Meet Shannon Piker | E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher + Certified Women’s Guidance Facilitator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Piker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shannon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Absolutely, I’d be delighted to share the journey that led me to start my own business, The Connection Co+Op. The spark ignited from a deeply personal place – a fusion of my own healing journey, a passion for yoga, and a yearning to foster genuine connections within a supportive community.
My path was marked by overcoming challenges like addiction, eating disorders, and fatigue caused by developmental trauma. In 2011, I stepped onto my yoga mat, and this pivotal moment became a catalyst for my healing and growth. Guided by my own transformation, I recognized the transformative power of yoga and the importance of creating spaces where people could truly connect and heal.
As a certified yoga instructor and Woman’s Guidance Facilitator, I saw the potential to weave my personal experiences into a beautiful community of support. The Connection Co+Op was born during the challenging times of the pandemic, when isolation and disconnection were deeply felt. This endeavor became a beacon of light for me and others who were seeking a space to belong, connect, and thrive.
From yoga offerings and women’s circles to community events and upcoming nature-based retreats, I envisioned a hub where individuals could find solace, empowerment, and a sense of unity. The heart of my business is community – a safe haven where people can explore self-care, healing, and growth together. Through the language of yoga and the power of human connection, I strive to be a bridge that helps people journey from pain to purpose, from isolation to community, and from darkness to light.
Starting The Connection Co+Op was a leap of faith driven by the belief that we all deserve spaces that embrace our journeys, our strengths, and our vulnerabilities. It’s a privilege to witness the transformation of individuals and the collective spirit of our community. My thought process was rooted in the desire to create something bigger than myself – a haven where hearts meet, healing happens, and connections thrive.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets The Connection Co+Op apart is its holistic approach to well-being through the fusion of yoga, women’s circles, and community events. We are not beholden to one place or space, we are mobile and allow our community to be built in person and online to ensure everyone has the opportunity to heal through connection. Our focus is on fostering deep and authentic connections, both with oneself and others. It’s about creating a space where strangers can truly thrive, heal, and grow by embracing the power of human connection to build a community of like minded individuals.
I’m incredibly proud of the genuine sense of community we are building. True growth happens when you work with your edges in life and lean into discomfort, anxiety and fear. True growth is on the other side of fear and fear kept me stagnant for over a decade. Paralyzed to put my thoughts and new business ideas into action. The safety net of corporate life held me hostage to my true potential. The safe and inclusive environment that The Connection Co+Op offers allows individuals to explore yoga, self-care, and personal development in a way that resonates with them.
The women’s circle program, inspired by the transformative mentorship I received, has been particularly impactful in helping women connect on a profound level and support each other’s journeys. Women carry a sister or mother wound somewhere in our history and it is so important that we have a place to come together to share our experiences so we can move beyond working against one another and instead unite to support one another. Women are so powerful when they join energy.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t without its challenges. Starting a business is a journey of perseverance and learning. I am a mom of 2 energetic boys, a wife, I work full-time, have my own self care practice AND am starting up a business that I have been dreaming of for over a decade. There was an abundance of moments that starred self-doubt and fear. There were so many mental obstacles to overcome to get me where I am today. But the more I show up for others, the easier it gets to put myself out there. Each challenge became an opportunity to refine my vision, enhance my skills, and deepen my commitment to the community’s well-being.
The key lesson I’ve learned is the immense value of collaboration and mentorship. Seeking guidance from my mentors and leveraging the power of community has been instrumental in navigating hurdles and celebrating successes. Every step of the way, I’ve been reminded that connection isn’t just a concept—it’s a lifeline that can transform lives. If we want the world to start uniting instead of dividing it is up to us. “Be the change you wish to see” – Ghandi
What I want the world to know about The Connection Co+Op is that it’s more than a business; it’s a movement centered around the profound impact of connection. It’s a reminder that healing, growth, and well-being are best achieved in a supportive and connected environment. I’m passionate about creating spaces where individuals can authentically be themselves, discover their potential, and experience the power of human interaction. My brand’s story is a testament to the fact that meaningful connections are the foundation of not just a successful business, but a thriving and fulfilled life.
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.
I have only been in Fort Collins for a little over 3 years and I feel like I am still a tourist in my own city! Moving in the middle of a pandemic was not the welcome to Colorado I was looking for when our family relocated from Minneapolis, MN. However, we kept putting one foot in front of the other to land in this space. We LOVE Fort Collins, there is so much to experience in this beautiful town. I would say the top locations to visit are Horsetooth Reservoir, taking a drive along the Poudre Canyon, hiking at Lory State Park, dining and splash pads in Old Town, shopping at the vintage and antique shops and finishing up my day with ice cream at Josh + John’s. There is never a dull moment in this city and I simply love that everything revolves around nature. I, like many others, feel my best when I am immersed in nature. Fort Collins, CO is nature AF and so wonderfully vibrant – I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
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’m so honored to share my shoutout with the individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jason Hulshof of HeartYoga in San Diego, CA. Spending over 800 hours training under Jason’s guidance has been a truly transformational experience. His deep understanding of yoga’s powerful impact on how we show up in life and his unwavering support to the craft of guiding and mentoring his students has not only refined my practice but has also shaped the way I teach, creating a trickle down effect that now impact’s my students’ lives.
Additionally, I want to dedicate this shoutout to Kayla Shaw, the visionary behind Sacred Sisterhood Collective in Boulder, CO. Through her mentorship, she introduced me to the power of women’s circles and provided a life-changing program. Kayla’s guidance has not only elevated my understanding of creating safe spaces for connection but also ignited a passion within me to facilitate meaningful experiences that foster healing and growth in my own community.
It’s impossible to overstate the influence of these mentors on my journey. They’ve been beacons of wisdom, encouragement, and empowerment, inspiring me to create The Connection Co+Op. Their belief in my potential has been instrumental in bringing my vision to life, and I’m profoundly grateful for the ripple effect their mentorship has had on my community and the lives I touch. To Jason and Kayla, thank you for being the pillars upon which my journey stands, and for reminding me of the immense power of connection, both within and beyond the walls of a yoga studio.
Website: www.theconnectioncoop.com
Instagram: @theconnectioncoop
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shannonpiker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconnectioncoop