Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Drye.
Hi Kimberly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
West Asheville Yoga has always been a neighborhood studio at heart. It was founded in 2006 by a local teacher who wanted to create a welcoming, down-to-earth space where people could connect through practice. It has remained locally owned ever since, and that sense of rootedness in our community is part of what makes it special.
I began teaching at WAY in 2010, and over the years it became not just a place where I worked, but where I grew up in my teaching and found lasting connections with students and fellow teachers. After COVID, the previous owner decided to pass the torch, and I stepped into ownership. Taking on the studio in such a tender and uncertain time was both a challenge and a gift—it meant carrying forward a space that had already been a touchstone for so many, while also re-imagining how it could thrive in a changed world.
More recently, recovering from Helene has underscored just how resilient and caring our community is. We’ve had to navigate disruptions, repair, and recovery together, but what’s been constant is the dedication of our teachers and the loyalty of our students. That’s really the through-line of my story with WAY: this studio has always been about showing up for one another—whether in the quiet of a yoga class or in the face of larger challenges—and I feel deeply honored to be carrying that forward today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. I stepped into ownership just after COVID, when many yoga studios were closing their doors, and there was so much uncertainty about whether people would even return to in-person practice. Keeping the doors open and rebuilding trust and consistency with students took patience, creativity, and a lot of support from our teachers.
Then, more recently, recovering from Helene has been another major challenge. Like so many small businesses, we had to deal with closures, unexpected costs, and the disruption of routine that storms bring. But these moments—though difficult—have also shown me the strength of our community. Students and teachers rallied, we adapted quickly, and we kept showing up for each other.
So while the path hasn’t been smooth, each struggle has made the studio stronger and more rooted. Those challenges have deepened my appreciation for the resilience of this community and reminded me why a neighborhood studio like WAY matters so much.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At West Asheville Yoga, our focus is on inclusivity and community connection. We’re a neighborhood studio, so we really prioritize creating a welcoming space for all bodies, ages, and life stages. Our classes range from alignment-based yoga and gentle therapeutic offerings to kids’ yoga, workshops, and special events that bring people together in creative ways.
Personally, I specialize in alignment-based teaching and in guiding teacher trainings. I’m currently leading our tenth 200-hour teacher training, and one of the things I’m most proud of is the way we mentor and support new teachers to grow—not just in their practice, but in their voice, confidence, and connection to the community. I’m also known for weaving in reflection, creativity, and heart into my teaching, which helps people feel seen and supported both on and off the mat.
What sets WAY apart is that we’re not trying to be a big, flashy studio. We’ve stayed intentionally small and locally rooted. Our teachers know students by name, and people feel a sense of belonging when they walk in. That’s what I’m most proud of—that we’ve built and sustained a place where practice, relationships, and community all intersect in a very real and meaningful way.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out—whether it’s teaching yoga, running a studio, or really any creative path—is to be patient and steady. It takes time to build relationships, to find your voice, and to create something that lasts. In the beginning, it’s easy to compare yourself to others or to feel like you need to do everything at once. What I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection.
I also wish I had known how important it is to lean on community. As a teacher and business owner, you don’t have to do it all alone. The support of other teachers, students, and mentors is what sustains you through the ups and downs—whether it’s a pandemic, a storm like Helene, or just the daily challenges of running a small business.
Finally, I’d say: stay true to your “why.” Remember what first inspired you to do this work, and keep coming back to that when things get tough. That clarity is what will carry you through.
Pricing:
- Sliding Scale $14-$22
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westashevilleyoga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westashevilleyoga/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlydrye/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestAshevilleYoga/
