This is the 13th(!) in our ongoing series celebrating our happy customers. This week we’re profiling Haley Krehbiel, who we first met at a local yoga conference here in Minneapolis. Haley is a sweet SWEET loving soul and it’s our honor to feature her as our yogi highlight this week. Haley has drive, ambition, lots and lots of creativity, and a willingness to adventure and experience new things — she is what many would call a “go-getter”. She is also a tender-hearted listener, someone willing to be present without giving advice or having all the answers. She practices being present — being right by your side in support and observation. Those who know her (like me) love and appreciate her for that sense of being!
QTell us a little bit about yourself…
AI am an entrepreneur, blogger, and yoga teacher who loves the outdoors, my cats, and all things wellness. I have an all-natural skincare company called The Healing Hippy and a yoga and wellness blog called Pose and Ponder. Both of these businesses help me to express my passion for health and inclusivity. I am a strong believer that no matter what, you can do what you put your mind to; and I want to be there to support others on their journey. I am originally from Idaho but have found my heart here in Eagan, Minnesota. I don’t spend all my time on yoga; other things that I enjoy include going to the movies, mass amounts of coffee, and home repair. I also like to hone my creative energies with ceramics, textile art, and music. Meeting new people makes me so excited so if you ever find yourself in my neighborhood, stop in and say hello!
QWhat kind of asanas do you practice?
AMostly Vinyasa, but I do love a good long Restorative practice from time to time.
QHow long have you been a yogi?
AFunny story… when I first tried yoga in high school I did not enjoy it at all. It wasn’t until a little over 3 years ago that I found my way back onto my mat and fell in love with the practice.
QWhat role does yoga play in your life?
AYoga plays a HUGE role in my life. It is not only my job as a yoga teacher and as a blogger of yoga and wellness, but it is my peace. Tired? Do yoga. Angry? Do yoga. Happy? Do yoga. Stressed? Do yoga. No matter what I am going through I know that my yoga practice has my back. It also has taught me about how to maintain myself off the mat. The best part of all is that yoga has given me an opportunity to connect with like-minded people that I otherwise would not have encountered.
QDo you have a favorite pose?
AI think my favorite is Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana). There are many different adjustments that can be focused on and when you get it right and sink in, it just feels right.
QHave you ever had a “yoga moment”, something that happened during practice that you didn’t expect? That made you laugh, brought you joy, made you cry?
AYes, yes, and yes. I have experienced so many emotions on my mat. Those yoga moments always seem to pop up when I need them most!
QIs there a pose that used to be a “pillar pose” — one that you were working toward — that is now accessible to you?
AI hold quite a bit of tension in my shoulders so Eagle Arms used to be impossible. The most I could do was touch my opposite shoulder with the bottom arm. Now I can wrap around and clasp hands. That is a win in my book!
QWhen you placed your order with Big Raven Yoga, what made you choose Between the Pages?
A I am an avid gardener and focus on providing native wildflowers in my garden to help out the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. When I saw Between the Pages I knew that I needed it! I have also, recently, been focused on the word “cultivate” and the importance of it physically and metaphorically. So the wildflowers on the mat remind me to cultivate what I want in life and get rid of the “weeds” that tend to pop up!
QDo you have your eyes fixed on any other Big Raven designs? If so, which one(s) and why?
AOrange Ya Glad It’s Not Bananas?! is one that I keep eyeing. I like how spunky and fresh it is. I sometimes take my yoga a little serious so a fun, bright mat may be in my future!
QDo people ask you about your mat?
AAll the time! It makes me so happy to share this wonderful product with others!
QAny final thoughts?
AYou are doing a great job keeping the designs diverse. You seem to know what I want even before I do. I love everything about what you all do. Not only the product but the positivity you spread to all that you touch! You are making an impact and I stand behind it 100%!
Thank you, Haley! I’m SO happy to hear you say that, and I’m so glad we have you in our corner! I really appreciate you taking a few minutes to talk to all of us at Big Raven!
Haley owns Between the Pages and you can follower her on both Instagram and Facebook!