Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Susman.
Hi Karen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
True North Yoga was born from a shared vision between my business partner, Mandy, and me. We both believed Houston needed a studio that combined exceptional yoga instruction with a warm, welcoming community—one where people of all experience levels could feel comfortable walking through the door.
I’ve been practicing yoga for many years and became a teacher because I experienced firsthand how transformative the practice can be, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. We wanted to create a space where students could build strength, improve their health, slow down, and feel a genuine sense of connection.
Starting a studio wasn’t without its challenges. Building a small business takes patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning. We’ve focused on creating an experience that reflects our values—from investing in infrared heat to thoughtfully developing our class offerings, workshops, and retreats.
Today, True North has grown into a vibrant community of people who support one another both on and off the mat. While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, we still feel like we’re just getting started. We’re currently developing our first teacher training program, which we hope to launch in 2027, and we’re excited about what the future holds. Our mission remains the same as it was on day one: to create a place where people can move, breathe, grow, and truly feel at home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Like most small businesses, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. Opening a yoga studio means wearing a lot of different hats—teacher, business owner, marketer, accountant, problem solver—and there isn’t a roadmap for every situation.
One of the biggest lessons for me has been that building a community takes time. You can create a beautiful space and offer great classes, but earning people’s trust and becoming part of their routine doesn’t happen overnight. We’ve learned to celebrate the small wins, stay consistent, and keep showing up, even during the slower seasons.
Another challenge has been balancing growth with staying true to who we are. There are always opportunities to expand or chase trends, but we’ve been intentional about creating a studio that reflects our values and offers an authentic experience.
Looking back, every challenge has helped us become better. It’s taught us to be adaptable, trust the process, and appreciate the incredible community that’s evolving. Those relationships are what make all the hard work worthwhile.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in infrared-heated Vinyasa yoga. Our classes are thoughtfully designed to build strength, mobility, and mindfulness in a warm and supportive environment. We thoughtfully curate our music so it supports the practice without getting in the way, and we extend that same intention to the entire room—from calming scents and clean air purification to every sensory detail designed to help you settle in and fully arrive on your mat. We also offer restorative yoga and sound bath experiences, allowing students to slow down, recover, and find deep relaxation.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created. We make yoga approachable without compromising the quality of the experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, we want you to feel seen, supported, and challenged in the right ways. We’ve built a studio with a clear vision rather than trying to cater to everyone. Every class, workshop, retreat, and new offering is thoughtfully designed to reflect that vision.
What truly sets us apart is our sense of community. People come for the yoga, but they stay because they feel connected. Seeing those relationships develop and watching our students become healthier, stronger, and more confident is the most rewarding part of what we do.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating a space where people feel like they belong. Yoga has the power to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and bring people together, but none of that happens if someone doesn’t feel welcome. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported, and accepted exactly as they are. Watching people gain confidence, build meaningful friendships, and make yoga a lasting part of their lives is what makes this work so rewarding. At the end of the day, it’s never just been about teaching yoga—it’s about creating a community where people can truly thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://truenorthhouston.com
- Instagram: @truenorthhouston
