59 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com /CharlestonWomen Labeling Tricia Hughey a strong woman is an understatement. First of all, she’s been practicing yoga for over 20 years. For the co-owner of Yoga Daily, finding zen through yoga and meditation is practically second nature, and it’s helped shape her remarkable resilience and can-do attitude. However, both of those strengths were put to the test in 2023, when not one, but two unexpected disasters threatened her studio and way of life. Hughey originally studied cooking in New York and aspired to open her own café, but 12 years of managing a Mount Pleasant-based restaurant caused her to question what she really wanted to do in life. Hughey turned to yoga to help cope with the daily stresses of restaurant life and, in doing so, found her true passion and calling. “I loved it, and I couldn’t shut up about it,” said Hughey, “I completed my first teacher training and was still hungry for more.” The spark ignited, Hughey bid farewell to the restaurant industry and boldly decided to pursue her dream full time. She started small, teaching at various studios and meeting with private clients around town. It was during that time that one of her long-time students Blair Hahn approached her with the idea of opening a studio. The two agreed they wanted a studio that would appeal to practitioners of all levels, ages and abilities, “something approachable and something focused on body, mind, breath and soul.” Yoga Daily officially opened their doors in the Seaside Farms shopping center in January of 2018. Hughey was living her dream, and the studio was thriving when they hit their first major crisis: COVID-19. Hughey was quick to pivot and incorporate online classes, and she credits her teachers and students for their ability and willingness to adapt and overcome. “Thankfully, our student base was very dedicated not only to their practice but to us, so they continued to practice online, and I have to give them praise for that,” said Hughey. After re-opening to in-person classes, Hughey wisely decided to maintain the online classes, which turned out to be a boon for her students. Not only do many local students take advantage of the classes, but several out-of-town visitors regularly participate from as far away as Michigan and Massachusetts. Entering into 2023, things were almost back to Zen and the art of resilience A Lowcountry business beats the odds BY SHERRY WHITING Charleston Women in Business Tricia Hughey smiling through adversity
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1