Welcome to Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter (YKVQ), a serene studio in the heart of Leeds that offers more than just yoga classes—it’s a space to connect, grow, and find balance. At the heart of our studio is a team of passionate and skilled teachers who inspire students every day.

In this article, we’re proud to introduce you to our wonderful team. Each teacher has answered a set of questions, sharing their unique journeys, philosophies, and insights. Get ready to meet the faces behind the studio and learn about the experiences that shape their teaching. Read on to meet our wonderful team.

Tiia Ourila Thorpe

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

"I was a professional dancer and always looking into different ways to support my dancing with various practices such as gym work, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, and Yoga. Yoga wasn’t love at first sight – on the contrary, I felt really ‘trapped’ on the mat. Not being able to move much and holding stillness was a real challenge for me. However, I persevered as I thought there must be a reason why I find this so challenging—something for me to learn and discover about myself."

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

"I value the yoga space as a place for everyone to come together and share their practice. I prepare my classes with an understanding of different levels, experiences, and individual bodies. I encourage students to see beyond the pose and understand the benefit of the pose regardless of the ‘look’ of the pose. I feel inspiration can only be authentic and stem from a place of passion. I am on a journey myself, learning and developing, and I invite my students to be part of this growing."

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"When life feels chaotic, I find routine and familiarity grounds me, so I turn to Ashtanga practice (Mysore). Everything about this practice feels like coming home—the familiar postures, the pace, the mantra, the breathwork. Listening to my own Ujjayi breath is very soothing, and the counted breaths give me a sense of structure. This practice promotes autonomy and makes me feel in control of something in my life—my practice—when everything else might feel out of control."

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"I like to keep active and am hardly still, so my yoga practice plays a huge part in educating me to slow down and value being as much as doing. I love experiencing life through physical sensations, and through Yin yoga and meditation, I have learned about the beautiful sensation of stillness."

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"I actually entered a piano competition when I was about 15. Music and playing the piano were a huge part of my life until I lost my heart to dance and chose it as my life path."

Tash Sekar

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

"I used to be all about a strong Ashtanga and Vinyasa practice. I loved the movement, the power, the thrill of mastering a headstand. But after my cancer experience and the operation, everything changed. I was holding so much physically and emotionally, and the idea of pushing myself into a headstand or standing poses just didn’t resonate anymore. I needed softness, support—I needed to lie down and be held. That’s when I found restorative yoga, and honestly, once you’ve tasted the pure nectar of deep rest, it’s hard to go back."

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

"My classes are mainly based on improving emotional well-being and mental health. I believe that moving the body helps release tension and improve how we feel overall. I’ve also completed specialised training in yoga for stress, anxiety, and burnout, which I incorporate into my classes to create a supportive and calming experience."

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"When life feels hectic and overwhelming, I usually turn to nurturing the physical body as a way to create space and calm. I like to do some self-massage with warm sesame oil (Abhyanga in Ayurveda), followed by pranayama and gentle, intuitive movements to release tension. I then ease into restorative stillness to fully rest and reset."

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"Yoga has profoundly influenced my life by helping me relax and let go of stress. The breath is a powerful bridge between the body and mind—deepening it, especially the exhales, calms the nervous system and provides a focus point to anchor the mind."

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"When I’m not on the mat, you’ll find me painting or crafting. I’m very creative and love making things with my hands."

Joseph Thomas

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

"I initially didn’t love yoga; it was purely compulsory as part of my dance training growing up. Only when I matured a little and my body stopped working well did I really find the value in it. Once I branched out into different yoga studios and got involved in the community, that’s when I knew I wanted to make this more of a career path."

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

"I aim to inspire people to practice with me by hopefully being as authentic as I possibly can. We can show up on the mat as we are, with no facade. We are both flowers and compost. Embrace the messiness of being human."

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"TRE (Tremor Release Exercises). When my brain and my life feel a little chaotic, this is a practice I’ll gravitate towards. Another ritual that helps me feel grounded is following a sequence of self-massage techniques. Spiky balls and foam rolling sessions are also super beneficial."

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"Practicing yoga every day helps me live more of a sober life. It also reminds me to fuel up, eat nutritionally, and take care of my instrument. Year by year, I’m becoming more accountable. That being said, I allow myself to be perfectly imperfect. I get things wrong and build wisdom from it."

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"An alternative career path could potentially be gardening or house renovation. Something project-based, involving physical labour where I can listen to the radio. Happy days. I’m also obsessed with the series Fleabag and have watched it a ridiculous amount of times!"

Carly Blackburn

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

"My background is as a professional dancer, dancing for 16 years and working as a movement director and choreographer in theatre and film before moving into teaching yoga. Yin was the moment where I dropped into my softer side, and it changed a lot for me mentally. I didn’t realise how uncomfortable I was with being still and how much my body needed compassion."

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

"I aim to educate students on how to breathe, how to self-soothe through mindfulness practices, and create classes that are applicable to real life. These are things that students can confidently do at home and build into their own practice. I am fascinated by the inner workings of the body and love to share my knowledge of anatomy."

