How We Got Started
Wine & Yoga began the way many meaningful things do — with a moment of clarity, a bold decision, and a room full of women who were ready for something different.
After earning degrees in law and psychology, Shawna stepped away from the academic path to raise her three boys. But when it came time to reimagine her next chapter, she found herself drawn to the practice that had quietly carried her through the chaos of motherhood: yoga.
Yoga had become her lifeline — a way to reconnect to her body, her breath, and herself. And she knew other women needed that same space. So, instead of easing into teaching, Shawna did what she does best — she went big. Her very first public class was a Wine & Yoga event held at the Heartland Café in Okotoks. It sold out. The space buzzed with warmth, laughter, and the kind of energy that can only happen when women feel safe, seen, and connected.
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From that one class, the community began to grow. What started as Yoga with Shawna quickly evolved into Gypsy Souls Yoga & Life — a name lovingly coined by her friends, who saw in her the true spirit of a gypsy soul: free, soulful, rooted in movement and meaning.
But when an outside equity group challenged her use of the name and targeted her online, Shawna faced a crossroads. For a moment, she considered walking away from it all. But her students — the women who had found something special in her classes — refused to let her quit. Their overwhelming support gave her the courage to rise above the noise and come back stronger.
She took her most popular, joy-filled offering and gave it a new name — one rooted in community, play, and purpose:
The Wine & Yoga Club.From there, things only grew. More events. More conversations. More women discovering that balance didn’t have to be perfect, wellness didn’t have to be rigid, and connection could be the most healing practice of all.
Later, Shawna developed her signature B.A.L.A.N.C.E. framework — a lifestyle philosophy born from the same questions women kept asking her:
“How do you stay so grounded? How do you do it all and still seem happy?”
She realized she wasn’t just teaching yoga anymore. She was helping women create lives that felt like theirs again — joyful, personal, and rooted in something real.
A world where women feel connected; lift each others crowns and live authentically in thriving communities.
Our Vision
To create opportunities for fitness-minded women to connect - to themselves and to each other - in a welcoming, judgement-free space that encourages a balance of fun and wellness.
Our Mission
We believe wellness should feel like something you get to do, not something you have to earn. True balance means making space for what nourishes your body, your mind, and your spirit — without guilt, shame, or pressure.
Our Philosophy
Our business is built on three main pillars. Connection, balance and authenticity.
Connect with women who lift you up.
Balance fun & wellness.
Live authentically without guilt.
Our Values
Hi, I’m Shawna — the founder of the Wine & Yoga Club and the creator of the B.A.L.A.N.C.E. program, a philosophy and lifestyle I developed to help women live well, feel aligned, and show up for themselves without the pressure to be perfect.
I’m a certified personal yoga trainer, community builder, and forward-thinking wellness advocate with a passion for helping women feel grounded, connected, and empowered. I believe deeply that self-care shouldn’t feel like another task on your to-do list — it should be something you look forward to.
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My work is about creating spaces where women can reconnect with their bodies, nurture their minds, and be surrounded by others who truly get it. Whether it's a cozy restorative class, a private in-home yoga session, or a full-on retreat with wine and good food — everything I offer is rooted in joy, embodiment, and connection.
I started the Wine & Yoga Club to bring like-minded women together in ways that feel welcoming, fun, and meaningful. You don’t need to be flexible or “fit” to be here — just open to showing up as you are.
If you’re ready to explore a more balanced way of living, connect with amazing women, and give yourself permission to enjoy the ride, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s raise a glass, roll out a mat, and celebrate this beautiful, imperfect journey — together.