Yoga is for everybody, but not everyone knows it. These days, the yoga “scene” can intimidate eager beginners and alienate experienced practitioners.

Julie Martin created a solution in her Okanagan Yoga Centre. After over a decade of world travel, teaching yoga in far-flung studios across the globe, and studying with master teachers from varied styles and philosophies, she knew what was out there. And she knew exactly what to bring back.

Ready to settle back in Canada to start her family, Julie understood the importance of bringing accessible yoga to everyone in town. OYC was born shortly after Julie’s baby, with the doors flinging open to yoga keeners of all kinds in October 2011.

Their schedule has something for everyone, without the attitude. There’s a “Calm” class, a “Flow” class, a “Form” class, and more. Monkey Business workshops cover inversions and other special poses, and unique sessions like “Yoga Silks” offer the chance to hang from the ceiling in a hammock-like cocoon.

Doors open to the wider community in other ways, too. The Friday Karma class supports local charities. There’s Vinyl Night for music lovers, while Conscious Movie Night showcases meaningful social and environmental issues.

Julie’s yoga philosophy creates the essence of her studio: be open to who or whatever life brings, and find full acceptance in it. No wonder the doors of her Okanagan Yoga Centre open so wide.

Everyone’s welcome.