Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Zack.
Hi Casey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started when I was a kid. I was always drawn to Eastern philosophy – probably because my dad used to meditate and talk with me about all the power within and around us – he loved to reference Star Wars and ‘the force’ which for me, as kid, made it feel magical and mystical – it stuck with me. I didn’t totally understand it at the time but I knew I was curious. That curiosity never really left – neither did my love for the Star Wars movies! haha…
My actual yoga practice began in 1999. I bought a yoga VHS tape (yep! VHS) and started practicing at home. Not long after that, I found myself in my first real studio class – it was Bikram, it was HOT, and it was intense. It was a challenge – but something about the mindful movement and breath-work reminded me of those early conversations with my dad. It lit something up in me.
As a lifelong dancer and actress yoga felt both expressive and creative – a way to move with intention while also turning inward. I kept coming back to my mat again and again for over a decade, until eventually, I decided to enroll in teacher training – not necessarily to teach, but to deepen my personal practice and understanding. Turns out, the more I learned, the more I wanted to share this special gift. Teaching sort of found me, in the most natural way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all! I never actually intended to open a yoga studio. One day, I ran into someone I knew who was finishing up their teacher training, and out of nowhere, the words “we should open a studio!” came flying out of my mouth. I surprised even myself.
A year later, in early 2020, we decided to actually go for it. It was January, during a Minnesota blizzard, and we’d heard there was a vacant space right next to Subway in town. I drove over, peaked in the window, and something in me just said, “this is it.” We called the landlord, met with him, and signed the lease. Ten days later it was ours. It all fell into place… until it didn’t.
Our grand opening was scheduled for March 22, 2020 right when Covid hit. Everything shut down. We had to completely pivot. I started teaching classes on Instagram live -‘lockdown yoga’ – to stay connected with a few students who had already begun practicing with me. It was scrappy and imperfect, but we made it work.
We finally opened our doors that June, only to close again a month later. Then re-open. Then close again. It was a roller coaster. Eventually, my partners decided it was too stressful to keep going during such an uncertain time so by the following year, I found myself running the studio on my own. It was a huge leap, but the community showed up. And honestly, I think we all needed it more than we realized.
Even with such a rough start, The Yoga Tree has continued to grow, one student and one breath at a time. Our community is something truly special. I love showing up for them – and I love watching them show up for each other. It’s a true Sangha and I feel so lucky to be part of it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 10 years, and right now, I’m deepening my practice through an advanced teacher training to complete my 500 hour certification. But beyond the credentials, my true passion and what I specialize in – is presence.
I teach presence and mindfulness as a path to reconnect with our inner voice, that inner knowing we all carry. I truly believe we are each our own best teacher. My role is simply to hold space, offer tools, and remind students of what’s already within them.
What sets my teaching apart is probably the mix of depth and lightness I try to bring. I take the practice seriously, but not myself. There’s often laughter in class… and sometimes tears. I don’t think healing or growth has to look a certain way. We’re all just human beings on a spiritual journey – imperfect and evolving. My classes are a space where people can show up exactly as they are and be met with compassion, not judgment.
I like to explore big ideas: how do we receive each day? How do we respond to life, especially when it doesn’t go the way we planned. I teach that we have power, not control over everything, but power in how we respond, how we think, the words we choose, and the way we meet life on life’s terms. That’s where our peace comes from – not from getting it all right, but from being present with whatever is.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. The Yoga Tree is a space where people feel safe, welcomed, and seen – it’s about presence, connection, and being real.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Hmm… Starting a yoga practice or a business? Either way – just start. Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to have everything perfectly planned. Just show up, keep learning, and strive for excellence in the small things. Mistakes and struggles aren’t failures – they’re your greatest teachers.
For Yoga students, I always say: you don’t need to be flexible – yoga practice creates flexibility. You don’t need to be strong – yoga practice builds strength. And you definitely don’t need to be perfect – you already are. Just come as you are. The practice will meet you there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yogatreenp.com
- Instagram: yogatree.np
- Facebook: yogatreenp
