Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Zornitzer.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been a practicing Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT for 22 years and the Founder of Niyama Yoga Shalas, Niyama Ayurveda, and Niyama Yoga Retreats. I was first introduced to yoga as a child when I was a dancer and have been an avid student of yoga for 43 years. Over the course of life I have used yoga as a therapeutic tool to connect my mind/body/spirit. In 2019 I decided to continue my studies and attended Graduate School for Ayurvedic Medicine as well as becoming an Integral Sound Healer. It was also in 2019 that I opened my first brick and mortar wellness center, which quickly expanded to 3 in the state of New Jersey and 1 retreat center in Ayampe, Ecuador. In 2024 I opened my private practice in Ponte Vedra, Florida where I exclusively see private clients. I also teach group classes in 2 local yoga studios in the Ponte Vedra & St. Augustine area.
Since 2007 I have been teaching Children’s Yoga in the private and public school sectors and it has been my passion to bring yoga and mindfulness to the youngest of populations. In 2025 I connected with the Founders of The Creative Kids Movement Network, headquartered in New York. We quickly realized the amazing synergy between us and I decided to become part of their organization and am now the owner of The Creative Kids Movement Network, Jacksonville / Northern Florida. The Creative Kids Movement Network was founded in 1998 and we bring Yoga, Mindfulness, and Dance to preschools, daycare centers, elementary schools, and wellness centers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth it is smooth or easy! I was in a unique situation because I launched my first brick and mortar at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019. I had left my 23 year career in Corporate America to pursue my dream of opening a wellness center and used my background in Marketing and Business to continue this effort, all while managing the challenges of this pandemic. I ultimately ended up building an outdoor studio during this time to accommodate the government regulations, however also opened 2 more brick and mortar centers during 2020!
Owning a business is a challenge that most do not realize. The work is continual 24/7, however when one is doing what they love for a living, it makes those challenges easier.
I have also always believed that a proper teacher is also a forever student, and therefore continued education is important and staying in the “know” of industry updates as well as enhancing one’s own platform is critical for success.
The most recent challenge for me was relocating to Northern Florida from New Jersey. It required quite a bit of effort to educate others on my background and how what I do is quite different than your typical Yoga Instructor. Thankfully, I am surrounded by a very supportive community of professionals who have continually supported my efforts!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Creative Kids Movement Network & Niyama Yoga Shalas?
Niyama Yoga Shalas / Niyama Ayurveda / Niyama Yoga Retreats was founded in 2007 in New Jersey. We offer Therapeutic Yoga, Ayurvedic Medicine, Sound Healing, Reiki, and Holistic Healing to our communities. We also have a retreat center in Ayampe, Ecuador where we hold wellness retreats, and immersion training programs. As a trained Yoga Therapist, I offer comprehensive plans to wellness for my clients which ranges from yoga to methods of living a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis. What sets me apart from others is my education and my continual belief in learning. I am one of the only Yoga Therapists and Ayurvedic Counselors on the East Coast. I am most proud of my continual efforts to educate others on the “WHY” in yoga, ayurveda or any healing modalities. I am also very proud of my unwavering passion to be in this industry, despite challenges or diversions and will never give up on this career, even during the most difficult of moments.
The Creative Kids Movement Network, which is my newest business is a fabulous organization that specializes in bringing Yoga, Mindfulness, and Dance to our youngest of populations in preschools, daycares, elementary schools, and wellness centers. Knowing that our future relies upon our youngsters, I am passionate about teaching children the importance of health and wellness as they grow into adults. As the owner of The Creative Kids Movement Network, Jacksonville / Northern Florida, I travel all over our region bringing this to our communities!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people would be surprised to learn that I am 52 years old! Yoga and living a committed Ayurvedic lifestyle has offered me the ability to maintain my youthful appearance! I am also a very active hiker, biker, and pilates reformer practitioner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ckmovementnetwork.com/jacksonville
- Instagram: @ckmn_jacksonville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574130874015
