Somerville resident Shelley Cates operates a yoga studio in Harvard Square.

By JT Thompson

Shelley Cates recently fulfilled a dream by opening a yoga studio of her own in Harvard Square. She speaks with the joyful calm and relaxed liveliness of someone who has discovered their calling in life.

“I came from an interior architecture and design background. I moved from New York City to Boston for grad school, and was living in the South End. After awhile, I couldn’t afford it, and moved to Somerville.

“Now, I would never live on the other side of the river. I like that we’re like the scrappy underdog. There’s a great sense of community in Somerville, the Squares are all accessible, there’s lots of mom and pop stores, brick and mortar local stores.”

Cates was inspired to open a yoga studio after “getting burned out on design work. I had been teaching Pilates part time downtown. I was putting feelers out, not sure what was next. But the design industry had sucked me dry. I had my eyes to the sky, ears to the ground.

“The former owner of the space I’m in now told me that he was selling it. I decided to buy it – I went home and told my partner Pablo, I want to buy a yoga studio,” Cates laughs. “I took it over last October.

“What’s most important to me about teaching yoga is connecting with the students, helping them make small changes, offering them little sparks of empowerment. I want them to know I’m here to support them – that they can do anything they want with their body and mind. My goal is that they leave being a little bit better in ways that last in their life.”

What was your experience of the Women’s March?

“It was incredible. My friend Cheri and my partner Pablo and I went together in DC. I had never been in a place with so women at the same time. And so many loving and supportive men. It brings tears to my eyes to think about that. It was really, really powerful.”

What’s your perspective on the #metoo movement?

“It’s a real thing. It’s not a lie. In hindsight and with a clear perspective, I don’t know any women who haven’t been treated unjustly or unfairly – at work or home. I think broadening awareness of how men treat women, and how women treat men in return, helps shift those relationships toward being based on trust and not power.”

What do you think a more woman led society would be like?

“Oh my god,” Cates laughs, “so much more peaceful. More just, more humane. More equal. Way more peaceful,” she laughs again. “More fair.”

What would you like to say to women in America today?

“So, when I was putting my feelers out, doing my own soul searching, someone told me to find something that makes me happy and give it back to the world. I encourage every woman to find something that gives them joy, that they feel a passion for – find your gift and give it back to the world.

“I don’t know if where I am now is connected to the Women’s March, but the broadening awareness of women’s equity in the world has made me more aware of myself, and how I live in the world.” Cates lights up with a warm smile. “I try to lead by example, more by a whisper than a yowl.”