Co-Creators
Jennifer Sol
Jenni's journey into the world of yoga began over two decades ago, as she delved into the realms of Hatha and Iyengar yoga, seeking to complement her physical and endurance training. But it wasn't until she discovered Ashtanga that she truly found her home on the mat. Embracing the Ashtanga tradition, Jenni immersed herself in rigorous training, earning her E-RYT-500 certification, alongside becoming a Certified Personal Trainer under NASM.
For Jenni, yoga transcends mere physical practice; it's a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation, and a lot of fun. Guided by her heart, she shares this transformative gift with her students, infusing each class with passion and authenticity.
Beyond the yoga studio, Jenni finds joy in spending time with her partner Eric, daughter Lily, and beloved dog Lola. Whether they're exploring the serene beauty of the lake, wading through New York State creeks, wandering enchanting forests, or catching the latest Broadway shows, every adventure is cherished.
In addition to teaching yoga, Jenni channels her expertise as a yoga teacher mentor and small business consultant, empowering fellow wellnesspreneurs to thrive. As a yoga professional, Jenni offers a diverse range of yoga programs and classes tailored to intermediate-level students, as well as personalized intensives for beginners, ensuring that everyone can experience the transformative power of yoga on their unique journey.
Learn more about Jenni Sol Yoga at https://www.yogabadassacademy.com/.
Mona Anita K. Olsen, Ph.D.
Meet Mona, a British-American with a penchant for dreaming big. She's what you'd call a third-culture kid (TCK), soaking up experiences from all corners of the globe. But her heart led her from the hustle of New York to chase her Dream In Progress (DIP)—transforming a humble barn into Kalista Låven, a haven for immersive experiences that spark active learning, reflection, and community vibes. Picture it: a space where yoga intertwines with the art of flowers, aptly named Route 8 Flow: From Flow to Flow(ers).
Before embracing her role as a barn renovator, Mona Anita was busy making a difference as an assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Cornell's Nolan School of Hotel Administration. It was there that she discovered her love for yoga and flowers and embarked on a journey to become a certified instructor. She even concocted Yogibana, a fusion of Yoga and Ikebana in 12 serene steps, as part of her Engaged Cornell Fellowship.
But rewind a bit, and you'll find Mona Anita as a U.S. Fulbright Grantee spreading her wings in Norway, courtesy of the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. This is where her Dream in Progress (DIP) was planted!
Now, when she's not immersed in making memories with her daughter or crafting her next flower arrangement, Mona can be found perfecting her skandasana or whipping up a mean latte. With degrees from Cornell, the University of Virginia, and George Mason University under her belt, she is also certified in Sogetsu Ikebana and Yoga instruction (C-HYI) (Y12).
Her passion for teaching extends far and wide, from The Cornell Botanical Gardens to the quaint corners of Norway and Scotland. And when she's not busy inspiring, you'll catch her behind the lens or simply indulging in her love for all things floral and caffeinated. In a world where dreams collide with reality, Olsen encourages you to Dream Bigger.
Alexander Kakigori
Wenche Krag Beard
Wenche, founder of Yoga Life Studio in Eastbourne, is an experienced yoga teacher who inspires a transformational yoga practice, emphasizing inclusivity and personal growth through yoga.
Wenche's love affair with yoga started 24 years ago and has since dedicated her life to sharing yoga with the world. Wenche is an activist in yoga and her passion and knowledge is contagious and inspiring. Wenche is originally from Farsund but turned her compass out into the world at the age of just 18. Wenche gained a rich background from both Los Angeles and later England where she has spent the last 27 years of her adult life.
During this time, Wenche has established herself as a prominent figure in the yoga world. With a deep understanding and passion for the transformative power of yoga, Wenche has developed a unique teaching style. This style is characterized by an understanding of the cycles of nature, the elements and the chakra systems, and reflects her varied life experiences. Her dedication to yoga led to the founding of Yoga Life Retreats & Holidays, now Living Yoga Retreats, an initiative offering yoga retreats worldwide, which has become a popular choice for those seeking a deeper understanding and practice of yoga. In 2013,
Wenche took a significant step forward in her yoga career by launching Yoga Life Teacher Training. This program has since undergone a re-branding and is now known as the Living Yoga Teacher Training School, a name that reflects the constant development and growth of her teaching methods.
