HOMETOWN YOGA
Macon's health and wellness scene has recently come alive with more farm-to-table restaurant options, a producers-only farmers' market, locally-owned health food stores and a handful of yoga studios to boot. The new kids on the block, Hometown Yoga, set themselves apart by offering unique sessions such as Shake Your Asana, Hot Method and even Toddler Yoga. Owners, Rachel Gerrity and Ashley Dunwody, are a true inspiration - on and off the mat. Their passion and talent make them a dynamic duo + the perfect #GirlsBoss team to take on an IFF Q&A!
QUICK ABOUT: Hometown Yoga’s mission is to foster a vibrant, lively and diverse yoga community in Macon. We strive to do so by bringing you the best teachers in the area who are committed to teaching classic yogic principles and alignment in a manner that is accessible and relevant to all people. We are named Hometown Yoga because we are committed to the value of community. We are a community that supports one another, strengthens one another and works to make one another shine.
Co-Owner, Ashley Dunwody, in Upward Facing Dog Pose.
Tell us your name:
Rachel Gerrity and Ashley Dunwody, Owners of Hometown Yoga. We were both born and raised in Macon, Georgia and after living in different parts of the country, we are excited to be back in our hometown!
Inspiration for starting your own biz?
We were teaching yoga at several different places in the area. We were inspired by the amazing teachers and yogis we were meeting, and we wanted to create a space where we could all come together to build one community.
What makes you tick?
Rachel: My passion is in creating, whether that’s making up a silly game to play with my 15 month old daughter or developing a workshop at the studio. I am excited by the ability to come up with an idea and then see it through to creation.
Ashley: I think my passion is creating more space and capacity for love, in all areas... establishing a soft heart with more compassion for ourselves and others.
Personal mantra:
Rachel: Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ashley: Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet. - Thích Nhất Hạnh
Pick a Superfood:
Rachel: It’s not a particularly exciting one, but I swear by the power of apples and eat at least one a day. Hopefully the fact that it is usually covered in peanut butter doesn’t negate its Superfood powers!
Ashley: Kale!
Ideal indulgence:
Rachel: Teen Mom, Miley Cyrus and frozen Girl Scout Samoas.
Ashley: Pumpkin beer and chocolate.
Co-Owner, Rachel Gerrity, in Bound Revolved Side Angle Pose.
Health trend you are loving:
Rachel: Juice cleanses – now I don’t love juice cleanses while on them, but I love the way they make my body feel. We recently did a 5 day juice cleanse at the studio in coordination with Fountain of Juice. It was a very tough five days but my body has never felt better.
Ashley: Recently, doterra essential oils have been an incredible addition to my family's health care.
Preferred yoga pose:
Rachel: Wheel - I always feel energized both physically and emotionally after a good long wheel!
Ashley: I gotta say wheel, too! Deeply invigorating.
