Lion’s Breath Yoga is a studio based in Tullamore, offering a variety of practices including hot yoga, vinyasa, and hot Pilates, as well as sound baths and kirtan. We caught up with founder Tanya Ross to learn more about the inspirations behind the studio…

Tell us a bit about your background and your yoga journey…

I dabbled in yoga during my teens and twenties but never fully committed. In my thirties, after a personal crisis, I needed a break, so my sister and I attended the three-day Soul Circus yoga festival in the Cotswolds. I didn’t know what to expect, but I felt drawn to it. Despite my limited experience, I embraced the freedom and non-judgmental teachings. My sister, Belinda, a reformer pilates instructor and personal trainer, encouraged me to practice regularly, and I started Hot Yoga at a local studio.

Around the same time, I completed a year-long course in Emotional Bio-decoding, which explores how trauma is stored in the body. This course guided me towards teaching yoga, showing me how deeply interconnected our physical and emotional experiences are.

Later, I trained in Vinyasa yoga at Suryalila in Spain with Vydia Heisel and Lisa Dunne, and was thrilled to be offered a job at a local studio soon after. Despite moments of self-doubt, I embraced the opportunity. I’ve since advanced my training in Asana Analysis, Anatomy & Dedicated Practice, Advanced Assisting & Touch Methodology with Micheal James Wong from Krama Yoga as well as Restorative Yoga with teachers Joanne Silver + Keely Garfield. I am currently training in Bhakti Yoga with Oonagh O’Sullivan. Deepening my learning and practice is endless and I love it!

Yoga didn’t just offer me an escape; it reconnected me to myself. I learned that yoga goes beyond the physical postures—it’s about how we engage with ourselves, others, and the world around us. It has deepened my relationships with my partner, daughter, family, friends, and even the environment. The more I learn about yoga, the more I appreciate its inclusive and transformative power.

What inspired you to open Lion’s Breath Yoga Studio and when did you open the space?

I envisioned creating a sacred space in the heart of my hometown where people could step through the door and leave their worries and stresses behind. I wanted to offer a sanctuary, a place where I could hold space for others and provide a truly unique, calming refuge.

What is your mission with Lion’s Breath Yoga Studio?

My mission is rooted in ‘Seva,’ meaning selfless service and Bhakti, a practice of selfless devotion, recognising the sacred and divine in everything. I am dedicated to deepening my practice by connecting with my true nature and fostering a sense of connection with others and the world around me through the spirit of Seva and Bhakti.

How is Lion’s Breath Yoga Studio different from other wellness spaces?

We all have something unique to offer that’s what is so wonderful about all wellness spaces – no two are the same as no teacher is the same. My personal ethos in the studio is that: if it resonates with you, share it. From genuine authenticity you’ll create meaningful connections with others.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of opening their own wellness space or studio?

Always trust your instinct, don’t be afraid to reach out to others for advice and help, despite competition, always remain as open as you possibly can and trust that you are on the right path. Be your own biggest cheerleader.

• Practically speaking, keep up your own personal practice, this should be your priority.

• Find a mentor for separate disciplines, Asana, Philosophy, Business

• Hire a good photographer / videographer and advertise as much as you can. This will be money well spent.

• Emotionally speaking, take time to learn your students and potential students names and personal needs. Building relationships is key in business and in life.

• Interview all prospective teachers to find out if you are on the page before hiring.

• Always stay true to yourself.

Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?

They change from time to time but right now my mantra is “I will be gentle with myself”.

Find out more about Lion’s Breath:

Website: https://www.lionsbreathyogastudio.com/

Instagram: @lionsbreathyogastudio

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