Our Story

HUM is a yoga and barre studio providing classes with a focus on building community, environmental consciousness, and cultivating a welcoming space for students of all levels to practice. Please accept our invitation to join HUM and collaborate with us to foster a community that supports the wellbeing and inclusion of all people. 

HUM was created with the health of the body and mind at its core. Each person who walks through our doors will find knowledgeable teachers who can guide classes that work for all levels of practice and abilities. At HUM you will find a variety of yoga and barre classes that are safe and accessible. In addition to wellness services, you can find sustainable goods and gear in our wellness shop. 

A key component in creating healthier life practices is the way in which we take care of our planet.  We believe in reducing our impact on the supply chain by sourcing and buying from local artisans and creators. We take pride in our partnerships with socially conscious companies that are local and women-owned. By offering sustainable products that have minimal environmental impact at every part of the production cycle, we are doing our part in creating a sustainable future. 

We want to be leaders in how we expand yoga into all elements of our lives and how we continue living our practice beyond our mat. We want to inspire people to live with intention, be conscious of their impact on the environment, and to care for their mental and physical wellbeing. We live these values by offering donation based classes, volunteer opportunities, ongoing educational workshops, and training at affordable rates, as well as teacher training scholarships for young adults (aged 16-25), and discounted memberships to students/seniors, and those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). By providing safe, comfortable, and accessible methods to access wellness resources, HUM is creating equal opportunities for all people to feel included in the practice.

Why HUM?

“Om”, also spelled “Aum” is known as the sacred sound of the universe. The yogic mantra “So Hum”  is derived from Sanskrit meaning “I am That”. Here, “That” refers to all of creation, the one breathing us all. As we meditate on this or recite the mantra “So Hum”, we feel that we are all one, and that we are all connected: “Om So Hum”;“I am the universe.” 

Another key element related to our name is humanity. We believe in a world of abundance for all, and we want all people to see themselves being represented. This vision establishes a space that feels welcoming and inclusive for all. HUM plans to be a leader in cultivating a community that inspires positive change both in wellness and throughout the world. 

The last component is the hummingbird. The symbolism of the hummingbird can be linked to the idea of eternity and infinity. Hummingbird wings rotate both forwards and backwards in a “figure eight” pattern which is unique among birds and gives the hummingbird incredible agility in the air. The flight of the hummingbird reminds us to be resilient, adaptable, and take changes in stride. 

Our Manifesto

The philosophies that guide our actions, inform how we make our day-to-day decisions, and provide a lens in how we view and interact with the world around us.  

Vision 

To be a place of community that welcomes all people to live and move mindfully. 

Mission

An intersectional and inclusive community that promotes movement, growth, and connection. We want to inspire people to live with intention, be conscious of their impact on the environment, and to care for their mental and physical wellbeing. 

Core Values

Community: we value the practice of respect for self, others, and our surroundings. We leverage the power of community to develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and a deeper understanding of ourselves. 

Balance: our sense of balance comes from bringing elements of our lives, and who we are into harmony. We create balance by combining the work we do on our mats into all aspects of our lives. 

Growth: growth inspires our collective action towards change. We provide the space, tools, and guidance to grow in a way that is meaningful to you. 

Gratitude: at the heart of HUM, there is gratitude. Gratitude allows us to expand yoga into all elements of our lives, and how we continue living our practice beyond our mat. We are grateful for the opportunity to hold space for ourselves and each other. 

The Founders & Owners of HUM

HUM is run by two experienced yoga teachers with over 1000 hours of training in yoga and meditation, entrepreneurial knowledge, and business acumen. Having a background in education and social work has provided both women essential knowledge in accessibility and community building that supports the wellbeing and inclusion of all people. 

By recognizing the obstacles that make health and wellness inaccessible, HUM is creating additional opportunities to access healthy life options, and resources. Our founders feel passionately about giving back to the community in which they live and practice. HUM will continue fostering community through outreach with local programs, neighboring businesses, schools, and communities. 

Kjirsten Fogelson 

Kjirsten received her 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Certification in Kelowna, BC in 2017 with the goal to own and operate a successful and sustainable studio in the Twin Cities. In the summer of 2018, with more curiosity surrounding her love of movement, and dance, she completed her 80-Hour Barre Certification, and 100-Hour Vinyasa Certification that has allowed her to expand both her knowledge, and teachings.

Kjirsten has over 1000 hours of training in yoga and meditation, and has taught over 3000 classes. She is focused on building future programs and offerings that will support the growth and development of BIPOC dreamers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. 

Emma Boyum

Emma was first introduced to her first “official” yoga asana class in 2008. She was inspired by the ability to move her body in a way that felt at once familiar and brand new. Emma practiced at  several studios around the Twin Cities and became certified in 2015, receiving her 500-Hour YTT Certification in Kelowna, BC. Emma continued to grow as a teacher, completing her 100-Hour Vinyasa Certification in 2018. 

Emma has taught over 2000 classes and continues to find this practice exciting and new. She loves to incorporate humor and humility into her classes. As a former special education teacher, Emma is skilled in providing a safe and comfortable place for anyone to practice yoga, regardless of their ability. She is thrilled to be a part of this new community!

Funding 

HUM plans to use crowdfunding to cover a majority of their initial start-up costs with a bank loan and personal savings. We’re seeking $50,000 that will be allocated towards build out, equipment, merchandise, employees, software, branding, marketing, and sustaining daily operations during our first year of business. Your support is allowing us to live our dream and share our vision with others!

Interior Perspective Plan  

Reception and Welcome

Community Space + Wellness Shop

Yoga Studio

Barre Studio

Community Space + Wellness Shop

Thank You!

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our story, and for supporting our efforts to be a place of community that welcomes all people to live and move mindfully. We’ve created some special rewards to show our gratitude for your support. If you find yourself not being able to contribute financially, we invite you to help us spread the word about HUM. Sharing our campaign with friends, family, co-workers, etc. is still very helpful. 

We hope to continue inspiring people to live with intention, be conscious of their impact on the environment, and to care for their mental and physical wellbeing. We see you. We honor you. We appreciate you. THANK YOU. We can’t wait to welcome you into our community.

With Love, 

KJ & Emma