Blue Anjou’s Lisa Nicholson

Shining Bright in the Community

Dallas Yoga Magazine is honored to be talking with Lisa Nicholson, the owner of Blue Anjou in Lewisville, Texas. She is a bright spot in the yoga community and shines as a woman who empowers others to grow.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Lisa: Over the years, I’ve had a few businesses such as floral design, interior design, staging and catering that I ran out of my house. It allowed me to be a stay at home mom and I was very grateful for that. My youngest is still at home and a junior in high school and my son is in the Air Force in Okinawa, Japan.

When did you start your interest in yoga?

Lisa: I began my daily practice in 2007 after toying around with yoga from time to time for years. My doctor had diagnosed me with the early signs of Raynauds, Rheumatoid Arthritis and borderline Systemic Lupus in my early 20’s, which ran in the family. He suggested yoga and a very clean diet to help with the diagnosis.  The clean diet was easy, but yoga was a whole new ball game as I had spent most of my life as a runner and gym rat!

How did you get motivated?

Lisa: I eventually worked my way to a daily practice and once I did, I wished I would have begun my yoga practice regularly many years earlier. I started to see a transformation in my body and mind. I knew I was on the right path and I started to think about teaching.

How did your teaching yoga come to fruition?

Lisa: I started to teach private classes with groups of friends just sharing what I learned in classes. As time went on, I started to have a strong calling to teach. That’s when I went to teacher training and completed my 200 hour and 300 hour at Blue Anjou. I now have my 500 hour certification.

When did you purchase Blue Anjou Yoga and Meditation Center?

Lisa: Almost 6 years ago, I decided to buy the studio when the former owner was going to close the doors. I had been a part of the studio and community for several years and it was too special to watch it not exist anymore. It was a scary decision for me because I saw the books and business was very slow. A bright light bulb told me I could do it. I could re-build the community and make it a happy, nurturing environment. So I did. It has been an honor to be a part of our unique, talented and caring community of teachers and students. I am rewarded daily with the tremendous gift and blessing in witnessing the continued growth of our wonderful Blue community.

What styles of yoga do you teach?

Lisa: I enjoy teaching Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Meditation, Yoga for Beginners, and Yoga for Athletes. I am also certified in Prenatal, Yoga for Kids, and Reiki and continuing studies in Yoga Therapy. I welcome everyone to join me for class!

What have you learned as owner of a yoga and meditation center?

Lisa: In the process of owning the studio I have learned that I have to be available pretty much all day, every day.  Being on top of things and being very organized is critical.  It’s also a “people” business and I believe people need special attention. Such as sometimes they need to talk and be heard, to share or vent, to hug, celebrate, cry, grieve or love.

It’s important as a studio that you have a niche, something that makes you different. At Blue we offer a wide variety of class styles but specialize in a nurturing, all-inclusive, comforting environment. People feel welcome here. They know they’re in a safe place and can feel the positive energy when then come in through the doors and they feel good when they leave.

How would you explain Blue Anjou’s teaching philosophy?

Our teachers have very diverse strengths, specialties, and backgrounds yet, all share a core philosophy of teaching traditional yoga with a focus on holistic and safe practice.

Do you personally believe in the healing aspects of yoga?

Lisa: Although as a yoga teacher I can’t claim that yoga heals, but my own story shows how it worked for me. Five years ago, I went to a specialist in Dallas for a full afternoon of testing, x-rays, blood tests, etc. to check on my Raynaud’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus. ALL tests came back negative! I asked him his opinion as to why and he said it was because of my yoga practice. Those are big words for a Western doctor!

If you could offer one piece of advice for other women who are interested in creating something incredible in their own lives, what would it be? 

​Lisa: I would suggest everyone should listen to their intuition. Do what makes you feel good. Know your self-worth. Be honest and be yourself. But remember it’s important to “Follow your heart but take your brain with you​.” That’s one of my favorite quotes by A. Adler.

Lisa Nicholson is the owner of Blue Anjou located at 427 W Main St, Lewisville, TX 75057. You can find more information at www.blueanjou.com