Abbey Garcia, Founder of Zen Rabbit Yoga in Travelers Rest, SC
Question: For those who may not know you yet, can you share a little about your journey into yoga and what first called you to this path?
Answer: My first “real” yoga class was actually at Asheville Yoga Center back in 2005, when it was still a cute little studio downtown. I came to that class carrying stress and pressure. But then I began to feel as though I came back to life, the way light returns after a long tunnel. Not dramatic, just almost magically present and clear.
I walked out of the studio with my friend and colleague and said, “Could you imagine doing that every day, teaching yoga and making people happy all the time?”
Little did I know that moment was just the beginning of a lifelong practice and the love of my life.
Question: What inspired you to continue your studies through Asheville Yoga Center’s Kindling the Flame 300-Hour program? At that stage in your journey, what were you longing to deepen or explore?
Answer: I was actually ready to embark on this journey back in January 2020. I had been teaching for three years and knew there was so much more to discover so I could grow as a teacher.
Then the COVID shutdown happened. Life paused, and I realized virtual learning was not for me. So I waited patiently, took my time, and found myself on a new path: opening a yoga studio.
Shortly after, I discovered teachers like Joe Taft and felt that familiar calling again, but with a different tone. It felt more purposeful and directed. I wanted to grow for myself, but I also knew how continuing education could help my community grow in the art of living yoga.
Question: In what ways did your 300-hour experience shape how you show up today, not only as a teacher, but as a leader and studio owner?
Answer: Deepening my education with a variety of teachers helped me recognize the complexity of yoga’s nonlinear practice. Because of that, I can now show up with both depth and breadth when working with individuals, large classes, teacher trainings, and fellow yoga teachers.
I also learned to embody and feel the pulse of yoga on a much deeper level.
Question: One of the intentions behind Kindling the Flame is to support teachers in stepping more fully into their authentic voice. What does showing up authentically mean to you now, both as a teacher and as a business owner?
Answer: There is no other option.
When it comes to authenticity, as Yoda says, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
I chose Do. :)
Question: As a studio owner, what has been the biggest challenge of running a yoga studio? What has been the greatest joy?
Biggest challenges:
I want to accommodate everyone’s schedules even though I know it’s impossible. Having hard conversations (they’re hard, but breathing helps). Tax season. And honestly, making Instagram reels can feel a bit soul-sucking sometimes (lol).
Greatest joy:
Always hearing people share stories about how much the studio, the teachers, and the community have deeply and beautifully impacted their lives.
Question: What advice would you share with someone who feels called to open their own studio but may be feeling uncertain or intimidated by the leap?
Answer: Don’t force it. I believe it needs to make sense — location-wise, financially, and energetically.
It also helps if you’re already an experienced yoga teacher within the community where you want to open a studio.
And run your studio as a yoga teacher, not just as a business owner. Make decisions with your heart rather than only a spreadsheet… although sometimes you do need both.
Question: What’s currently lighting you up in 2026? What are you creating, building, or dreaming about?
Answer: I’m really excited to be starting a 300-hour program at Zen Rabbit Yoga called Living the Art of Yoga. I’m so grateful to have amazing teachers joining me in leading this program and for the opportunity to offer quality education within our community.
Question: Where can our community connect with you and support your work?
You can follow along on Instagram or Facebook: @zenrabbityoga
Visit the website for information and details:
www.zenrabbityoga.com
Or come visit the studio in downtown Travelers Rest:
14 S. Main St, just an hour south of Asheville.
