Meet Tara Bates of Eighty8 Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Bates.

Hi Tara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is one of the underdog. I struggled all through college in search for what made me happy. I didn’t really decide to hustle for my happiness until I found myself in places that people had created for me. I am originally from Nebraska and I moved to Arizona 5 years ago working for my family business. This family business has helped me to get to where I am at now – not just financially but mentally. I am forever grateful for the lessons in the journey. While on this journey I decided that I too wanted to open up my own business, but I wanted to do something that I had created for myself. So, I decided to get my yoga teacher training and begin my journey as a yoga teacher. However, that proved to be harder than what I was expecting. The yoga industry here in the valley wasn’t ready to make a change in its ability to diversify its image and so like most yoga teachers of color, I found myself with this certificate that no one would allow me to use.

So I stepped away from yoga for a while until a very bad breakup sent me back to the mat to deal with who I was. In this time, I told myself I was going to create a space where “All shape, shades, and soul are welcome”. This space was going to be luxury, musical and healing. Which brings us here today – I am the owner of 88 yoga the luxury boutique yoga studio in downtown Phoenix, manifested out of love.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been all bagels and lattes on a cool morning. I have cried, worried, lost lovers, lost friends, and doubted myself and I am still in the thick of this phase.

Hard things would be
1. Finding funding for someone to believe in my dream
2. Throwing all of my savings at 88.
3. Creating a community that believes in my dreams.
4. Believing in myself to know that I did this and I can do this!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Eighty8 Yoga?
Eighty8 yoga is a luxury boutique yoga studio. Our studio encourages inclusivity, strength, healing, innovation, and creativity whether it is physically or virtually. While you are experiencing your ladder vinyasa flow at 88 you will be comforted by our music selection whether it be hip-hop, pop, trap, rap, or r&b. The physical studio is heated by infrared heating technology, which benefits blood circulation, decreases excessive weight, and detoxifies the body of harmful chemicals.

Our brand is a brand that influences community in yoga, I created the slogan “All shapes, shades, and souls are welcome” to encourage all people to come and heal. However, while they come and heal we find that it is important for them to detox and feel carried through their practice.

What to expect when you come to 88?

Calorie loss 450 – 600 per class
Meditation
Mat Included Service – (no need to bring mat)
Towel Service
Bottle Service
+ More

What are your plans for the future?
Honestly, we just opened 2 months ago. We are just staying grounded right now taking things one step at a time.

For us the future is in the breath – because we know that “As long as you have breath you have options” – HoodHealer.

Contact Info:

• Email: eighty8yoga@gmail.com
• Website: www.eighty8yoga.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/eighty8yoga_
• Twitter: twitter.com/eighty8yoga