For Maria Murphy yoga isn’t just a practice, it’s a calling. In 2008, that call grew louder, and by 2009, she earned her certification. Little did she know, this would set her on a path to owning Yoga Patch, a beloved studio she’s nurtured for 14 years.

Maria’s journey began in an unexpected place: the fields of criminal justice and psychology. She spent years working with abused and neglected children. While the work was rewarding, it came with emotional challenges. “The system is hard to work with, so it was draining me,” she reflects. But one night, shortly after having her first child, a vivid dream changed her trajectory. The dream encouraged her to attend yoga school, and Maria chose to follow her intuition. This leap of faith would shape her future.

The path to Yoga Patch unfolded organically. One day, Maria happened upon someone painting the walls of a building with the word “yoga” on display. “I poked my head in and asked, ‘Hey, do you need any teachers? I just finished teacher training.’” The owner at the time had plans to return to Seattle, Washington, and eventually asked Maria if she would like to purchase the business.

Maria started small in another studio but quickly outgrew the space. That’s when fate intervened again. “I was looking for another space and drove down this street. I saw it was for sale, walked in, and found a big warehouse full of stuff. I said, yes, this is the place.” The rest is history.

As a business owner, Maria has faced her share of obstacles, particularly when it comes to collaborating with other women in business. “I wish women could support one another more. We really need to be mindful of supporting one another instead of always looking at the bottom line. We are more powerful as a community together than we are separately.” she shares. “I would like to collaborate and lean on each other, but that hasn’t been the case. I’ve had to be solo, which is fine because I have my community here, and I love them all.”

Flexibility has been key to Maria’s success. “I think we need to be malleable with what’s happening in the world and our communities,” she explains. This adaptability has allowed Yoga Patch to grow and evolve alongside its patrons. Maria is proud of her role as a mentor and hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams. “I hope I can show other women that they can do whatever they set their minds to. Follow your dreams and make it a reality.”

Looking ahead, Maria has big plans for Yoga Patch. This year, she’s introducing more group activities, welcoming new teachers, and offering a lineup of exciting workshops. One of her goals is to make yoga more accessible to everyone, including men. “I think a lot of people are scared to try yoga. Men often think it’s a women’s thing or just about exercise,” she says. But Maria knows yoga offers so much more. “Once they’re here and stick around, they learn there’s more to yoga than just exercise. It’s a journey of self-discovery.”

Maria’s vision for Yoga Patch is simple yet powerful: to create a welcoming space where everyone feels empowered to explore the deeper benefits of yoga. “I think people are too often in jobs they are not happy in and don’t think they can find a job that feeds them. I’d like to show people you can have a job that doesn’t feel like a job,” she says. “If it feels right to me, then I do it. A lot of how this was built was things falling into my lap. If it’s been presented to you, then it’s meant to be.”

Maria’s journey from dream to reality is a testament to the power of following your intuition and embracing the opportunities that life presents. Through Yoga Patch, she’s built more than a business—she’s created a thriving community that continues to grow and inspire. Yoga Patch is a place where you’re encouraged to dream big, take chances, and find joy in the practice. As Maria says, “If it feels right, just go for it.”

Check out the Yoga Patch here: 7235 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64114 | https://www.yogapatch.com