We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Taurins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, what matters most to you?

Hi there! I often think of my values or principles as my personal standards. Fundamentally, the only thing we truly possess is our reputation. I have built my studio and reputation on four core values: authenticity, sincerity, integrity, and inclusion. I do my best every day to lead with those four pillars in mind, whether someone is watching or not. I have found that when I live in a way that upholds and fortifies those core values, I am both at peace with and proud of myself.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

What sets Union Studio apart is our attention to the more subtle practices of yoga, meditation, pranayama, energetics, and philosophy. There are exceptional studios in Houston that masterfully focus on athletic movement. While I value those practices immensely, I wanted a home to discover and explore who I am and what brings meaning to my life. So I built Union Studio Yoga, and it is my sanctuary. I am so proud of the community of teachers and students who have found a home here. I am proud of the friendships that arise from a shared experience. I am constantly inspired by the courage of this community to be vulnerable and to be exactly who they are, even in the face of judgment.

What small business ownership offers in autonomy and fulfillment, it also provides in responsibility and challenge. I find in difficult times that consistency is the key to moving forward. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the big picture; prioritizing the needs of the moment is always enough. My experience has shown me that truth over and over again.

The studio is an extension of my heart and practice. The words that flow from me in class are what I practice AND believe. As such, our classes are not performative. They are sincerely and authentically integral to the teachings as each teacher has experienced them in their life.

People don’t need a beautiful veneer, but an example of how to manage a messy, awkward, crazy, painful, chaotic life. Our role is to help you become your own craftsman of calmness in a chaotic life.

My teacher would tell me, “Kim, you are not for everyone, and don’t try to be. When you try to please everyone, you diminish your efficacy and what you are here to do.” Given that the studio is an extension of me, coupled with the profoundness of that lesson, I encourage students, and all USY teachers, to explore and become familiar with who they are and aren’t for. I am for the people tired of being in pain or languishing, ready to take responsibility and embark upon the journey of growth and healing. I try to reinforce to my students that the journey is not always easy, and while I cannot do the work for you, I will walk with you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Love this question. Any friend of mine who is visiting for a week knows to bring activewear. Although luckily, in an emergency, we would stop by Outdoor Voices in the Heights or Vuori in the Village to stock up. A walk around Memorial Park and a visit to the dog park for some quality, good-hearted fun is a must. I wouldn’t miss Cole’s Flashback Friday spin class at SoulCycle River Oaks, nor Wednesday Lagree with Haley at The Studio Form. Of course, we would also relax with a myofascial release and meditation class at Union Studio. The food in this town is just amazing but as of late, I love sushi at Handie’s Douzo, Indian food at DaGama at the M-K-T, or Pondicheri restaurant for the morning thali. I admit I have a milk tea obsession, so roasted oolong milk tea with boba at Teapresso and a signature matcha latte from LaLaLand at the M-K-T.
One of my favorite boutiques in Houston is Genara on White Oak Blvd. The owner has curated a beautiful and thoughtful collection of incense and home goods.
We would also find time for the Museum of Fine Arts, resale shopping on Westheimer, and a performance at Miller Outdoor Theater.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe any success I have achieved to my teacher and, quite frankly, I would not be the person I am today without the guidance, mentorship, and friendship of Patrick Lovitt (Lao da Long). I wish I could tell him again what he has meant to me and how he helped transform my life, but he passed away last month. To honor his memory, I will teach to the best of my ability, as he taught me, through vulnerability and earnestly doing the work. He taught everyone by example, not by talking or lecturing. I also owe a mountain of gratitude to all the teachers and staff at the studio. Their dedication to personal awareness, curiosity, and creating a safe environment for students is unsurpassed. Each one of them has offered me grace, understanding, and support in ways I could not have imagined. Thank you all so much.

Finally, I would like to thank my three children. You inspire me to be a better person and communicator. I love you all very much.

Website: www.unionstudio.yoga

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionstudio.yoga/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/union-studio-yoga/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnionStudioYogaHTX

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/union-studio-yoga-houston

Image Credits
Katie Lenhart Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.