Carly Farmer

Where are you from/what’s your story? 

My name is Carly Farmer. I was lucky enough to be born and raised in Southern California. I grew up with a passion for dance, and found healing and happiness in moving my body to music. One thing led to another, and here I am. I own the Villa Pilates and Yoga studio in Cannery Village. What a dream!!!

If you asked me what I was doing 3 ½ years ago when I opened Villa, I’m not quite sure what I would have said. Since then Villa has become my little sanctuary, and my happy place. It’s a place that makes me happy when I’m sad, inspired when I’m not, balanced when I’m lost, and fulfilled when I’m empty.

While the classes are top notch, it’s the people and instructors that give Villa so much soul.  I feel lucky to be surrounded by some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met everyday. Going to “work” still excited me, and when I’m not there, I miss it.

what do you do?

I like to consider myself an artist more than an athlete or “fitness” person, because for me, movement and exercise is about the experience and what it does for my soul. A consistent yoga and Pilates practice translates into my entire existence and makes me a more creative, graceful, and grounded person. I am a business owner, a Pilates teacher, a student currently enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a yogi, a foodie, a retail shop buyer.

I guess you could say Villa is an expression of me.  I’m inspired by beauty, music, movement, food, design, and people, I am fascinated by life, nutrition, and the connection between the human body and spirit.and, I believe in the importance of the energy you put out into the world and that dreams can come true.

I’ve always been big on the “experience” and being mindful of our environment. I’ve created a studio with an eco state of mind, and in turn have attracted a very conscious client and I feel a huge sense of community. My hope is for people to enjoy themselves when they walk through our door, and leave a little healthier and happier.

Favorite place to travel to?

To date, Bali is my favorite place I have ever traveled to. How ironic! No wonder why I love Indosole so much J

I met a Prince in Bali while I was there last fall, and he said, “Traveling to Bali is like meeting your soul mate – you take a piece of it with you forever.” There is something so magical about Bali. The people are present and simple, the food is real and delicious, the land is beautiful, and it is a country based on intuition and karma, not on money and ego. I spent just 18 days in Bali, but I left feeling so alive, centered, and vibrant. It’s just how Bali makes you feel.

How have you impacted the community/environment or thoughts on how to eg?

I try to promote a healthy neighborhood vibe and an eco state of mind through Villa. Clients ride their bikes or walk to classes, and the space itself has bamboo floors, open beam ceilings, non – toxic paint, and natural lighting.

We have had a number of donation based yoga classes to help raise money for Villa friends and family, and we support local designers.

This past June, we put on Art of Movement – a really great fundraiser that benefited We are Ocean which improves the lives of young adult cancer survivors. It was such a fun party for such a great cause. We had a live yoga performance, silent auction, Ritual Cleanse signature cocktails, food donated by local restaurants, live music, and a dynamic group of like – minded people all gathered together in a cool industrial building In Cannery Village, having a good time. Good, clean, fun. This was our first event like this, and we will definitely be having more. I loved it. It gave me a high all weekend – good energy!!

Who is someone you look up to.

I hate to sound cliché, but the instructors at Villa. I can honestly say that each one of them continue to inspire me. I’ve surrounded myself by some pretty incredible people, and I’ve realized that this is the key to not only success, but also life in general.  It’s like a ripple effect. One person inspires another, and they inspire the next person, and it’s just a big ripple effect of slowly inspiring and changing the world.

I also look up to my parents who have guided me in the right direction, loved me, and encouraged me to follow my dreams. More than anything though – they have always been two of the best humans I know and have taught me to live an honest life.

What are your plans in the next couple years/ near future?

To respond to every call that excites me. This is the best way to look at the future. Things work out organically when I look at life this way.

For more info visit, Villa Pilates and Yoga’s website or her lifestyle blog, The Elemental Farmer