Women professionals holding space: meet Kami of Aqua Om Paddle & The Yoga Place in Ephrata

Tell us a little bit about who you are & what your background is.

I come from a corporate background, and while I loved the work I was doing, I never felt fully aligned with the environment. I wanted to do something that actually made a difference in people’s lives.

That opportunity came in an unexpected way when I found myself unemployed and unmotivated to get just another job. Through a period of time that brought a lot of uncertainty and anxiety with it, I found paddleboarding. Or really… it found me. What started as something fun to try quickly became something much deeper. Being on the water brought me a sense of calm and clarity I hadn’t felt in a long time. I remember thinking that more people need access to this. That realization is what led me to where I am today, creating spaces where people can step outside, slow down, and reconnect with themselves.

How do you hold safe space within the context of your professional life?

I try to take the pressure off no matter the setting. Whether we’re on the water, on the mat, or out on a trail, my goal is to meet people exactly where they are. A lot of people show up carrying some level of fear or uncertainty, and I think it’s important to normalize that right away. If someone is worried about falling in, I’ll say it straight—who cares? You won’t be the first, you won’t be the last. It’s water, not hot lava. And I’ll be right there to help you get back on your board. That same approach carries into the studio. I remind people often that this is their practice. They are in charge of their body, their pace, and their experience. They don’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel right physically or emotionally. I think when people feel both guided and educated, but still fully in control of themselves, something shifts. The fear softens. The pressure lifts. And that’s usually when they’re able to actually settle in, trust themselves, and experience what they came for.

Tell us a story about a moment where you had to respond to a vulnerable moment for someone unexpectedly.

One of the biggest fears people have when they try paddleboarding for the first time is falling. And the truth is… it usually happens. So when someone falls in, I don’t rush to fix it or make it feel like a mistake. I clap. I celebrate it. I’ll say, “Yes! We’re ready for this part of the lesson.” then I have everyone else fall in too. What started as someone’s vulnerable moment instantly becomes something shared. It’s no longer about them being the one who fell, it becomes part of the learning, part of the experience. Getting back on your board, self-rescue, is one of the most important skills to have. So instead of avoiding the moment, we lean into it. And I always thank the person who went first. They don’t just face their own fear, they unknowingly give everyone else permission to let go of theirs.

Tell us about a rewarding experience that you had.

There are so many rewarding moments, it’s hard to choose just one. Almost every day, I get to witness someone arrive feeling nervous or unsure, and leave smiling ear to ear, already talking about when they’re coming back. I’ve seen people who swore they’d never be able to stand on a paddleboard end up paddling multiple times a week. Women who never imagined themselves doing something bold are suddenly jumping off rocks into the water on our adventures. Strangers meet and leave as friends. And in the studio, people who once said “I’m not good at yoga” become some of the most dedicated students. But the most rewarding part isn’t the activity or even the accomplishment. It’s the shift that happens within them. It’s the moment they realize they can. The confidence that builds when they try something new, trust themselves, and see it through. That kind of empowerment, that belief in yourself—that’s the part that’s truly life-changing.

What is your relationship to holding safe space?

I think my relationship to holding safe space is pretty simple, it comes down to treating people the way I would want to be treated. Everyone wants to feel seen and heard. They want to feel safe and supported, but also free to move at their own pace and have their own experience. For me, it’s about finding that balance, creating a space that feels welcoming without being overwhelming, supportive without being restrictive. I don’t believe in controlling the experience. I believe in creating the conditions where people feel safe enough to explore it on their own.

Any final thoughts/wisdoms/feelings?

I think, at the core, most people are looking for connection. Sometimes that’s a connection back to a part of themselves they feel like they’ve lost. Sometimes it’s a deeper connection with others, people who understand them, who move through the world in a similar way. What I try to do is give people both. I believe in educating and empowering people with the skills and confidence to go out and have these experiences on their own, safely and independently if that’s what they want. But for those who are craving connection, there’s also something really special waiting for them—community. There are friendships, shared experiences, and meaningful moments out there… they just haven’t met them yet.

How to reach Kami of Aqua Om Paddle and the Yoga Place in Ephrata!