Yogatown

The first thing that will catch your eye as you open the door to Yogatown is the image of their mascot: a dog. It would be easy to mistake this logo as a reference to the ever-popular yoga pose downward-facing dog, however, this is not the case. “The dog is a symbol of home and unconditional loyalty and support,” explains co-owner of the hot yoga studio, Tracy Billows. “This is the core of who we are here at Yogatown – all are welcome and belong here, just as they are.”

Tracy knows a lot about the importance of feeling a sense of belonging. Throughout her studies in business and at her previous corporate job, Tracy always felt a little out of place. “None of my friends were in business at university, and at work, I was depressed and unhealthy,” she recalls. “I decided that I didn’t want that lifestyle.” She decided to use her business degree and skills towards something that she loved. In 2008, she enrolled in a teacher training course at Moksha Yoga, where she met her former business partner, Paula Munroe. “Paula was from Ottawa and wanted to move back and open a yoga studio, so we went for it!” says Tracy.