With a mission to uncover the very source of happiness for each individual, & Yoga was founded by husband-and-wife duo Loren and Erica Metzner. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, & Yoga has been a staple of this college town since August 2021. We spoke with Erica about her journey from yoga newbie to studio owner and her goals for & Yoga.
ERICA'S YOGA JOURNEY
Erica’s foray into yoga didn’t start from an interest in the workout or mental wellness benefits; she began attending classes because she didn’t want to be alone while her roommate went to yoga. Since Samantha, one of Erica’s closest friends, enjoyed yoga, it became an activity they did together. Eventually, Erica moved away and decided to join a yoga studio in her new neighborhood. Although she hadn’t yet found a close circle of friends in her community, a pivotal moment occurred when she arrived late for a class and wasn’t allowed in. Devastated, Erica started crying and realized then that she was hooked! She understood that she truly wanted to be in class and was beginning to find her community.
FROM STUDENT TO STUDIO OWNER
Before opening & Yoga, Erica worked in a corporate environment for about 10 years, frequently switching jobs while thinking, “It has to get better than this, right?” Feeling like she wasn’t making a significant difference in the world made her 9-to-5 experience challenging. During this time, she attended a yoga studio that fostered a sense of togetherness and connection among its members.
When Erica moved to Morgantown, she felt a bit lost and wanted to create a space where people could come together, connect, and find like-minded individuals. Her goal was to generate a sense of community, which is how & Yoga was born—the name representing both the practice of yoga and the connections formed among individuals.
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH AUTHENTICITY
& Yoga prides itself on providing a welcoming environment. Erica’s goal has always been to ensure that everyone who enters the studio feels seen, appreciated, and leaves feeling energized. This warm, inclusive atmosphere is what draws students in and keeps them coming back.
When & Yoga first opened its doors, there were just two teachers and Erica herself. Determined to build the studio, she taught every class until the right people came along. At one point, Erica was teaching over 15 classes a week. Over time, the community grew, attracting the right teachers and students. In the three years since & Yoga opened, the studio has evolved significantly, sometimes in ways that were hard to notice in the moment. Looking back, Erica can clearly see how far the studio has come.
For Erica, it’s crucial that her staff and teachers show up authentically, rather than presenting how they think they “should.” By leading by example, she hopes to make a difference in the Morgantown community. Erica believes that overcoming personal obstacles and sharing those experiences allows her and the & Yoga team to inspire others to do the same. By acknowledging and appreciating each individual, she aims to spread joy and happiness throughout the town.
FINDING BALANCE & INSPIRATION
Balancing her personal yoga practice with the demands of running a business has been one of Erica’s biggest challenges. For her, it’s about learning to separate yoga as "work" from yoga as something restorative. Over time, her personal practice has changed. Erica now understands that yoga can be as simple as rolling on the floor with a foam roller or taking deep breaths and practicing ahimsa. When she views yoga as a way to intentionally care for her body and mind, it becomes easier to maintain a personal practice separate from her professional responsibilities.
Erica draws inspiration from her family, her teachers, and her staff. She focuses on being the best version of herself rather than trying to emulate anyone else. Seeing people who follow their own unique paths and grow into who they want to be—without worrying about what others are doing—motivates her. She’s grateful to be surrounded by a community of people who are also on their own self-development journeys.
Erica has been practicing yoga for 12 years and teaching for 10. She enjoys a full and vibrant life with her wonderful husband, her sisters, and her son. As a family, they love spending time outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and playing on the lake.
To learn more about & Yoga, visit their site or give them a follow on Instagram.
