We had the good fortune of connecting with Val Sklar Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Val, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After 8 years in a career I loved (Retail and wholesale for shoes) I started having hip issues (from a broken hip at age 13). Once I started practicing this style of therapeutic Hot Yoga, and experienced the benefits of creating strength and healing, I knew I had to share it with others. I quit my job in January 1998 and took the 6th Bikram Yoga Teacher Training In March 1998, graduated in May 1998, and in Nov 1998 I moved from LA to Pasadena to open Hot Yoga Pasadena. (formerly, Bikram Yoga Pasadena)

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am so lucky to have 2 careers I loved! I grew up loving the business of fashion and when I graduated college in 1990 was able to start working at what was Bullocks Beverly Center as a manager traineed under the powerful Elaine Pasternack. She set high expectations along with an incredible work ethic that started my professional life off with an incredible mentor and leader. The retail industry, both on the retail and wholesale side was filled with smart, strong and passionate women who set the example to expect excellence, hard work and demonstrated when all of that combines with passion, you can’t be stopped.

When I found Original Hot Yoga (aka, Bikram Method Hot Yoga) the world just stopped. The practice made such a profound impact on my life, that I quit my wholesale shoe job to take Bikram Yoga Teacher Training, become a teacher and open Hot Yoga Pasadena in 1998. I have been passionately running and teaching at my studio for almost 25 years. We taught only 90 minute Original Hot Yoga classes the 1ast 17 years and have expanded to 60 minute hot yoga classes, (still based on OHY), HOt Pilates, Yin and Hotsanga. (my trademarked Astanga/hot yoga hybrid)

Our teachers are incredibly experienced and passionate to share the benefits of the Original Hot Yoga practice. More than half our teachers have taught over 10 years, and some 15 and 20! This level of experience offers our students the ability to offer guided and individual modifications and corrections for those looking for a deeper understanding of the postures and how they can create a deeper mind/body connection. Anyone who loves and searches for this style of yoga, knows that finding a quality studio and teaching is rare. There are 3 corporate hot yoga studios just in Pasadena, but they can’t offer the quality of teaching, experience and care that we offer which is why we continue to thrive, no matter how many other hot yoga corporations open in our city. Our teachers still practice and LOVE how our yoga and pilates classes help them to feel healthy , strong and act a wonderful tool to age gracefully. (this inspires our students as well!)

Covid was obviously the biggest challenge in our 25 years. It was also an incredible opportunity to really see how much we meant to our community as so many people supported us in a number of ways to make sure we were there on the other side. It also gave us the confidence to make some changes within the studio that provided a better experience for everyone.

Our studio is thriving like never before as we clearly communicate our vision and mission and invest in our clients because they invest in us. There are no gimmicks, intros or hidden anything. We offer fair and simple pricing to help students decide how often they can commit to practice so they can feel and live better. I love my business and offer an incredible level of personalized service that is hard to find. Our high level of experience and support also means our community welcomes all body types, ages, physical limitations and more, because we believe this yoga practice is for anyone who is willing to put in the time and energy, to practice under our guidance and instruction. Everyday we hear how incredible people feel and how grateful they are to us. It is really fun and gratifying to come to work everyday.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE LA! While we certainly have our challenges, there are just incredible things to see all over this city. In Pasadena, we have the Norton Simon Museum, The Huntington Gardens (library and museum), the Rose Bowl Flea Market (2nd sunday of the month) , and PCC Flea Market. (1st Sunday of the month) Right next door is Eagle Rock with some of the best food around. Don’t miss Cacao Mexicatessan and the new Bub and Grandma’s for the best sandwiches and bread around.
There is also great hiking around LA and Pasadena has both the Arroyo and Eaton Canyon.
We have great Farmers Markets all over LA (Atwater village, Hollywood, Pasadena and more)
there is also so much to see in DTLA from Little Tokyo to the Arts District and more and
My last don’t miss visits for anyone is Smorgasburg, LA. . Dozens of food trucks, culture and fun for all!
https://la.smorgasburg.com/

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?
My family and community of students and teachers that inspire me everyday. It is not easy to make the decision to make your health a priority and practice hot yoga and pilates. I can’t do this without the support of my husband who makes it all possible. You also can’t run a sustainable business around health and wellness unless your community supports you and gets your mission and vision and wants to support all you do.

Website: www.hotyogapasadena.com

Instagram: hotyogapasadena

Facebook: hotyogapasadena

Yelp: Hot Yoga Pasadena

Youtube: Hot Yoga Pasadena

Other: To learn more about OHYA-The Original Hot Yoga Association www.ohyassociation.com

Image Credits
These are all photos I have taken or a student took and I don’t know which one. no professional photos are included

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.