Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Joe DeSantis.
Hi Katy Joe, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I first began training to become a teacher in 2013 with Hilaire Lockwood, ERYT-500, at Hilltop Yoga in Lansing, MI. I received my 200hr Yoga Alliance certification that year, and then went on to complete 500 hours of training in 2015 at this same space at 107 East Cesar Chavez Avenue. I managed Hilltop Yoga for several years, as well as assisted in Hilltop Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Since then, I’ve taught to a variety of levels and abilities in studios, gyms, at workplaces and festivals, on beaches, in gardens, on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol, and more. I am now an ERYT-500 with over a decade of teaching experience, including at my own self-led retreats (international and local), and a YACEP, accredited to offer trainings, of which my specialization is Yin.
As the owner of Lovelight Collective, it is an honor and a privilege to steward this space and to teach with and practice amongst some of my favorite yoga instructors. This space has been home to me for many years, and I am thrilled to continue providing intuitive, heart-centered, and empowering yoga and other events for the Lansing community.
No matter where or how I am teaching, I aim to focus on intuitive, alignment-based, traditional yoga that reminds us how strong and soft we truly are, and of the divine Lovelight that we all carry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was never in my plan to own a yoga studio — but I am so grateful for the people and the experiences that led me here, and truly felt like it was meant to be.
Almost two years ago, I was approached by the studio where I first fell in love with this practice and learned to teach (Hilltop Yoga), and was asked if I would like to inherit the space in the hopes of keeping our traditional, spiritually-focused, and alignment-based style of yoga alive in our community. Although it was very unexpected, I couldn’t say no. With their support, Lovelight Collective opened within two short months — a total whirlwind! While I wasn’t fully sure I was ready to take on this effort, upon reflection, I found that I had a vision of a space that offered authentic and inclusive yoga, as well as space for other practitioners to share their wellness gifts with our community.
The quick turnaround posed a lot of challenges — mostly financial. However, the incredible group of instructors who chose to join me on this journey supported me and offered me their grace as I scrambled to figure things out. Now, almost two years in, things feel smoother, and every challenge just poses a new opportunity for a creative solution.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My specialization in yoga is based off a long lineage that honors the tradition of teaching to each individual student based on their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. I meet students where they are at, whether they are beginners, or longtime practitioners. My knowledge of anatomy and experience working with different bodies and ability levels allows me to create classes that challenge and care for my students at the same time.
I create my sequences intuitively, and am able to instruct to all levels of students in the same room, leaving no one behind. Through my classes, I hope to share the confidence, courage, inner wisdom, and healing that yoga can offer.
How do you define success?
Success to me is defined by personal contentment. Success means being able to be authentic in your daily life and your work, having confidence, and courage to live by your own personal values. Most importantly, true success is doing all of that, while helping to make the world a better place through your actions: big and small.
Pricing:
- First Class $5
- $5 Community Class Offered Weekly
- Unlimited Monthly Pass: $115
- Discounted Punchcards, Student + Senior Rates Available
- Regular Drop-In: $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovelight-collective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelight_collective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561324857266
- Other: https://linktr.ee/lovelight_collective
