Spotlight On: PRIMARY Yoga Instructor Kristina Headrick
Wellness is at the forefront of every decision the PRIMARY team makes. We’ve explored the spaces’ aesthetic, amenities, and businesses that occupy the space.
Today, we’re introducing you to one of our Wellness Ambassadors who are here to help you live your best life while producing your best work.
Teaching yoga and meditation at PRIMARY since 2018, Kristina Headrick embodies PRIMARY’s ethos and so much more.
In addition to her expertise in yoga and meditation, she also teaches traditional Greek dance, and hosts workshops along with annual wellness and cultural immersions in Greece.
Recently, she hosted a workshop in Astoria, NY, called Ancient Philosophy, Modern Wellness, where guests meditated, did breathwork and learned about ancient philosophies and how they can apply them to live better today.
Her offerings have range but are rooted in a "eudaimonic" life or well-lived life.
If that wasn’t enough, she’s been in the creative marketing/social media industry since 2014. Talk about a robust background!
We sat down with Kristina to learn even more about her, and of course her favorite things about PRIMARY:
How did you get into the wellness field?
I first tried yoga in high school, and in college I got very into it as it helped me deal immensely with stress. I grew up dancing and performing, and I think like many people with some "dance trauma," yoga became this healthier outlet for movement.
I graduated with a liberal arts degree and thought I might want to pursue journalism, though I really wanted to do yoga teacher training right out of college, but the resources at hand meant I had to go get a job and put that dream on the back burner. A few years later I was able to make it happen!
I did a lot of freelance editorial work, but always supported myself with marketing jobs. I started my career in NYC as a music publicist - which required a LOT of writing and communication.
Because of that start in my career, I was able to complete my meditation teacher training for free as I happened to be the social media manager for a meditation company in NYC - which was such a blessing!
While PR wasn’t for me, I kept on creating content in many forms: social media, email marketing, website copy, and blog posts. I still love music though I ended up crossing industries in 2015.
Have you had any notable clients?
As a teacher and facilitator, I've had the opportunity to work with some incredible teams, such as Sakara Life, Fever, and our very own PRIMARY. I teach Sakara Life's teams meditation and mindfulness and have been doing so for years. It's a beautiful partnership as their ethos is also rooted in wellness.
When and where was it founded?
My wellness business, Yia Mas, was founded in 2018. It started as a workshop meets event in NYC. I eventually decided it needed some branding and its own Instagram. The Instagram took off, and the rest is history! My retreats and a lot of the wellness work I do fall under the umbrella of this business.
How did you come across PRIMARY?
Through a mutual friend! The company he worked for at the time had an office in PRIMARY. I came and worked with him one day and loved it. I was also looking for yoga + meditation teaching jobs and a community (solopreneuring can be so lonesome!). Ronald, said friend, introduced me to Lisa - and the rest is history! I feel OG - having been here since 2018. I love Primary!
What made you say yes to teaching here?
The space is gorgeous, the community is kind, and Lisa’s energy was infectious. For me, it was a no-brainer.
What were the key amenities that drew you to the space?
Having the studio on-site is huge. I feel like our members should take more advantage of this! So much of my life is scheduling - meetings, when can I fit in a Pilates class, etc. PRIMARY makes it so easy to get your wellness in on the spot. What a luxury!
I also love the greenery and how easy it is to get to the FiDi location - literally every train comes here, which makes it amazing for when I host events.
Has teaching at and working out of PRIMARY been an asset for your career?
Absolutely! Firstly, using our gorgeous studio for events and classes has been such a blessing. It’s also cool to share the space with people. Everyone who comes in for an event always says “wow, this is so gorgeous? What IS this?”
I’ve also met amazing clients here, like Mint & Honey, Co. Great networking + community = a win win.
Do you have anything upcoming you'd want PRIMARY members to know about?
Come to yoga and meditation! I teach Tuesdays in the studio. I also am announcing my 2024 retreats in Greece very soon. Would love to welcome some members of our community to those. They’re a dream.
Follow Kristina here, and discover more about her retreats here.