Exploring Life & Business with Katie Rapkoch of Paws + Breathe: Yoga with Impact

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Rapkoch

Hi Katie, 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?
I have been volunteering at the county animal shelter and with various rescues in the valley since 2017, and teaching yoga since 2018. I adopted my first dog, Champ, in 2013 and he was the inspiration to start volunteering to help vulnerable animals in need. I have spent countless hours at the shelter, fostering, and promoting adoptable dogs since 2017, and I started teaching yoga fundraisers soon after becoming a yoga teacher to help raise money for local animal welfare organizations. In April 2024, just five months after I lost my beloved Champ, I launched Paws + Breathe and began teaching regular yoga class fundraisers as a way to honor his legacy. Since April 2024, I have helped raise over $15,000 for local animal welfare organizations. Champ is the motivation behind everything that I do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Luckily, it has been a fairly smooth road, although I have tried an failed many other things up until this point. I work for a start-up company full time that helps people overcome symptoms of chronic illness, so juggling that and my passion for yoga and rescue dogs can definitely be exhausting. I love what I do in both my career and this passion project, so I tend to push myself harder than I probably should, so I am always coming back to the importance of rest and recovery- just as I teach my yoga students. Honestly, though, since starting Paws + Breathe, I have experienced so many amazing opportunities to partner with local rescues, collaborate with other small businesses, and give back to the dogs. It really all feels very aligned and I am so grateful for that!

We’ve been impressed with Paws + Breathe: Yoga with Impact, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Paws + Breathe is a yoga initiative designed to inspire change for both humans and animals. Paws + Breathe brings accessible and impactful yoga to help individuals enhance their well-belling while giving back to animals in need. Whether during signature classes, in private sessions, or at fundraising events, Paws + Breathe connects self-care with meaningful impact, fostering a community built on compassion and care.

I have over 12 years practicing yoga, and am a Trauma-Informed 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Nidra Instructor. With eight years working in physical therapy, seven years as a health and wellness coach, and a certification in Applied Neuroscience, my goal is to help individuals move their body, calm their mind, and improve overall health, all while giving back.

What sets Paws + Breathe apart is its unique mission to support animal welfare. I partner with animal welfare organizations and local small businesses, using yoga to raise awareness and funds for animals in need. This mission extends to uplifting vulnerable humans as well, creating a ripple effect of transformation in our community.

You can find out more about Paws + Breathe at pawsandbreatheaz.com and following @pawsandbreatheaz on Instagram- join us for an upcoming fundraiser to get your zen on and meet adorable, adoptable dogs!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for those just starting out is that it’s absolutely, 100% OKAY to fail! I have quit more things that I can count in my life, but being able to let go of the things not serving me always led me to something even better and more aligned with my spirit. We grow and evolve as humans, and our interests and passions change. So walking away from something you used to want, but no longer do is a courageous and wise thing. You will find your calling, just keep staying true to who you are in the present moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/pawsandbreatheyoga
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsandbreatheaz