Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Schultz-Purves.
Hi Robin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I joined my first yoga class in 2006 as a competitive rower, initially looking for ways to prevent injuries as I got older. I quickly discovered that yoga offered much more than just physical benefits—it nurtured balance, focus, and overall well-being. I was immediately hooked.
At the time, I had just been laid off from a job I’d held for 15 years and was navigating a major life transition. Yoga became both a grounding force and a source of inspiration. I realized how much I loved both practicing and teaching yoga, so I pursued my certification and decided to turn my passion into a career by founding Yoga Rising.
No matter your age or experience, my classes are designed to expand flexibility and mobility in ways that are both challenging and restorative. They help reduce injuries, increase balance, and support longevity—both in your sport and in daily life. I also draw on my background in Social Work and Experiential Education to create a supportive, community-centered environment where every student feels seen and encouraged.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been fortunate to have a relatively smooth journey in building my business. The biggest challenge I face right now is balancing the growing demand for private clients and classes with my full-time job. My hope is that as Yoga Rising continues to grow, I’ll eventually be able to transition into teaching yoga full-time.
Another, more minor challenge is that I don’t have a brick-and-mortar studio. I currently rent beautiful community venues—like a Nature Center and a Wellness Center—to host my classes. While this setup allows me flexibility and connection to different spaces, it can sometimes be challenging for vendors to recognize that I’m still running a legitimate, established business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Alongside running my yoga business, I’m also a school counselor at a small independent school for neurodiverse students, ages 5 through 18. I mostly work with the middle and high schoolers, and I really love getting to support them and be part of their journey.
As a yoga teacher, I am known for showing up and being there for students and supporting them through challenges. I am also known for my sense of humor and my compassion, especially when my students are looking tense in a challenging pose!.
My biggest accomplishment has been seeing my vision come to life—building the kind of community I always hoped for. I’ve stayed with it through the ups and downs, constantly tweaking things, learning, and growing along the way.
What sets me apart is my dedication to lifelong learning and excellence in my teaching. I’m committed to understanding and applying best practices in yoga so that my students always benefit from safe, effective, and evolving instruction.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The following fitness/yoga/mobility experts not only inform my teaching and knowledge base they all inspire me in different ways. I have trained with each of them.
Jenni Rawlings www.jennirawlings.com.
Sarah Kreiner, Owner and my favorite instructor at the Mix. the-mix-studios.com
Jenni Tarma, www.kaariprehab.com
Amy Ippoliti, www.amyippoliti.com
Sage Rountree. www.sagerountree.com/
Sara Gronewold Former Head Rowing Coach and Director of Craftsbury Sculling Center www.craftsbury.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yogarising.fit
- Instagram: yogarising15
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogarising.fit/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@robinschultz-purvesyogaris7998
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=yogarising+&find_loc=Ann+Arbor%2C+MI
