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

Hi Ali, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind Yoga.ATL’s success is community.

People may come to class for a workout, to try something new, or because it’s one of the more affordable ways to practice in Atlanta—but they keep coming back for the connections.

Since starting Yoga.ATL, I’ve met so many incredible people, watched strangers become friends, and even old friends reconnect. Bringing people together like that is truly special.

In a world that feels so busy and chaotic, I think it’s important to carve out time for yourself—and stepping onto your mat is a great way to do that. But I also make it a priority to create opportunities for connection after class. Whether we’re grabbing coffee, strolling through the farmers market to pick out veggies, or just chatting for a few minutes, it’s a chance for people to slow down and connect. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this world together, so we might as well support each other, share experiences, and grow as a community.

Community is the heart of everything I do—and why people keep coming back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I first stepped on a yoga mat in 2017, just looking for a workout that didn’t feel like a chore. I quickly realized yoga was way more than exercise—it became my escape while I was studying to be a teacher and, later, my lifeline when I was in the classroom. Ask anyone who knew me back then—I was sprinting to the studio after school to let the day melt off on my mat. Honestly, when I decided to do yoga teacher training, I wasn’t planning to be an instructor. I just wanted to learn more and deepen my practice.

After leaving the classroom in 2024, I thought I’d found my “fresh start” job… until I was laid off a month later. That stung, but it pushed me to lean into yoga like never before. I spent time on my mat, crying, sweating, and breathing through all the uncertainty. Most of my practice had been in heated studios, but one day I took my mat to a quiet park in my new neighborhood and thought, I need to share this. On August 25, 2024, I taught a small class to friends, neighbors, and new faces, and the energy from that day sparked what is now Yoga.ATL.

Yoga.ATL was created to make yoga accessible, affordable, and rooted in connection. Classes are donation-based or offered with tiered pricing so everyone can show up. I partner with local businesses—coffee shops, animal shelters, restaurants, and small venues—so our events support the community beyond the mat.
What sets Yoga.ATL apart is that it’s not just yoga. It’s people meeting for the first time and grabbing coffee after class. It’s sharing stories, finding support, and remembering that we’re all navigating something. This isn’t about fancy studios, perfect poses, or expensive memberships. It’s about showing up, moving, breathing, and connecting—with yourself and the people around 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?
If I had a whole week with a friend in ATL, I’m pretty sure I could convince them to move here by the end of it. Most of our time would be spent on the Beltline, walking or renting bikes from Musette to hit up all the spots.

Breakfast at Homegrown with a coffee from StoryTeller Goods is a must, and we’d hop between ParkGrounds, Estoria, Jen Chan’s, Carroll Street Cafe, and La Semilla before catching a show at The Eastern.

One night would definitely be reserved for a full-on Glide Pizza feast while we yap on my couch and recover before a Piedmont Park day— with a Tanbrown coffee from Stroll in hand.

I’d also check The Nerdy Retreat’s Instagram for whatever events and pop-ups drop that week and hope The Morning Groove or a Wacky Social Club meetup is on the schedule because that’s been a whole vibe lately.

On Sunday, my friend would take my community yoga class at Lang Carson Park and hit up the Reynoldstown Farmer Market afterward.

We’d have to cool off with Big Softie, let Nala run free at Fetch or Skiptown while we enjoy a drink or two, and make an OFW Market stop for a pig ear for Nala—and some ridiculously good Indian food for us.

Atlanta really has a little bit of everything, but what makes it special is sharing the local businesses and neighborhood gems that make this city feel like home. That’s also at the heart of what Yoga.ATL strives to do—building community through movement while supporting the local spots that bring Atlanta to life.

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?
My biggest shoutout goes to the community that’s grown around Yoga.ATL and the local businesses that have partnered with me to make events possible. I’m thankful to have support from my friends, family, partner—and yes, even my dog Nala, who is the master of downward dog and my biggest fan. Most of them don’t even practice yoga, though, so it’s always a treat when they step on the mat and unknowingly end up showing up for themselves, too. The first community class I held in August 2024 had an energy that sparked everything. It showed me I wanted to create a space where post-class hangs, new friendships, and unexpected partnerships could naturally grow. Yoga.ATL wouldn’t be what it is without this community, and I’m endlessly grateful for their support as we keep growing together.

Website: https://linktr.ee/yoga.atl

Instagram: @yoga.atl

Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/yogaatl-110910288191

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