Rachel West, 43
& Chad West, 41
THEIR STORY
Yoga is fundamental to Rachel and Chad West’s relationship — they were introduced six years ago at mind/body HAUS, and their relationship continues growing with the studio they love. Rachel owns mind/body HAUS with her business partner, Jocelyn Brunotte, where she leads yoga teacher training for HAUS Yoga School and teaches public and private yoga classes. Chad works in real estate, project management, and design. Due to his background in small business development, Chad was integral in designing and renovating mind/body HAUS. Rachel and Chad have a blended family of five kids and two miniature dachshunds. When they are not practicing yoga together, the Wests love to ride bikes around Midtown and Downtown, try a new restaurant or bottle of wine, or travel to explore a new city.
THEIR PATHS TO FITNESS
Rachel was a competitive gymnast and runner throughout high school and college, and she tried yoga in her early twenties to rehab her knee and hip injuries. She soon fell in love with the practice and knew she wanted to share her love of yoga with others. Rachel began teaching yoga in 2012 and opened mind/body HAUS in 2018. Now, her passion is training new teachers and working one-on-one with private clients. Chad grew up playing baseball and riding bikes. As an adult, he found yoga at mind/body HAUS and was inspired by the community of authentic people. Together, Chad and Rachel enjoy yoga, bike riding, hiking, skiing, and walking their dogs.
THEIR STRENGTHS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Rachel recognizes Chad as her biggest supporter and a vital force in the community of mind/body HAUS. Rachel sees Chad’s greatest strength as his creativity and passion for finding beauty in day-to-day life, in addition to his entrepreneurial mindset, eye for design, and ability to see greatness in the mundane. “He’s also a fantastic cook and keeps our kitchen stocked and our family well-fed,” Rachel says.
Chad is inspired by Rachel’s work ethic and dedication to her business. Because she puts her family and her studio’s needs first, Chad tries to encourage her to prioritize her self-care as well as she prioritizes her community. “Rachel’s greatest strength is her ability to hold space for others and maintain both excellence and compassion in her work and home life,” Chad says,
Rachel’s proudest accomplishment is leading yoga teacher training. She finds the most joy in watching the training process unfold and seeing new teachers grow in their confidence, understanding, and ability to hold space for others. Chad was able to experience the same sense of accomplishment as a student in Rachel’s teacher training himself! “Seeing her do what she loves while expanding my knowledge of myself and this practice has changed my perspective on wellness,” he says.
THEIR ADVICE & GOALS
Their best advice is to remain adaptable and stay in tune with what your body is telling you. “Let go of perfection and lean into balance. Plan new activities together and make travel and rest a bigger priority.”