Wencher's approach to yoga is inclusive and is based on a conviction that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, physical capacity or faith. Through her classes, retreats and teacher training programs, she promotes a life that is courageous, joyful and passionate, inspiring her students to break free from limitations and live authentically.
After several years outside, Wenche now spends longer periods in Farsund and knows that this is where she belongs and is passionate about creating a vibrant and content-rich yoga environment locally and nationally.
Nina Willumsen Moseidjord
“I am passionate about sharing yoga because I believe it is an essential counterbalance to our hectic and stressful lives”.
Nina is a brilliant yoga instructor who spreads joy and inspiration through her teaching. She loves to share her knowledge and experience so that you too can experience the incredible benefits that yoga has to offer.
Nina runs Emijoly Yoga Studio and Spiren Kafe in Kristiansand, where she is fully dedicated to helping others on their yoga journey. And run a environmental friendly café that specialize in serving plantbased food that tastes amazing.
With 15 years of experience as a yoga practitioner and 12 years of experience as a yoga instructor and pilates teacher, Nina has developed a deep understanding of the body's movements and how yoga can transform both the body and mind.
She not only has extensive training in Vinyasa, but has also furthered her education in Jivamukti, Bikram, Strala Yoga N.Y, Yin, Restorative, Pilates, Barre, and has participated in workshops with some of the most renowned yoga instructors in the world, such as Kino Macgregor, Kathryn Budig, Kia Miller, and Tim Feldmann.
Nina has found her passion in Jivamukti yoga and believes it is a powerful practice that can transform both the body and mind. She believes that yoga is more than just physical exercises - it is a lifestyle that reminds us to breathe, spread love, and be present in the moment.
Through her teaching, Nina aims to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your own yoga practice, find inner peace, and achieve a deeper connection with yourself. Join Nina on her yoga journey and let yoga become a source of inspiration, balance, and inner strength in your own life. Together, we can create a world where we all live in harmony with ourselves and our surroundings.
Kristin Stavseth Knutsen
Kristin started her yoga journey about 15 years ago after a “good-girl”-syndrome burnout and discovered that what she thought was her normal state of being actually was a stressed-out-going-on-autopilot way of being. From always being overwhelmed to actually feeling stillness and happiness in her mind, body and soul brought her to eventually change the direction her life was going. She quit her Business-and Administration Master and hopped on a plane to Mexico to do a Yoga teacher training at Yandara Yoga Institute. Even though everyone around her thought she was crazy, she had never felt so sane in her entire life. This was the beginning of a beautiful journey. She immersed herself in the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, and travelled to India for several months to study this type of yoga (also journeying to other countries with her boyfriend to surf and enjoy life, in between working hard at home and saving up money).
"Eventually we ended up in the most beautiful place of all: Lista!"
So, life wasn´t about doing and accomplishing anymore, but enjoying the beauty that life brings. Back in Kristiansand she co-ran a yogastudio and Café in Kristiansand (Spiregården Yogastudio and Spiren Kafé) for a few years.
Kristin is now in the chapter of her life where taking care of a little one and also being pregnant takes up a lot of space and introspection.
“My yoga practice has gotten softer, more intuitive compared to the disciplined and very physical Ashtanga Yoga practice. I would love to give pregnant women 90 minutes of magic, focusing on softness and strength at the same time, preparing for the peak of pregnancy: the birth of this new human! Learning to listen to our bodies, our intuition and our baby. The time we´re in right now is an experience we need to treasure. To find calmness, strength and fearlessly listen to ourselves rather than what everyone else are telling us is something that I feel is important to practice.”
“There is a special joy in always going deeper in meditation, yoga and learning the philosophy and psychology of yoga and how the mind works”.
Kristin says she is always a student and continues to learn about ways to feel happier and healthier in mind, body and soul.