Overview
A Yogi Kitchen, a woman-of-color-owned studio in Lawrence, Kansas, offers donation-based, all-level yoga classes that prioritize accessibility and community. Classes are arranged by request via text, allowing students to choose the style and time that suits them, from Gentle Mobility and Restorative Yoga to Slow Flow, Yin, Wake Up, and Community Yoga. Trauma-informed instruction ensures a safe space for all bodies. The studio’s profits fund food and clothing distribution, and every Wednesday is dedicated to Seva—selfless service—where participants cook meals for the Free Community Meal at Sunrise Project, providing over 700 meals monthly. Workshops like “Practices for Peace” deepen the practice with pranayama, meditation, and restorative poses. A pantry supplies food and household items to local families and unhoused individuals. This is a yoga community that extends care beyond the mat, blending movement with meaningful service.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | – |
| Tuesday | Closed | – |
| Wednesday | Closed | – |
| Thursday | Closed | – |
| Friday | Closed | – |
| Saturday | Closed | – |
| Sunday | Closed | – |
Studio in Details
Overview
A Yogi Kitchen, based in Lawrence, Kansas, is a woman-of-color-owned yoga studio that operates as a social enterprise. All classes are all-level and offered by donation, reflecting a core belief that yoga should be accessible to everyone. The studio’s profits are reinvested into the local community, supporting food and clothing initiatives. The space functions as a yoga community centered on love, service, and inclusivity, with trauma-informed instruction and a commitment to safe practice for all bodies and budgets.
Beyond the mat, A Yogi Kitchen practices Seva—selfless service—by organizing food collection and distribution for local families. Every Wednesday, there are no classes; instead, community members are invited to participate in cooking for the Free Community Meal at Sunrise Project, which shares over 700 meals monthly. The studio also maintains a pantry and repurposes household items like cookware and blankets for those in need.
Classes and Approach
Classes are held by request through a pop-up system: students text the studio to ask for the style and time they want, and the instructor assembles a group. This flexible model resists grind culture and allows practitioners to fit yoga into their schedules without rushing. Offerings include Gentle Mobility Yoga for stiffness and joint ease, Restorative Yoga for deep relaxation (using household props like towels and pillows), Slow Flow to connect breath with movement, Yin Yoga for passive long-held stretches, Wake Up Yoga with breath work, and Community Yoga designed for beginners and connection. Each six-to-eight-week session focuses on a word (e.g., Peace) with journal prompts and meditations.
Trauma-informed practices are woven throughout. The studio also hosts workshops like “Practices for Peace,” a three-hour immersive afternoon at OmTree Shale at Sunflower, featuring pranayama, mindful vinyasa, meditation, and restorative poses. Pop-ups are initiated by texting 785-760-5412.
Visitor Experience
Visitors can join from anywhere in the world, but in-person classes and service events are held in Lawrence. The studio’s atmosphere is inclusive and low-pressure, with no required donations. Classes are 60 minutes unless noted. The schedule is flexible due to the pop-up model, so newcomers are encouraged to text to request a class and be added to the group list. The studio also collects baked goods from home bakers for the community meal and welcomes those who want to assist with cooking or donation sorting. Yoga props are helpful but not essential—household items work for restorative practices. The community meal occurs four days a month, and additional Saturday afternoon meals are planned for unhoused individuals. A twice-weekly pantry provides food boxes and baking supplies. Overall, the experience blends yoga practice with tangible community care, emphasizing connection over perfection.