Anna Bazalar was making plenty of money in California in mortgage sales, but life took an unexpected turn due to a severe knee injury. An active, all-around athlete, Anna was forced to make some decisions in order to maintain her physical and emotional health. Running, hiking, skating, snowboarding is what kept Anna sane in the zany life of the banking world, and high-intensity sports was no longer an option.
A trip to Kauai, Hawaii, turned into a deep connection and practice of yoga, and a decision to move to Kauai. Within the first year of moving to the island, her partner James, became sick and was no longer able to hold a job or provide for Anna or their new baby boy. He spent several months in California for treatment. At this time, she knew this meant totally reinventing herself and a new way of living in order to support her family.
Anna’s passion for yoga was deepened by becoming a certified yoga and Barre teacher, and by the gutsy decision to open Kauai’s only Barre studio, “Studio Barre and Soul Kauai.” Barre is a method of strengthening the body through isometric exercises and dance movements with and without the use of a wall bar. It can be a fast paced and intense class, as Donna Maria can attest.
This whole experience represents the words found on the shirt that Anna wore the day of her interview, “Fierce and Feminine.” Anna has been fierce in the face of challenges, but her belief in herself and her feminine energy has brought to life an amazing studio.
While it was a challenging and soul searching journey, Studio Barre and Soul Kauai has grown into a beautiful space full of joy and love, and is a host to several different types of vibrant exercise classes every day. As it should be, because Anna is full of of joy, soul, and gratitude each day. Her smile lights up the island of Kauai, and it was our pleasure to spend time with Anna. Mahalo, Anna, for sharing your heart, story, and courage!
To learn more about Anna and her studio, visit her website at www.barrekauai.com or her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Barresoulkauai.