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"Yin yoga and a simple body scan or breathwork check-in can really change up a day for me. Alongside my yoga practice, as a flexible human, it’s important that I have balance in my movement practice, so I lift weights and add resistance to my training to keep my body strong and mobile."

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"Breathwork and understanding how the nervous system affects everything—how we think, how we move, how we experience the world around us, and our mental health. Knowing how to self-regulate, understanding my body, and being in tune with my habits through mindfulness really supports my everyday life."

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"I am really into anatomy, so probably a physiotherapist—or a dog walker as a side hustle. I love dogs!"

Jess Gibbard

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

“My sister took me to my first Ashtanga class at her local studio in California, and little did I know the impact it would have. Instantly I was drawn to the practice, physically it challenged me like nothing before but more so, my mind felt spacious in a way it never had done previously. I hadn’t planned on becoming a yoga teacher, the first I thought about it was when my local yoga studio was holding their first teacher training and after sitting with that idea for a few days I realised it was something I would love to do. I never thought it would be my full time job. Yoga had helped me immensely, and to be able to share that with others was something I was drawn to.“

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

“I teach from a place of authenticity. My own practice is at the core of my teaching, if I don’t practice then I have nothing to draw upon and share. Yoga is so much more than the asana, I aim to create a space where you can show up as you are, to explore the version of yourself in that moment.“

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"I practice the Ashtanga Method daily, the routine and familiarity of the practice enables me to move with kindness and compassion even through times of overwhelm. I will offer myself space within the ashtanga method to slow down or energise when needed, it’s a beautiful practice that allows you to navigate the sequences in a way that supports your wellbeing.“

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"I’m very lucky to have created a life that revolves around yoga, and it’s truly impacts everything I do. Generally I’m just a kinder more intentional person than I would be if I never practiced yoga. The mental health benefits are astounding,and play out daily. I’ve learnt to move with compassion and intention in the face of challenge. With practice, tools of mindfulness and kindness become more and more engrained in us.”

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"Aside from yoga, you’ll find me hanging upside down on an aerial hoop or climbing the aerial silks. Other than that music is my first love, as a singer, music will always have my heart and you’ll see me heading out to see lots of gigs around Leeds :)”

Taylor Selby

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

“It was a culmination of moments in my yoga journey that led to my transformation as a teacher. As a student I was fully embedded into the physical side of the practice, and it wasn't until I truly released the expectations of my physical body that I was able to tap into the energetic side of the practice.”

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

“I aim to inspire and support students by approaching teaching with the mindset of a student myself, ensuring that I understand their needs and the progression of the practice. I create a path filled with choices and supportive challenges, allowing them to explore safely and discover their potential. By teaching authentically and sharing what resonates with me, I foster an inspiring and individualised practice.”

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"I turn to the softer side of the physical practice and tend to lean on yin yoga and myofascial release as a way to anchor myself when I am feeling overwhelmed. As much as I love teaching and practice dynamic practices, I've learned to meet my overwhelm with practices that regulate my nervous system.”

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"My yoga practice gives me the space to pause and reflect, it helps me be less reactive off of the mat. I turn to the teachings of yoga when I am in moments of heightened stress and often times use pranayama to calm my nervous system. It also helps me lead with compassion for others and those around me.”

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"I absolutely LOVE cooking! My partner always says that if yoga ever falls out I should become a chef. But for me I love cooking for the joy of it, it is something I enjoy doing because it isn't my job and I get to do it for pleasure!”

Helen Anderson

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

“I was once desperate to achieve the splits. For months I tried (and forced) yet made very little progress. The week I completely let go of the goal to "achieve" this pose and let my body relax into my version of this pose - trusting I would make incremental progress each day with practice, patience and respect for my limitations each day - was the week this pose came to me and finally felt comfortable. WIth this, I understood what yoga actually is.”

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

“I support students by giving them the tools they need to help themselves. I explain things from an anatomical perspective to give students the opportunity to connect with their body in a deeper way and understand their individual physical challenges and solutions.”

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"As I tend to teach mostly high energy vinyasa and power flows, my go to practice tends to be slow, yin style yoga. This helps me maintain balance and care for a body that works hard.
When life gets hectic or overwhelming, I make sure to journal and meditate for at least 5 minutes a day in the morning or evening. Journaling feels like a physical catharsis, an opportunity to eject negative thought patterns or stress. Meditation allows me to re enter and focus my mind on what really matters, the here and now.”

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"A daily yoga practice reminds me of the importance of patience. This helps me to be less impulsive and emotional and see the absolute truth of situations in a way I struggle to without a consistent yoga practice.”

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"Anything that would allow me to ski all day and live in the mountains where I feel most at peace. In another life, I would have loved to have been a pro skier!”

Kimberley Hayes

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

“I have always been interested & involved in fitness, enjoying running, dancing, gym & cycling. I tried my first Yoga class out of curiosity (thinking it would be too slow pace for me :)) What I noticed straight away was how invigorated I felt afterwards & the varied styles of yoga that would suit my needs.
I sold my business & as a treat to myself I booked a weekend yoga retreat in North Yorkshire. Thinking I would enjoy the relaxation, the healthy food & the reflexology. I thought It would do me good! This was where my need to know more about the ancient practice of yoga & my love had started to grow.”

