Sam's first love was dance and that put her on the path of body awareness, music therapy, and the practice of embodiment. She took all of this things and poured them into something she was so badly craving and created YoBa Studio. She set out to create something much more than a studio but a brand to share, build, and grow. Sam is here to help share these practices that are rooted in learning how to listen to the body. Sam is passionate about using the body as the gateway to process emotions and listen to your heart. She believes that movement is a powerful tool for listening to your heart and truth. Sam is ERYT-200, NASM-CPT,  ACE, & RYT certified and blessed to have the opportunity to help share her passion, love, and healing through YoBa Studio in Raleigh and surrounding areas.

Get to know Sam:

Music plays this role in my life:

Music is healing. Music is universal. Music can pull us out of a depressed state while bringing us to tears. It's a way to communicate. Feeling the rhythm and beat in your body, both start to work towards your soul.

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner?

BRUNCH all day every day. I love a good hash and waffle, but will never turn down a biscuit.

My teaching style is:

Heartfelt, passionate, energizing, strengthening, while learning to welcome and appreciate stillness and quietude.

The most fulfilling part of teaching a class:

Being able to share my real heart and soul with our community. Being venerable enough to show up raw and honest with all of our students. Giving myself permission to show up as I am hoping that will inspire others around me to do the same. It in some ways forces me to take care of myself the best I know how, it keeps me in check with my heart, spirit, and soul daily. Many days I myself want to run from my mat or practice but at the end of the day, I’m grateful to be able to do this for myself and other people.

Nikki, a Raleigh native, spent much of her childhood on the soccer field and cheerleading for both school and competitive teams. After graduating from Florida State University, she moved to Los Angeles, CA and fell in love with the city, the people, and the culture before locating back to Raleigh.

Although she discovered yoga in 2013, Nikki became more serious about her practice after becoming a YoBa Studio Unlimited member. She studied under Sam Williams and was RYT-200 certified through YoBa Studio’s YTT program in 2019.

Her favorite part of becoming a teacher was learning how serving the community is such an important aspect of this position. She loves combining her eclectic music taste along with purposeful movement to her flows and she is excited to experience the practice with you!

When she's not inside the studio you can find Nikki reading a great thriller, watching a scary movie or celebrating her favorite holiday, Halloween (notice a theme here?) She also loves spending time with her husband Bill and her dog Birdie!

Get to know Nikki:

You can find my own mat rolled out at this class:

YoBa. I love the mix of barre movements and a mindful practice together. The best kind of combo!

Music plays this role in my life:

Music inspires my life every day and I believe it is a form of communication. You can express your feelings with the press of a play button, without having to say a word. I love that music is such a big part of how we practice at YoBa.

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner:

Breakfast! All the savory dishes and LOTS of coffee, please!

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

I started off at YoBa as a client, where the studio was my place of reprieve and decompression from my busy day. For me, YoBa always meant a place of support and an opportunity to lose myself in movement and music. I crave the heat and crave the classes - even as a team member!