Vinyasa Casa Opens, Offering Yoga and Community Space in Mt. Hood Villages

It’s not often that The Mt. Hood Villages gets excited about new businesses and events in this small corridor, but residents and neighbors are on pins and needles with the grand opening of Vinyasa Casa. Located in the back of the Thriftway plaza, Vinyasa Casa will not only house a variety of different yoga classes, but will also host a number of exciting community events inspired by the needs and wants of The Mt. Hood Villages.

Owner and massage therapist Kristi Carson, along with her partner, Christopher, decided last year to expand the massage business. They created a plan that speaks to their passions relative to self-care and movement, and encourages community members to do the same. “Chris and I have talked about the different ways we could grow with our community while celebrating our strengths and learning new things,” Carson said. “We’ve always been attracted to movement arts and wellness, so living here it was easy to see that there was space for a community wellness and fitness space to thrive,” Carson added.

A resident of The Mt. Hood Villages for the last decade, Carson has been involved in the wellness industry for the last 18 years. Her career began as a licensed esthetician, specializing in holistic skincare and sugaring, but she found her true passion in the overall care of the body and the natural flows that allow it to thrive. A licensed massage therapist for over 15 years, her professional calling is the care of others through touch and healing. “What I do isn’t just massage: I am a muscle mechanic,” Carson said. “I have a passion for pain management, primarily through myofascial release, while maintaining spa vibes. I’ve been trained in many modalities, but my favorites are myofascial release, Thai massage (which I studied in Thailand) and Sarga (a myofascial release technique using my feet),” she added.

Her passion for transforming the body is both a new business venture and a way of giving back to her community. Carson and Christopher have high expectations for Vinyasa Casa. Offering a variety of different physical arts, the overall theme of Vinyasa Casa caters to just about everyone with a desire to move. “We think the possibilities for the space are limitless, but we plan to always offer yoga, Pilates, and movement art, as well as host social nights like cards, chess, and dancing,” Carson said. “Our vision is to connect with the community in a healthy and uplifting way.”

With years of artistic experience, training, and a desire to strengthen the community, both Carson and Christopher dove headfirst into the renovation process, handling most of the hard work and labor themselves. Using the space as their canvas and their vision as the brush, Carson and Christopher were able to transform the space into a unique community hub, with the help of friends and neighbors. “We had help from our friends, family, and neighbors, and we could not have done it without them,” Carson said. “Vinyasa Casa is truly a product of the dedication of two local artists wanting to create a feel good, high vibration place to share with our beloved mountain family, friends, and visitors.”

Although Carson and Christopher have the same overall goal for the facility, they have different emphases in the creation of Vinyasa Casa. “Chris and I are excited about different things,” Carson said. “I am most excited to connect with people, to have fun and to share wisdom and create art and connection. He's obviously most excited that we’ve created a beautiful place to exercise and practice yoga right here in the heart of the community.” 

Currently open and operational, Vinyasa Casa’s schedule of classes and events can be found on their website, thevinyasacasa.com. Eager to share their holistic home – their space, skills, and artistic gifts –  with The Mt. Hood Villages, Carson and Christopher are excited to be up and running. “We hope you like what we’ve built and enjoy the experiences and lessons these amazing humans want to share with us,” Carson said. "It’s an honor to gather together and share in the experience we call life,” Carson added.