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

“My mantra has always been about inclusivity & overcoming peoples doubts. To this day I love to teach people who are new to Yoga. There is something about introducing people, encouraging people and watching the transformation, using breath work, philosophy & movement.
I always begin my classes in stillness, work with grounding & arriving to practice. Then introduce breath work. I start to introduce small movements & build up from there once I can see the students are ready.”

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"When I need some time to reset myself I practice Yin & Nidra. The grounding & calming aspects of these 2 practices work every time. The way I feel my centre & teach others is always in Tadasana (mountain pose) I visualise from the ground up, spreading toes, growing roots through the feet, lifting up through the knee caps, inwardly rotating the thighs, zipping up through the abdominals, standing tall with shoulders back & down. I then rock forwards & back a few times to find my true centre.”

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"Yoga helps me every single day, there is so much more to yoga than asana. Yoga has helped me to really find gratitude in the smallest places. To value & enjoy nature, to view situations from different perspectives, to value life itself.
I recently had to experience root canal treatment at the dentist. It was quite a lengthy process, & I found it difficult to swallow which did start a little fight or flight in the nervous system. I overcame this using a simple box breath pranayama technique. This slowed down the thoughts & took my nervous system back into rest & digest.”

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"Before I became a yoga teacher, I had my own business for 20 years. Having had quite a hectic life running a hair & beauty salon while parenting my 2 boys, I like to think Yoga found me. Yoga helped me transition through selling the business, watching my boys fly the nest & go to University. So there is nowhere else I’d rather be than teaching yoga.
I did a skydive last year & absolutely LOVED it!
My favourite thing to do is spend time with “Rudy” Our labradoodle. When my boys left home I really struggled with an empty nest. When Rudy joined the family he really helped to fill that void & has brought us so much joy in the last 4 years. He is our running buddy, snuggle buddy, my absolute shadow, in fact he’s laid at my feet as i type :)”

Rose Chadwick

1. What first drew you to yoga, and how did that initial spark evolve into becoming a teacher?

"I initially started practicing a weekly Ashtanga-based class at a local gym after graduating from dance training as a way to maintain my strength and flexibility. Six months on, I booked a big trip to Australia. One of my teachers gave me a little hand drawing of Surya A&B and a few of the standing and seated postures on a scrap of paper, which I took with me in my backpack (smartphones were only just emerging at this time). I used it almost daily during my travels. On returning, I started a career teaching dance, and I also discovered Yoga Kula Leeds. My yoga practice evolved as I began attending a variety of classes. Following a trip to India in 2015 with Angela and other women from the studio, my practice became much more spiritual and deep-rooted, influencing my dance classes. I felt a pull to take my teacher training so I could share this wonderful practice with others with greater depth and understanding."

2. How do you aim to inspire and support students during their practice?

"In each class, I aim to weave a theme or imagery throughout the practice, taking moments to explore certain concepts during asanas. Themes often include the yoga sutras, changes in nature, and somatics—experiencing sensations in the body."

3. What practices do you turn to when life gets hectic or overwhelming?

"Currently, for me, pranayama and meditation, where possible, outside in nature."

4. How does yoga influence your day-to-day life outside of the studio?

"Yoga philosophy is a big influence, the Yamas and Niyamas in particular. Sometimes I use them as a way to set a daily intention or perhaps as a reflective tool when I’ve become overwhelmed or consumed by a thought or feeling."

5. If you had to pick an alternative career outside of yoga, what would it be? What's something your students would be surprised to learn about you?

"Last year, I started taking piano lessons as I’ve always wanted to play. I’d love to be able to play something by Joni Mitchell—I’ve a long way to go!"

See you on the Mat

At Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter, each of our teachers brings their authentic selves to the studio, enriching our community with their unique experiences and insights. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself physically, find emotional release, or simply reconnect with your breath, there’s a class and a teacher for you at YKVQ.

We hope this introduction has inspired you to step onto the mat and experience the magic of yoga with our incredible team. Let us help you discover the joy, strength, and serenity that yoga can bring to your life. Book your class here today.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and share your experience and images with the hashtag #YKVQ .

At Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter, each of our teachers brings their authentic selves to the studio, enriching our community with their unique experiences and insights. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself physically, find emotional release, or simply reconnect with your breath, there’s a class and a teacher for you at YKVQ.

We hope this introduction has inspired you to step onto the mat and experience the magic of yoga with our incredible team. Let us help you discover the joy, strength, and serenity that yoga can bring to your life.

Behind the Mat: Meet the Inspiring Teachers of Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter

Tiia Ourila Thorpe

Tash Sekar

Joseph Thomas

Carly Blackburn

Jess Gibbard

Taylor Selby

Helen Anderson

Kimberley Hayes

Rose Chadwick

See you on the Mat

Unlocking the Power of Breath: Embracing Breathwork at Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter