Meet Kristin Edwards | Cannabis-Infused Yoga Instructor

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

Hi Kristin, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I want to make a positive impact in people’s lives. This is one of the guiding principles in my life that I also apply to Top Shelf Yoga. Looking around at our society and our world, there are a lot of Big problems. It can be overwhelming when trying to figure out how to help. It’s easy to be discouraged and think, “How can one person make a difference?” I focus my efforts on making a positive impact on an individual level. It feels great to know that if only one person comes to my yoga class, I can help that one person feel calmer, or I can help that one person have less pain that day. I can’t improve the whole world, but I can improve one person’s world.

What should our readers know about your business?
There are three fundamental aspects of Top Shelf Yoga that set it apart from other yoga studios. Top Shelf Yoga is 100% virtual, created for beginners, and cannabis-infused. It’s really exciting for me to be able to introduce yoga to people virtually and allow them to experience yoga in a safe, stress-free way from the comfort of their own homes (and their pajamas). I like to teach classes and create videos for beginners so I can make yoga more accessible to everyone. A frequent student of mine shared something with me that I am particularly proud of. She suffers from social anxiety. She had been interested in yoga but her anxiety prevented her from attending an in-person class. She started participating in my classes and let me know that if I hadn’t offered virtual classes she never would have tried yoga. She has continued to attend my classes and benefit from yoga.

The inclusion, and infusion!, of cannabis into my classes was inspired by my own personal practice. I have my medical marijuana card (MMJ) and I was also using cannabis recreationally to help me get into a Zen headspace with my at-home yoga practice. There is an overlap of benefits between medical marijuana and a consistent yoga practice. Yoga can assist with some of the conditions that might lead a person to apply for a MMJ card.

(This is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making changes to your health routine.)

Here’s a brief explanation of the structure of a Top Shelf Yoga class and how cannabis is incorporated. All of my classes are virtual, offered on Zoom, and are around 45 minutes. Students can have their cameras on or off based on their comfort level. Classes start with an introduction and I advise students to always listen to their own bodies more than they listen to me. They can skip any move that doesn’t feel good to their body and rejoin when they like, which is one of the best benefits of virtual yoga! I include a mindfulness practice, breathing technique, or short meditation at the beginning of class to help get into the Zen headspace and block out the distractions around us. This is also where I introduce the use of cannabis as we start to set the relaxed mood for the class. The majority of my poses are seated, kneeling, or reclined which make them perfect for beginners and I offer variations to increase or decrease the intensity. I let students know where they should be feeling the stretching sensation in their body and what muscles are benefitting from the pose. We will pause between groups of poses and take a short smoke-break. I’ll chat about the positive benefits of yoga and cannabis in my life and give personal antidotes and updates about my life and my business. Class ends with a longer, relaxing meditation such as a manifestation/visualization practice or a full-body scan where we release tension from our bodies.

I release one short video every month on YouTube. I teach one live, virtual class monthly and class recording are available via my Patreon account. Signing up as a Patron gives you free access to my monthly class and includes a monthly class recording or access to my full library depending on the amount you pledge.

One of the largest challenges I overcame in building my business wasn’t necessarily a professional challenge but I had to overcome my fear that starting this business might affect some of the relationships in my life. I do all of my business promotion on social media and that means being upfront and outspoken about my own cannabis use to my friends and family. Some of my friends, and a majority of my family members, weren’t aware that I used cannabis recreationally or medically. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any personal backlash. I think that I can help lessen the stigma surrounding cannabis by being transparent and forthcoming about my own cannabis use. I had to be honest with myself and ask myself – “Am I willing to not pursue building this business because I’m worried what people will think?” It was a risk I was willing to take to start Top Shelf Yoga.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love it when friends come to visit because I can be a tourist in my own town! One of the first stops is usually the local dispensary to enjoy some of Denver’s legalized recreational cannabis! I usually go to one of Native Roots’ locations.

I like to take friends to downtown Golden. The main attraction is Woody’s Woodfire Pizza! There are also fun shops to checkout there. From Golden, it’s a short drive to Boulder. Pearl Street Mall is great for people watching, being entertained by street performers, and shopping. There is a lesser known haunt in Boulder that isn’t touristy that I love to take friends to – The Dark Horse Tavern. They have the best wings & burgers in Colorado, in my opinion! When in Golden or Boulder, it’s great to take a short, scenic drive up Lookout Mountain or Flagstaff Mountain to see the beautiful views and enjoy some time in nature.

Another fun day in Denver will start with the Denver Biscuit Company! From there, you’re in close proximity to the Denver Art Museum and the 16th Street Mall. It’s great to catch a Rockies game, too. If I’m looking for good food and great drinks before a game, I’ll go to The Rio Grande. There is also a Rio Grande within the Rockies stadium so the margaritas can keep flowing! Also, I get chocolate covered bacon at the Famous Dave’s BBQ cart every time I see a Rockies game.

Hopefully their trip can be planned around a concert at Red Rocks, or a night at Film on the Rocks. Even if there isn’t a show planned, it is beautiful to hike around Red Rocks.

After a couple of busy days, we’ll enjoy some lazy recovery days. The Hudson Gardens in Littleton is a serene little spot close to the city. It’s free to walk around and you can take a picnic. Downtown Littleton has awesome local shops and restaurants. General Store 45 is my favorite place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. Playa Bowls is a great place to get a smoothie or acai bowl if you’re craving some lighter snacks. If you need a second dose of Mexican food, Los Dos Portrillos is my favorite restaurant in Littleton.

Another nearby spot to soak up some sun is Clement Park in Littleton. The walk around the lake is peaceful and very pretty. The attached playground and splash pad is great for families. 303 Sports Grill is right around the corner. They have delicious food and wonderful service. If you can’t catch a game at Coors Field, 303 Sports Grill is the next best place.

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?
I have an incredible support system. My husband and my best friend have been tirelessly supportive even when my faith in myself falters. They cheer me on, help me brainstorm creative workarounds, and can always offer a smile and a laugh when I’m feeling discouraged.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/top_shelf_yoga/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Top_Shelf_Yoga

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

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/TopShelfYoga

Other: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Topshelfyoga