For Olivia, the founder of Gala Yoga, the practice has never really been about being “sporty” or hitting the perfect pose. It’s about the ritual. It’s about the slow, intentional process of showing up for oneself—a philosophy that carries through from her yoga mat to the rhythmic pull of a sewing needle.
Finding the Flow
Olivia’s journey into yoga began in earnest in 2013, eventually leading her to yoga teacher training in 2020. But the seeds were planted much earlier, through a fascination with the “creative ritual” of classes. Having navigated chronic pain, Olivia found that yoga offered more than just physical relief; it provided a spiritual perspective that transformed how she moved through the world.
When she launched her fortnightly classes, she did so with a singular mission: to make yoga assessable, slow, and friendly. “I want the participants to be seen,” Olivia says. “Some studios can feel daunting, but I want this to be a personal, inclusive space.”
Whether it’s theming a class for a student’s birthday or focusing on the gentle flows of Vinyasa and Yin, Olivia brings a “personal touch” that feels more like a community gathering than a fitness session.
Where Worlds Collide: Yoga & Natural Dyeing
This passion for connection recently sparked a boutique collaboration with Carly from Rivarossa Botanicals. After meeting at a mini festival in Gingin, the two realised their worlds—mindful movement and natural fabric dyeing—were two sides of the same coin.
Their upcoming workshop at the Stirling Women’s Shed hosted by The Locals is a celebration of this “mindful making.” It’s an invitation for people of all ages and levels to step out of the “normal format” of yoga and into a creative experience that feels special from beginning to end.
Creativity as Mindfulness
Olivia’s belief in creative outlets extends far beyond the mat. A dedicated sewist, she realised years ago that her time at the sewing machine was actually her first introduction to mindfulness.
“Sewing has always been a way for me to slow down and lose myself in the process,” she explains. “Before I even knew the word ‘mindfulness,’ I was practising it through my craft.”
This deep respect for the lifecycle of materials and the human experience has led to her newest venture, Kindred Collection. Breaking down modern taboos around death, Olivia is designing “shrouds”—environmentally sound burial garments. It’s a project rooted in connection, environmental care, and the belief that even our final transition should be personal and beautiful.
Join the Journey
Whether she is guiding a class through a restorative flow or collaborating on natural dye retreats, Olivia remains a champion for the “human” behind the practice. In a world that often moves too fast, she is a reminder that there is profound value in the slow, the creative, and the kind.
Event Details
- What: Yoga & Natural Dyeing Workshop
- Who: Olivia (Gala Yoga) & Carly (Rivarossa Botanicals)
- Where: Stirling Women’s Shed, via The Locals WA
