Deeper, Wider, We Grow. Support Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis Today.

Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis started in my backyard—literally. At the time, I was balancing a full-time engineering job while offering donation-based classes as a way to raise money for local nonprofits. I thought it would be a small side project. But it quickly became so much more.

What I really wanted—what I needed—was connection. Like so many, I was carrying a lot: personal overwhelm, collective grief, global uncertainty. I craved a space where I could be my full self, without the weight of navigating all of that alone. And I had a feeling I wasn’t the only one.

Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis isn’t just a yoga studio. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when people are given space to be seen, supported, and real with one another. It’s taught me that when we lead with care and boldness, lives change—including our own.

9 adult queer students happily holding up a pride flag after class in the kby studio

the studio before class. the sun is setting through the windows, a black lives matter flag is seen.

students of various body types sitting on mats during a class at kby

I wanted something different from the yoga spaces I’d experienced—something with fewer barriers, more honesty, and room for people to show up as they are. In the beginning, it was about creating community. But over time, that community began to shape me.

KBY grew into a non-performative space where people are not expected to push, impress, or “fix” themselves. We don’t assume people show up with the same resources, needs, or relationship to yoga. There’s no pressure to be a certain kind of person, or to engage in any one specific way. The energy in the room is communal, not transactional. People often return not just because of the class itself, but because they feel like they can exhale here. Our space is built on mutual respect, gentleness, and the belief that showing up—however you are—is enough.

Backyard Yogis isn’t just a yoga studio. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when people are given space to be seen, supported, and real with one another. It’s taught me that when we lead with care and boldness, lives change—including our own.

I’d be lying to myself, and to my community, if I didn’t tell you the honest truth: I have felt unworthy of asking for help.

It’s been 3 years of this incredible community—something we’ve nurtured together. None of this work happens in isolation. But I’d be lying to myself, and to my community, if I didn’t tell you the honest truth: I have felt unworthy of asking for help.

From the start, we’ve had a deep pull to support many incredible local organizations, raising funds for the Care Collective, Outfront, Rootead, and sponsoring families at Christmas. Our community knows the power of putting our money where it counts. But all the while, KBY has quietly, silently struggled. I feel privileged now, at year three, to not be afraid of making rent or paying instructors. We’re lucky that we no longer have to worry too much. But we’ve never had growing room. Limited funds have meant we’ve often struggled with storage, organization, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes the magic of KBY happen. These struggles pull focus from the real, important work we do. That’s why we need your support.

With your support, we are hoping to raise funds to make some much needed improvements to Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis.

Limited funds have meant we’ve often struggled with storage, organization, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes the magic of KBY happen. These struggles pull focus from the real, important work we do. That’s why we need your support.

I’ve finally decided to ask for help. To raise the funds we need, we’ve teamed up with amazing Kalamazoo businesses, friends, and community members to organize a silent auction and sale. The auction will take place over two weeks, from April 7th to April 21st, where you’ll be able to purchase items and place bids—proceeds will go to funding improvements for the KBY studio.

We’re also excited to announce that we’re acquiring space in the upstairs studio above KBY. This new space will serve as our office and a shared studio for artists, makers, and entrepreneurs—called Hush House. Hush House will allow us to move our office out of the KBY studio, create much-needed storage, and reorganize for larger classes and better processes. This transition is a big step as we continue to strengthen our presence in Kalamazoo and evolve the space.

Three ways to support Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis:

Community, let’s see what we can do together. We’ve got three ways we are asking for support. Will you join us?

1. Shop the Silent Auction & Sale: April 7 - April 21

Shop and bid the KBY Auction + Sale before or after class, hosted in the KBY studio from April 7-21. All items for sale or auction have been generously donated by local Kalamazoo businesses!

2. Shop the KBY Wishlist

We’ve put together a wishlist for studio and office items we need to improve our space and streamline behind-the-scenes work. No item is too big or small! View the Wishlist

3. Make a Donation

Want to make a direct donation to support KBY? Every dollar counts. Donate today via Venmo to @kalamazoobackyardyogis. Please note: we are currently a for-profit business, so donations will not be tax-deductible. Make a Donation on Venmo

Thank you for listening. Thank you for your community. Together, we can continue growing—not just wider, but deeper. I want KBY to keep evolving into a space that feels like home for those who have been overlooked or excluded elsewhere. A place where care is mutual, where real relationships are formed, and where people can finally exhale.

I always say, “If it all ended tomorrow, I’d still be so proud of what we’ve built together.” My friends tell me to stop saying that—it sounds too heavy. But I don’t mean it in a heavy way. To me, that’s what legacy really is. It’s not about how long something lasts—it’s about the impact it makes while it’s here. And I know, without a doubt, that we’ve already made a ripple. In just a few years, this community has already changed lives—including mine.

From the bottom of my heart,

You. Are. Good.

- Shelby