Meet Nancy Kraut: Yoga Instructor and Artist

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

Hi Nancy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew the day would arrive when I would be a solo empty nester. This vacancy needed an occupant. Exploring future income needs, ethical and service interests plus creative talents led to Nancy’s Yoga Home. Idea to launch was a 4 year process. My business is home based. Although yoga is the cornerstone, the natural subsets of yoga philosophy support various other business offerings such as cooking, art classes, nature exploration and continuing education classes. Nancy’s Yoga Home integrates my interest, talents, community connection and financial needs under one roof.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Nancy’s Yoga Home is a residential home uniquely offering indoor and outdoor yoga, an art studio for classes and personal work, a lovely natural setting including an outdoor aviary and special event offerings including monthly full moon events, dinners, pool/hot tub, cooking classes and customized private classes. I work/live in the same space without disruption. When my plan began to take shape 4 years ago I used Michael Parkey, Landscape Architect, to design and build space for outdoor yoga and a comfortable meditative space. The result is a very large outdoor stone yoga platform under trees, 2 large fire pits, gardens, an aviary of doves, swimming pool and hot tub and awareness of all 5 elements surrounding the space. Inside is a dedicated yoga room, bathrooms, tea and beverage bar and of course closets for client use. The entire set up is fully integrated. I am not aware of a similar business in the local area. During this time of Covid safety, my option for outdoor classes has proven effective and popular. I am a Master Naturalist, certified, experienced yoga teacher, and my background in commercial art fuels my passion in fused glass work, bookbinding and painting. Oddly, this business was not at all challenging to create. My intention was clear and the path opened for fruition. Hard work and long hours for sure are part of the equation but that is a joy. The lesson is trust your instincts, stay true to your ethics and the income will produce. Money is not the first goal. Serving clients safely and creatively is building the business with a steady incline. I go to sleep in peace.

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.
Let’s pretend its not a pandemic. I would explore the area north and south. In McKinney, the square and Heard Museum come to mind with a stop at Tupps brewery. In Plano, downtown Plano to shop, Jorge’s for dinner and the Angelika for a movie. As a naturalist I would take her on a walk through Arbor hills and Windhaven Meadows and point out the flora and fauna. One lunch locally would be at Lavendou for authentic french food, and happy hour at any great place in West Legacy. Further south, the Rock Barrell is just plain fun to explore. Knox Henderson for food/shop as well. Knox/Henderson is a great stop for a drink at the Old Monk and dinner at the Porch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Friends and clients. Supportive, thoughtful people that flow in and out of my daily life. Most significantly, Priscila Patel who has helped me from start to present day.

Website: nancysyogahome.com
Facebook: Nancy’s Yoga Home