In the heart of Lee’s Summit, a local yoga studio is thriving despite the challenges of its inception during the pandemic. Megan’s Yoga Tribe, founded by Megan Sevart Culbertson, has become a sanctuary for many seeking physical, mental, and emotional healing. Culbertson, whose personal journey with yoga transformed her life, has established a vibrant community through her studio.
Culbertson, who initially found yoga after the birth of her child, describes the practice as more than just physical exercise. “It became a work in, not a workout,” she explained. Her experiences with yoga were profoundly personal, providing a much-needed respite from her previous career in the tanning industry, which she described as both financially and emotionally draining.
By age 21, Culbertson found herself deeply in debt, a situation that contributed to her sense of personal turmoil. After selling her tanning business, she vowed never to engage in ventures misaligned with her true purpose. “That business stole 15 years of my life,” she reflected. “If you knew me 18 years ago, you wouldn’t even recognize me because I was so broken.”
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Culbertson faced a new challenge: yoga studios were closed, and her own practice was disrupted. Determined to help others during this time of uncertainty, she transitioned to offering online classes from her basement studio. For 60 days, she provided these sessions for free, aiming to connect people and offer a semblance of peace amidst the chaos.
This initial outreach laid the foundation for Megan’s Yoga Tribe’s expansion. What began as a purely virtual studio quickly evolved. By May 2022, Culbertson opened a physical studio in downtown Lee’s Summit, followed by additional locations in the Lakewood area and a third site in 2023. The studio now offers 55 classes weekly, both in-person and online, facilitated by Culbertson and a dedicated team of 55 instructors.
Culbertson attributes the studio’s rapid growth to its authentic approach and the passion of its instructors. “If you are truly living your purpose and you are serving your purpose, it grows,” she said. “We say ‘feel it to heal it.’” Her instructors, described as “extraordinary,” are integral to the studio’s mission of serving and supporting the community.
Instructor Carly Duquette, who completed her teacher training at Megan’s Yoga Tribe, echoed this sentiment. She noted that the studio has fostered a sense of community beyond the practice of yoga. “We don’t just practice yoga together; we have built relationships and friendships,” Duquette said.
The studio emphasizes a non-judgmental environment and offers a safe space with trauma-informed teachers. Its Community Cares Program reflects this ethos, providing support to members facing various life challenges, such as new parenthood or transportation needs.
In addition to its core offerings, Megan’s Yoga Tribe provides teacher training, Pilates, barre, Zumba, workshops, corporate wellness programs, and studio rentals. Culbertson also organizes yoga retreats both locally and in destinations such as Arizona, Texas, and Mexico.
For those interested in exploring more about Megan’s Yoga Tribe, including their diverse class offerings and community programs, visit their website. Culbertson sums up the essence of her studio: “We’re so much more than yoga.”
Related topics:
