Our New Haus Teacher: Ashley Limehouse
We are thrilled to announce our newest Haus teacher: Ashley Limehouse! Ashley will be offering her inspired Yin classes the 3rd Thursday of every month, available in Replays.
This magic worker specializes in yoga, mindfulness, advocacy, and aiding people in their healing journey through banishing toxic habits and replacing them with cohesive modalities to connect the mind, body, and spirit.
Born and raised in Charleston, SC, she is a 200RYT trained by Yin master Bernie Clark with over 100hrs in Yin + meditation. Her work is featured on the official Yin Yoga site as well as Yogi Approved. Off the mat, Ashley is working on her first collection for her clothing line Elí B.
Read on to get to know your newest teacher better!
Q & A:
Question: How did you find yoga and what inspired you to teach?
Ashley: I discovered yoga about 13 years ago. I played sports most of my life, and at the time, I was honestly looking for another way to stay active because I took a long break from any physical activities during my college years. I had a lot of mental things to focus on and things to heal from, and at the time I didn't find that healing in "workouts," but instead, found it mostly in painting & reading. But one day, I felt the need to move again and connect with people so I looked up "fitness for mental health" and Yoga popped up. I found a studio that was close to me and I joined. At the end of my very first class, I cried. It gave me more than what I thought I needed at the time. The rest is history.
Q: How has your practice evolved throughout the years?
A: I would say that my practice has evolved several times — from being a student, to becoming a teacher, to being a student over and over again. You never stop learning. As far as my asana practice, I started out teaching mostly vinyasa but once I discovered Yin Yoga, it really called to me. I stayed on that path to perfect my teaching and understanding of Yin, as well as the incredible things it offers the body and mind. My personal practice ebbs and flows with the season I'm in; sometimes I need bit more of a Yang practice, and other times more Yin. I tend to do everything with the season: summer time calls for cooler practices, winter calls for more heat building, depends on what I need to stay in balance. Before, I would just be all Yang and no chill.
Q: How did you first meet Kathryn?
A: I met Kathryn a couple years ago, when I was curating a fundraiser for a nonprofit in Charleston. I wanted to be behind the creation — not so much the teaching — so I started looking for teachers to help. I asked a few people I knew, and they wanted to think about it and get back to me. None of them did (thank you! lol), so I started looking online and found Kat. I had no idea she was living in Charleston at the time! I sent her a message, and she responded right away and said "Let's meet for coffee when I'm back in town!" We did... and then we sat for almost 2.5 hours talking and laughing (I don't even know if we actually got to the fundraiser during that first meeting lol). The event was incredible, and we've been friends ever since.
Q: Why did you say yes to teaching for Haus of Phoenix?
A: Of course because Kat is one of my favorite humans, but honestly, she is offering exactly what I want from a wellness community — diversity on all levels: teachers, classes, offerings, and most importantly a strong sense of belonging. I think what she's created is long overdue and just exceptional in every aspect.
Q: What does community mean to you?
A: Freedom to be. Connection. Togetherness. A sense of pure love and fellowship. When you've found these things, you've found your community. Your people.
Q: You are a fashion ICON. What does fashion mean to you and how does it influence you everyday?
A: I'm not sure about an icon lol. But fashion means I get to express myself. I get to show up how I choose. I've always loved fashion, but it’s more about how it makes you feel when you're in it, as opposed to the piece itself. Fashion doesn't really influence me; everyday life does, people do, feelings do, experiences do. The way I like to express that feeling is through fashion. But I honestly enjoy all art mediums: painting, sculpture, movement.. I love it all.
Q: Speaking of, care to share a bit about your latest venture?
A: As far as I can remember I've always dreamed of being a fashion designer.
Once I graduated high school, the goal was to attend one of the two art schools that I was accepted into, SCAD or PRATT in NY. Unfortunately yet fortunately, I was not able to attend due to personal misfortunes. However, because of that, I had a lot of lived experience that now adds value to my design, and adds a creative depth of view that I never knew as a high school graduate.
I met a dear friend of mine who questioned if it's ever too late to start what we've always wanted to start (he started as a fine artist after leaving his engineering career). "It's only too late if YOU think it's too late" (his exact words). That stuck to me like a strand of hair to fresh lip gloss. Needless to say, I decided to give design a real shot.
After months of trial and error with my pattern maker, I'm currently putting the final touches on my pieces (small collection) to be launched this Fall 2022. I'm excited! I'm curious! I'm optimistic! I am also very very frightened lol.
My line is named after my grandfather who I, unfortunately, never met. He passed away when my mom was a teen. "Elí B" after Elijah Brown. A mentor and I went back and forth trying to find a strong name for the label. This one just felt right in my core. Like my brand, I hope it becomes a core piece for many. Women's contemporary. Modern but Classic. New Classics (if you will).
Some may wonder how this ties with yoga. I don't necessarily think it needs to — everything has it's lane — but in Yin yoga, we teach a lot about balance in life. Yin is a very cool, soft, feminine practice, while other forms of yoga are just the opposite. Elí B is just that. Balance. Feminine but masculine edges. Soft yet strong. Interesting but classic. Everyday and special. I hope that feeling is felt by the wearer.
I'm looking to remain mostly e-commerce with a few pop ups here and there. One-of-a-kind collections based off fabrics sourced on my travels, and perhaps commission pieces sprinkled in. Pre-orders will be available for my first release this Fall/Winter!
Photo: Ashley in Milan wearing her Elí B jacket
Q: What can we expect from your classes?
A: You can always expect to move with intention. Twisting and turning and learning about all the incredible ways Yin and movement truly helps to support us in our everyday lives. No handstands, but the mental challenge will be there to remind you to stay connected to your why, to your inner voice, to your inner healer. You can also except to be met by a human — trying to lead with light while navigating life — just like you.
Q: Anything else you want to share!
A: I'm looking forward to moving and growing with you all every third Thursday of the month! Also wanted to thank HAUS for always making me feel welcome in this beautiful community. I’m happy to witness this community bloom to it’s greatest potential.
Now, everyone, go give Ashley a warm welcome! We are so lucky to have her in Haus!
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