Nestled in the historic American Tobacco Campus, Yoga Off East has become a haven for the Durham community, offering a serene and welcoming space to practice yoga. The studio, co-owned by Kathryn Smith and Kim Tupper, focuses on creating a supportive and peaceful environment where students can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and well-being. A modern yoga studio rooted in ancient traditions, Yoga Off East embraces its identity as an "East to West" studio, offering modern yoga deeply influenced by ancient Eastern practices.
Humble Beginnings, Big Growth
Yoga Off East opened its doors in 2016 in a modest 400-square-foot space behind a local smoothie bar. Over the years, it has grown into a beautiful 3,400-square-foot studio in downtown Durham, designed to foster connection and community. The studio offers a range of classes, from gentle and restorative sessions to slow-to-medium paced vinyasa flows. The space features bright natural light, custom-designed elements, a community table, and a tea bar, encouraging students to linger and connect.
A Studio Built on Heart
Yoga Off East is built on the principles of acceptance, agency, and community. The studio encourages students to customize their practice based on their individual needs, whether that means using props or modifying postures. The team believes in supporting each person’s unique contributions both on and off the mat.
Meet the Visionaries: Kathryn Smith & Kim Tupper
Kathryn Smith discovered yoga as a collegiate athlete recovering from a shoulder injury. Drawn to the discipline and concentration of yoga, she vowed to keep it as a lifelong practice. Her vision for Yoga Off East was to create a place where yoga could support individuals in leading fulfilling and sustainable lives.
Kim Tupper’s yoga journey began when her children were small, using yoga as a way to find release in body and mind. She completed her teacher training at Yoga Off East and later partnered with Kathryn to expand the studio into its current location. Kim values the sense of community and connection that the studio fosters, providing a space where students feel seen, heard, and at ease.
Co-owners Kathryn (right) and Kim (left) have created a community haven with a bright, friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome.
On & Off the Mat: Running a Yoga Studio
As women at the helm of Yoga Off East, Kathryn and Kim offer unique perspectives on balancing their personal practices with running a business. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and carving out personal time, saying, “Running a studio requires a lot of energy, but maintaining my practice keeps me grounded and inspired.”
Kim shares that finding balance is an ongoing practice in itself. “I try to lead by example. When I show up authentically, whether I’m teaching or managing studio operations, it helps others feel comfortable doing the same.”
When asked about advice for aspiring studio owners, Kathryn encourages patience and persistence: “Take your time to build a solid foundation. Trust your vision, but be flexible enough to adapt.” Kim adds, “Build relationships and listen to your community. Authenticity goes a long way in creating a space where people feel truly welcome.”
Creating Community & Connection
Yoga Off East aims to make a lasting difference by being a place where individuals feel inspired to bring their best selves into the world. The studio offers monthly candlelit sound baths and workshops that integrate yoga with other modalities, like writing, dance, and stress-reduction. This month, renowned teacher Elena Brower, who commissioned a beautiful piece of art for the space, will be in-studio for a week-long workshop.
Elevating the Experience with Manduka
Kathryn and Kim chose Manduka to provide Yoga Off East’s mats and props to elevate the student experience with reliable, high-performance products (that also match their brand aesthetics!). Kim shares, “Manduka has so many different types of mats to choose from, there is something for everyone, and the colors are just beautiful.”
Yoga Off East chooses Manduka as their go-to brand for yoga equipment.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your yoga practice, connect with a welcoming community, or simply find a moment of peace, Yoga Off East offers a space that feels like home. Learn more at yogaoffeast.com and find them on Instagram @yogaoffeast.
All photography by Anna Routh Barzin.
