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

Hi Cici, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey as a business owner began with a transformative experience during my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Bali, where I had the privilege of teaching yoga to children with physical and mental challenges at an orphanage. Witnessing their unbridled joy and openness, despite their limitations, deeply moved me. Yoga was an integral part of their daily routine, and seeing its profound ability to nurture resilience, foster connection, and promote healing inspired me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

This experience ignited a passion within me to share these benefits, starting with my own family. When I returned home, I sought a space where I could bring my little ones onto the mat with me—a family-centered yoga studio where we could collectively embrace mindfulness and well-being. To my surprise, I couldn’t find a place that offered this. Most studios at the time were not particularly family-friendly. While some had daycare options, there were few, if any, that provided a shared space for families to practice together.

I realized there was a gap in the yoga community—a need for a space that holistically catered to families, children, and their unique needs. This realization inspired me to create Harmony Family Yoga, a studio that fosters connection, mindfulness, and growth for all ages.

My vision was to build a welcoming community where families could gather, learn, and flourish together. I wanted to make yoga accessible, inclusive, and transformative—a space where people of all life stages could discover balance and well-being while nurturing meaningful connections.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets us apart from others:
 Harmony Family Yoga is a traditional yoga studio that focuses on guiding people to find their “Harmony” within. Unlike the mainstream hot yoga culture that dominates in the U.S., we honor the roots of traditional Eastern yoga philosophy. Our primary focus is on the forms of Hatha yoga with breathwork and meditation, providing participants with an experience to destress, unwind, and restore balance in their body, mind, and spirit.

Our yoga sessions are not designed to be just a physical workout but a journey inward—a practice that nurtures mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery. This focus on holistic well-being and honoring yoga’s ancient roots sets us apart and makes Harmony Family Yoga a sanctuary for individuals and families seeking restoration and connection.

What you are most proud of or excited about:
 Opening Harmony Family Yoga right before the pandemic was a significant challenge, but I’m proud to say that we not only survived but thrived. Navigating through the uncertainty of closures and restrictions, we took one step at a time, staying grounded in our mission to share the wisdom of yoga with our community.

Today, our studio is a well-recognized name in the community, thanks to organic word-of-mouth referrals. Families across Conejo Valley are benefiting from our services, and it’s heartwarming to witness how yoga has positively impacted so many lives.

I’m especially proud of our Bunny Yoga program, which was born out of necessity during the pandemic when indoor studio classes weren’t possible. To adapt, we partnered with a mobile farm to offer outdoor yoga classes with rabbits. This creative solution turned into a signature experience that has continued for over three years. Now, with our own bunnies, we host monthly Bunny Yoga events where participants can practice yoga with bunnies gently resting on their belly or back in the studio. This unique offering combines the calming energy of yoga with the therapeutic joy of interacting with animals, making it a favorite in our community.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy?
 The journey was far from easy. Starting a business just before a global pandemic was daunting. However, my own yoga and meditation practices helped me stay grounded, focused, and resilient. I learned to adapt to challenges creatively, remain patient, and trust the process.

By consistently showing up for our community and offering innovative solutions like outdoor yoga events, Harmony Family Yoga gained traction and trust. Our approach to mindful yoga, rooted in traditional practices, resonated with people seeking more than just a workout. This alignment of vision and community need is what helped us grow.

Lessons learned and what I want the world to know about my brand and story:
 One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that yoga is not just about movement—it’s about connection. It’s a healing process that helps us discover the power of our breath, the harmony of movement, and the peace that comes from looking inward.

I want the world to know that Harmony Family Yoga is a place where people of all ages and stages can come to learn tools for self-care, mindfulness, and well-being. Our mission is to share the transformative wisdom of yoga and nurturing a sense of community and connection that ripples outwards.

Yoga is a gift that keeps on giving, and my hope is that Harmony Family Yoga will continue to be a place where individuals and families can find balance, inner calm, and harmony in their lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d create a 5-day itinerary that highlights the best of our area, blending nature, family-friendly adventures, and local charm.

Day 1: Explore Wildwood Park. 
We’d start with a hike at Wildwood Park, one of my favorite local spots in Thousand Oaks. The trail to the Wildwood Teepee is a must-see, and we’d continue down to Paradise Falls to enjoy the peaceful waterfall. I’d pack a picnic lunch so we could relax and soak in the natural beauty before heading back.

Day 2: Beach Day & Coastal Biking in Ventura
. We’d head to Ventura for a full day by the ocean. The morning would be spent at Rincon Beach, where we could watch surfers and relax on the sandy shore. In the afternoon, we’d rent bikes and ride along Ventura Beach’s stunning coastal path, taking in ocean views and fresh sea air. We’d end the ride at Marina Park, where there’s space to play and unwind before heading back.

Day 3: Santa Barbara Adventure. 
For a family-friendly day, we’d drive up to Santa Barbara. We’d visit the Santa Barbara Zoo with its gorgeous ocean views, then explore the Natural History Museum to see dinosaur exhibits and the butterfly pavilion. Afterward, we’d head to the harbor to visit the Sea Center, where interactive touch pools are always a hit. This day combines fun, learning, and breathtaking scenery.

Day 4: Ojai Serenity
. For a quieter day, we’d escape to Ojai. In the afternoon, we’d visit Meditation Mount for a self-guided tour, enjoying the peaceful gardens and stunning views of the Ojai Valley. We’d stay for sunset—it’s truly magical and offers a sense of calm that’s perfect for recharging.

Day 5: Farmer’s Market & Local Eats in Westlake Village. 
We’d wrap up the trip with a Sunday visit to the Westlake Village Farmer’s Market. It’s the perfect spot to pick up fresh produce, artisan goods, and local treats while supporting small businesses. After shopping, we’d enjoy a relaxed brunch at one of the nearby cafés before saying goodbye and reflecting on the wonderful week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. As an entrepreneur, the journey can often feel isolating—navigating decisions and processes alone can be challenging. However, the support and guidance I received from the Chamber made a world of difference. From the very beginning, when I only had a website landing page and the studio was still under construction, to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of our first space, and even through the challenges of the pandemic, the Chamber stood by me.

Their team and leadership provided invaluable resources—webinars, live Zoom connections, and fostering a vibrant business owner community where we could share experiences and gain insights. They treated my small business with the same care and importance as larger enterprises, making me feel seen and celebrated at every milestone. Knowing they understood the difficulties and challenges I faced, and that they were on my side, gave me strength and encouragement.

I also want to thank the Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) community. I learned about WEV through the Chamber, and it has been an incredible resource for supporting women-owned small businesses. Their programs have been instrumental in my growth as a business leader, from financial literacy to sustainable business practices. Through WEV, I’ve gained the confidence to access the resources available to women entrepreneurs and to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Both organizations have played a significant role in my journey, and I am deeply grateful for their support, mentorship, and belief in me.

Website: https://harmonyfamilyyoga.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cici-bo-hfy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoga4family/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/harmony-family-yoga-thousand-oaks

Image Credits
Leigha Smith

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