The Soular Yogi opened in Gulfport last spring with a passion for yoga, healthy living and a balanced lifestyle. Their mission is to promote intentional partnerships and a true sense of community by providing empowering experiences to a wide range of students.

“We are driven by self-empowerment. Our playful and energetic classes fuse movement, the breath and stillness in a fresh and innovative way to encourage students to live a fearlessly inspired life,” says owner LaToya Bass-Barnes. The studio’s class schedule includes a mix of high-energy, music-filled, heated and non-heated flow yoga and power yoga, as well as stress-relieving yin and gentle yoga. Additionally, a vinyasa class and a gentle yoga class are offered virtually via Facebook Live each week.

As a member of the Yoga Body and Image Coalition, and the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance, Bass-Barnes strives to promote diversity, body positivity and inclusivity in the yoga community. She emphasizes that yoga is for everyone regardless of race, religious beliefs, body type and socioeconomic status, saying, “I wanted to open a studio where everyone feels welcome when they walk in the door. Bringing everyone together—connection—that’s what yoga is really all about.”