Media & Press

The following article is reproduced from VoyageLA.com

“Today we’d like to introduce you to Judi. She and her team shared her story with us below:

“Cayucos Yoga: A Dream Realized and a Haven for Wellness”

In the charming beach town of Cayucos, the story of Cayucos Yoga is not only one of tranquility, community, and growth but also a dream realized. The journey began in 2018 when Judi Sheesley, the Proprietor and Guide of Cayucos Yoga, envisioned bringing the transformative power of yoga to the heart of Cayucos.

Since its inception, Cayucos had been missing a stand-alone yoga studio—a space dedicated to fostering well-being, connection, and personal growth. Driven by the dream of opening such a haven, Judi and the Cayucos Yoga community embarked on a mission to fill this void in the town’s vibrant tapestry.

In 2021, Judi’s vision took a tangible form as Cayucos Yoga responded to the community’s need for a place to reconnect with daily life while maintaining a safe distance. Judi’s front yard was transformed into an open-air yoga sanctuary, a temporary solution that laid the foundation for something more permanent.

As seasons changed and the need for an indoor space became evident, the dream persisted. Over the past two years, Cayucos Yoga tirelessly sought an indoor location, culminating in the realization of the dream at 625 S. Ocean Ave. in Cayucos—a space where yoga could be practiced year-round.

Judi’s desire of opening a yoga studio in Cayucos since 2018 is not just about providing a physical space for yoga practice. It is about creating a community gathering, a place where locals and visitors alike can come together to nurture their well-being, strength, and holistic wellness.

This dream becomes a reality as Cayucos Yoga invites individuals to step into their new studio space, breaking ground as the first stand-alone yoga studio in Cayucos. The space is a reflection of Judi’s vision and a testament to the commitment of Cayucos Yoga to be a guiding light for the community’s well-being.

We invite you to Cayucos Yoga with more than an invitation to a yoga studio but a welcoming space to be part of a dream realized. As individuals step into this haven for wellness, they become part of our ongoing story—a story of dreams, dedication, and the transformative power of yoga in the heart of Cayucos.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the challenges have been securing an affordable location that is adequate in space. Commercial space is expensive and scarce in Cayucos. We did secure a location in July/August of 2022. Personal and medical reasons arose, and I had to pull out of the location. The location we are at is one I had approached the property owner a couple of times. Throughout the time of 2018-2022 the property owner was updating the space, waiting on permits, and then decided to put the building on the market. It sat for sale for close to a year and finally closed in the beginning of August of 2023. Approaching the new property owner quickly after the escrow closed, we were able to secure a lease and the location. From September through October we did more than a facelift of the space; we (me and some dear friends) worked tirelessly to bring the studio to its present tranquil, safe, and loving space. We “soft opened” on November 3, 2023 and have had classes every day of the week since. We now have five instructors (Guides) with offerings of 2 – 4 classes a day from 6am-8pm and more to come.

The biggest challenge has been the technology! The website was started with a friend back in 2021, switched platforms in 2022, and then moved to a hired web designer in 2023. I had no idea how much technology was involved and the complications that would arise.  I was able to hire a big business website master builder, Sue Wallis Williams, https://walliswilliams.com  who happened to have some time  between her clients, a yogi, and a supporter of my vision for the community and my business. She is “refreshing the website” and we have worked tirelessly to make the new, up-and-coming CayucosYoga.com website user-friendly for all! I am fortunate to have the community support and understanding as we have gone through this technology highway.

We have been slowly growing and appreciate the times when we can add to the studio’s simple decor, strengthening our own practices, and intimately getting to know each other and our yogi’s with small classes.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My yoga journey began in 2012, evolving into a deep study and practice. Certified as an RYT 200 and registered with Yoga Alliance since 2014, I specialize in Hatha yoga, focusing on Yin, Restorative, Sûrya & Chandra Namaskâr, delving into Charkas and Ayurveda. In my classes, I utilize props—blankets, blocks, and bolsters—to enhance and support the benefits of each pose for your body’s well-being. The beginning and closing of each yoga experience with me is tailor-made for all who are there. I always close with Savasana, placing an eye pillow on each individual and then wrapping them in blankets, tucking them into a relaxing meditation; I like to call it “Building a nest just for you!”

I am so proud to have been able to create a yoga studio in Cayucos, which has been a long-held dream. I’ve dedicated nearly a decade to guiding myself and others through yoga. This journey has taught me the importance of honoring time’s rhythm.

My love for the town of Cayucos and the community infuses this sacred space, hoping all who step in will find the same sense of acceptance, belonging, and love.

How do you define success?
I define success for myself as “Kindness”. I want to be kind to all, and I recognize and am grateful when it is returned.

One of my daily life intentions is to be true, have clarity and it to express it outwardly.

{Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates:
At the first gate, ask yourself “Is it true?”
At the second gate, ask “Is it necessary?”
At the third gate ask “Is it kind?”
~Rumi}

I have no doubt Cayucos Yoga will be a success! It is more important that we stay organic and true to our community. We are starting in a grassroots style, allowing Cayucos Yoga to grow and blossom naturally and slowly, with grace and kindness.