Creative Director and Founder of Tranquil Space, a serene yoga studio located in the heart of Dupont Circle.  Tranquil Space offers over 40 weekly yoga classes for all levels of practice. Its mission is to provide a nurturing environment that encourages the unfolding of a creative yoga practice that is carried off the yoga mat and into one's daily life. 

Q:  What do you offer for Washingtonians who want to create a healthier lifestyle?
A:   Tranquil Space offers all sorts of options for the modern practitioner of yoga:

• ongoing yoga classes for all levels
• empowering yoga and lifestyle workshops to help you take your practice "off the mat"
• trendy active wear in the tranquiliT boutique
• teacher training, yoga parties, private sessions
• annual retreats to Costa Rica & Mexico
• aromatherapy, tea & cookies with each class!

Q:   What other types of services do you offer?
A:   We offer a newbie yogi program for the brand new beginner.  A 4-week series that progresses over the course of 4 weekends and ends with new-found confidence and a graduation certificate.  We also have a special prenatal program for mothers-to-be -- partners are welcome!  And, after the baby, a "baby & me" series where mothers and babies bond through the practice of yoga together.  Finally, we offer yoga programs or workshops at your office to assist with creating a more tranquil work environment!

Q:   What does "taking your practice off the mat" mean?
A:   The concept that we encourage at Tranquil Space is to take the teachings of yoga with you into your daily life "practice."  Our teachings  focus on empowerment, challenging yourself to find your edge, developing your own level of spirituality, and becoming more mindful of your thoughts and reactions. By taking this practice off of the yoga mat and into your daily life, a yoga practitioner is able to create mindfulness and flexibility in all interactions, not just when practicing yoga on the mat.

Q:  How did you grow Tranquil Space?
A:    Tranquil Space began in my living room in October of 1999, complete with eight students, a blazing fire, homemade chai and cookies.  We quickly grew out of my living room, and I rented a parlor space in a beautiful quaint church down the street.  Tranquil Space was there for 2.5 years before settling into our 2-story, light-filled P street oasis that now serves 600 yogis per week.  We grew by word of mouth as my budget was very small, and I had no initial business training.  Just a lot of drive, attention to detail, passion for yoga, and a BIG desire to create a socially conscious community of like-minded people in Washington, DC. 

Q:  What are your next creative plans?
A:   Tranquil Space continues to evolve. With the completion of my MA in Women's Studies in May, I am able to focus more on creative endeavors. First is my book, Hip Tranquil Chick: The Modern Girl's Guide to Mindful Living, which will spotlight incorporating yoga into a consciously chic lifestyle. Second, the expansion of TranquiliT Boutique and more designs for my TranquiliT line of clothing. Third, I plan to create a consulting service to help others unleash their creative side. Finally, leading more workshops based on the concepts from my book, and creativity circles that assist women in finding and living their life's mission. I love evolving the brand of Tranquil Space into lifestyle oriented ideas that assist others in living a full and conscious life AND truly finding that tranquil space within.

Q:  What are you most proud of?
A: Tranquil Space was just promoted in Lucky magazine's May issue which was very exciting for us.  We've also been interviewed by Vogue, Washington Post, Washingtonian, and Yoga Journal.  My beginner and intermediate yoga practice audio cds, available through our website and Amazon.com, have been well received, and assist yogis in creating a home or on-the-road yoga practice. Winning the Women's Capital Award from the Women's Business Center last May was also a very proud moment! Our charity community means a lot to our business. We donate a portion of our TranquiliT Boutique proceeds to My Sister's Place, a community devoted to eradicating domestic violence, and the DC Humane Society, along with hosting special events for other local charities.  Overall, I am very proud of the community that has been created at Tranquil Space through the amazing people that our attracted to and support our blossoming studio.

Q:   Anything else YES!Circle members should know?
A:   We’d love to have you as guests at our TranquiliT Trunk Show and Anniversary Soiree on May 22!  Join us in celebration of our expanded tranquiliT "on the mat" and "on the town" yoga line, along with our first year on P Street.  An evening filled with yoga demonstrations, retail therapy (shopping!), free chair massages, raffles for free yoga and tranquiliT boutique items, and an abundance of wine and cheese!  Details at www.tranquilspace.com.  Also, print this interview out, bring it into the studio, and receive 10% off your class or tranquiliT boutique purchase!

For more information, contact Kimberly Wilson at 202-223-9642 or kimberly@tranquilspace.com.