Meet Kristen Scatamacchia | Yoga Instructor & Owner of Blue Moon Yoga LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Scatamacchia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Blue Moon Yoga, I had two things in mind: freedom and purpose. I used to work in the legal field for a major bank. I started in an entry role and eventually moved into Management. I felt I was good at what I did and enjoyed helping others build skills and develop professionally, but the further I moved up, the more distanced I became from this. I spent long days at a computer screen managing the pressures and stresses of the job. Eventually, I experienced stress-related health issues, which became a turning point. Yoga always helped me manage anxiety and practice self-care during difficult times. When I became a teacher, I learned how important it is to slow down, check in with myself, and look at the big picture. I realized I had been so caught up in the hustle of staying afloat that I forgot how precious my time and energy is. I became aware of my self-limiting beliefs and how they were preventing me from taking risks and experiencing a more fulfilling career. I reflected on my professional success thus far and felt motivated to use that energy for my own business – helping others slow down, look inward, and care for themselves physically and emotionally by offering private yoga & meditation sessions in the comfort of their homes. Now, I work harder than ever! But I don’t drag my feet getting out of bed, I have freedom in my day, and purpose and meaning in my interactions. Most importantly, I feel that I’m helping others focus back on their health & wellbeing in a society that constantly promotes rushing. My goal is to leave students with a reminder of how precious our time on this planet is – “don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life” (Dolly Parton).

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What makes private lessons with Blue Moon Yoga special are the resources provided during sessions. Along with access to a yoga mat, blocks, bolsters, and straps, and essential oils, students are given with a consult prior to their first lesson so resulting sessions may be tailored to their personal goals. Throughout our time together, students are e-mailed a PDF with details of the lesson sequence and homework stretches & poses. Before & After photos are offered to track progress, as my business is results-driven and aimed at attaining stillness and peace. I’m most proud of myself on the days when I don’t believe in myself, but pick myself up and carry on regardless. I’ve managed anxiety and experienced periods where I feel burnt out. I wouldn’t say I “overcame” these challenges, but I am learning to work with them. Sometimes the anxiety is justified, like when I’m overcommitted, and I have come to understand it as a sign to slow down. Sometimes it’s not justified, it’s an inner voice telling me I’m not good enough or I should be doing better. Learning how to quiet these thoughts is a journey I’m still on, but I think this helps me relate to others.
One of my favorite lessons I’m still learning during my transition from corporate to self-employment is how to view “hitting a wall.” I am starting to view the wall not as something to crash into and halt my progress, but as a natural pausing point. Something to lean against to rest. I’m focusing on noticing the wall before I crash into it, and slowing my pace, practicing self-care and building my strength again to later climb over it and continue my journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sedona! It’s my favorite place to go. Typical yoga teacher, I know. But it’s magical. I graduated YTT in Oak Creek, so it’s near and dear to my heart. I would take them to ChocolaTree for a healthy, organic meal and to check our their snacks and shop. We would eat in the beautifully decorated outdoor area. We would hike Devil’s Bridge and roam downtown, stopping in the shops and enjoying the scenic views as we walk. The next day, we would head to Flagstaff and hike Lockett Meadow through the aspens. After, we could visit the honey shop downtown (The Golden Hive) then have tea and play games at Steep Tea Lounge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have many people to thank for supporting my growth. First, my family. When I told them I was leaving my corporate job to start a private yoga business full-time, they supported me without question. I remember the day I called my mom asking if I should enroll in Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). I told her it’s a big commitment and I was worried about juggling it with my demanding full-time job. My mom saw through my fears right to the core – I found something that lit a spark in my heart. She said go for it. Next, I’d like to shout out to my boyfriend, Bryan, who I met in Yoga Teacher Training. Bryan not only supported me during my transition, but mentors me through difficult times, as he owned a business himself in the past. I have found in him a partner, best friend, and companion.
I’d also like to shout out to my YTT teacher, Kalina with Arizona Yoga Academy. Kalina’s guidance, expertise, and passion were influential in sparking my decision to pursue yoga instruction. Kalina introduced me to another influential mentor, Baylee, owner of The Balanced Bachelorette, who I would love to thank for helping mentor me through this experience and develop my skills teaching in private settings, such as bachelorette parties, celebrations, and corporate retreats.
To complete my long list of shout outs, I want to thank my friends. This specifically includes Jaryn & Gabe with Deviant Digital Services who created my logo and manage the Blue Moon Yoga website. This also includes my friend and fellow teacher, Jeannette, with Travelling Tranquility Massage, and my mentors from my time at the bank, who believed I could do anything I set my mind to – within our outside the company.
I would not be where I am now without any of the above.

Website: https://www.bluemoonyogallc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluemoonyogaaz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-scatamacchia/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueMoonYogaAZ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueMoonYogaAZ

Image Credits
Kalina Converse and Jeannette Heath