Meet Shannon Chalmers | Founder of Yoga Social

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Chalmers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Consistency and showing up even when it’s hard have been key for me. I’ve learned that success isn’t always about huge leaps—it’s often the quiet, daily efforts that add up over time. I keep a strong calendar, I follow through, and I really try to lead with integrity in everything I do. Also, I make space to reflect and reset—whether that’s through journaling, yoga, or time in nature. Taking care of my own energy helps me stay creative, focused, and grounded in my purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been anything but linear, and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve spent the last 15+ years wearing a lot of hats—event planner, yoga instructor, bartender, artist—but what ties it all together is my love for creating experiences that bring people together in intentional, joyful, and accessible ways. That’s what led me to start Yoga Social, a nonprofit focused on making yoga and wellness something everyone can experience—regardless of age, income, or experience level.

What sets Yoga Social apart is that we bring yoga out of the studio and into the community—rooftops, breweries, gardens, markets, even goat farms. We combine movement with connection, play, and purpose. I think people are craving spaces that are welcoming, unpretentious, and rooted in real community. That’s what we try to create.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were definitely times I questioned if I was doing the right thing—especially in the early days when I was funding events out of my own pocket, juggling multiple jobs, and trying to make it all “look” effortless. I dealt with burnout, self-doubt, and the unique pressure of building something from scratch. But I’ve learned to keep going, to trust the vision, and to surround myself with people who see it too.

What I’m most proud of is that this work is real. It’s not about fancy poses or influencer culture—it’s about showing up, making space, and reminding people they belong. I want the world to know that Yoga Social is more than yoga—it’s a movement. It’s about community care, connection, and building a culture of wellness that’s inclusive, fun, and deeply human.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I love playing tour guide—especially in a city as vibrant and creative as Denver! If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d curate a mix of local favorites, nature escapes, and unique experiences that show off the heart and soul of this place.

Day 1: Welcome to RiNo
We’d start in the River North Arts District—my stomping grounds. Brunch at Snooze (you have to try the pineapple upside-down pancakes), then explore the murals, hit a few galleries, and maybe stop into Denver Central Market for local snacks and coffee. Drinks at The Ramble Hotel’s rooftop or Death & Co to end the night with a little magic.

Day 2: Mountains & Magic
We’d take a day trip to Evergreen or Estes Park—easy drives from Denver with that perfect combo of mountain air, wildlife, and incredible hiking trails. Pack a picnic, stop at a crystal shop or two, and be back in time for dinner at City O’ City (hello, vegan buffalo wings).

Day 3: Immersive & Artsy
Head to Meow Wolf Convergence Station for a full-on immersive art trip. It’s like stepping into a dream. Afterwards, dinner at Linger, which is quirky, delicious, and built inside an old mortuary (very on-brand for my love of the mystical and weird).

Day 4: Yoga Social Day
I’d bring them to one of our Yoga Social events—maybe a sound bath at the Botanic Gardens or a puppy yoga class at a local brewery. Afterward, tacos and margaritas at Los Chingones and a walk through Larimer Square or a stop at Nocturne for live jazz.

Day 5: Relax & Reset
A slower day: brunch at Lucile’s Creole Cafe, vintage shopping on South Broadway, and a soak at Radiance Health or Archipelago Clubs—anywhere we can sip tea, sauna, or melt into a float tank. Dinner at Root Down and maybe catch the sunset at Sloan’s Lake.

Day 6: Brewery Crawl & Local Markets
Denver’s brewery scene is unreal, so we’d hop around Great Divide, Ratio, and Our Mutual Friend—many of which I’ve hosted events at! I’d also take them to The Source or Belleview Station’s Farmers Market to support local makers.

Day 7: Sunday Funday Send-Off
Wrap up the week with brunch + drag bingo at Hamburger Mary’s, a slow walk through the Denver Art Museum, and one last golden hour toast on a rooftop—maybe El Five, with its panoramic city views and killer Mediterranean plates.

Denver has this beautiful balance of playful and grounded, wild and welcoming—and I think that’s why it’s such a special place to share with the people I love.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people and moments that shaped my path, but if I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would be to my parents first. They owned a Native American new age store when I was growing up, and being raised in that space gave me such a deep connection to community, spirituality, and creativity. It was a place filled with intention, healing, and meaning—something I try to carry into every Yoga Social event I create.

I’d also shout out the incredible small business community in Denver. From local breweries and nonprofits to wellness practitioners and artists, this city has shown me time and time again the power of collaboration and heart-forward work. And honestly, my team and the volunteers who show up with passion, grit, and kindness—they’re the soul of Yoga Social.

Website: https://www.yogasocial.org

Instagram: @denveryogasocial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Denveryogasocial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@denveryogasocial