This is the feeling that founder, Lia Ahonen, was striving for when she launched Skandiflow just last year, in July 2024. As a behavioural specialist and criminologist, and lifelong yogi, Ahonen could see how yoga could have a positive impact on people’s lives.

She explains, “Throughout my career in research and clinical settings, I’ve witnessed the rising pressures people face, including career stress, body image ideals, societal expectations, issues related to aging and the mental health challenges that follow. At the same time, I’ve seen how practices like yoga, mindfulness, and physical and functional movement can offer deep healing, resilience, and joy. Creating a wellness studio felt like the natural next step - a place where these insights could come together to serve the wider community.”  

Learn more about Ahonen and Skandiflow in the Q&A below:

Lia: I wear a few different hats. I’m a behavioural specialist, criminologist, and also a lifelong yogi. My academic and professional background has always centred on understanding human behaviour and the different ways people respond to the stresses of life. Yoga, for me, has been both a personal practice and a powerful complement to this work.  

When I’m not immersed in research or teaching in the studio, I’m usually outdoors. I find balance and inspiration in nature, whether it’s hiking through trails, canoeing on a quiet lake, or simply enjoying the rhythm of being outside. That connection with nature often informs the way I approach both research and yoga, as it reminds me of the importance of presence, simplicity, and flow.

Lia: Love brought me here. First, love for a Canadian, and then love for the Kingston region itself. Spending more time in Kingston made sense. I immediately felt a connection, not only because of the personal connection but also because Kingston embodies a strong sense of community and balance.

It’s a city with rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving cultural pulse, all of which create an environment where both people and ideas can grow.

Lia: Skandiflow was inspired by my desire to bridge two worlds: the structured, evidence-based perspective of behavioural science and the holistic, embodied wisdom of yoga and movement. Throughout my career in research and clinical settings, I’ve witnessed the rising pressures people face, including career stress, body image ideals, societal expectations, issues related to ageing, and the mental health challenges that follow. At the same time, I’ve seen how practices like yoga, mindfulness, and physical and functional movement can offer deep healing, resilience, and joy. Creating a wellness studio felt like the natural next step, a place where these insights could come together to serve the wider community.

The name Skandiflow carries layers of meaning. Some connect it to the flowing, breath-linked movement of Vinyasa yoga, which is part of the inspiration. But more deeply, it draws on the work of Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the term flow. Flow is that state of complete immersion where actions feel effortless, motivation is natural, and time seems to dissolve. Athletes, artists, and musicians often describe this experience. I wanted to build a space where people could access that same state in their own way, whether through a powerful yoga practice, a sweaty Pilates session, or a calming restorative workshop. Wellness, to me, is not about perfection; it’s about creating opportunities for people to find their own sense of flow.

Above all, Skandiflow is built on inclusivity. Wellness is not reserved for certain ages, body types, or backgrounds. It is a human need and a human right, and our studio is a space where everyone can feel seen, supported, and welcomed exactly as they are.

Lia: Our foundation is in hot yoga, with classes ranging from beginner-friendly flows to more advanced sequences. Some classes are deeply restorative, designed to quiet the mind and soothe the nervous system, while others are dynamic and powerful, focusing on strength and endurance.

Beyond hot yoga, our secondary studio space allows us to expand into unique offerings. We host aerial yoga, which invites playfulness and a new perspective on movement, as well as kids’ yoga classes tailored to different ages. We run specialized workshops, a program designed around gentle yoga and healthy aging, and this fall we’re thrilled to be adding Pilates to the schedule. We are also proud to launch kids’ yoga this fall, to serve the increasing needs of children and parents to find some stillness and mindfulness to counter a stressful life.

What ties all of these classes together is a shared philosophy: accessibility and connection. Every teacher at Skandiflow works from a common foundation of inclusivity, ensuring that no matter your experience level or background, there’s a class where you feel supported and challenged in just the right way.

Lia: Most importantly, I hope people feel valued. Skandiflow is not about transactions; it’s about relationships. Our members are not just numbers on a roster; they are individuals with unique stories, needs, and goals. We take the time to get to know each person who joins us, and we want them to feel that sense of belonging the moment they walk through the door.

I also hope people leave class with a sense of empowerment and calm, as though they’ve reconnected to themselves in a way that feels nourishing. Whether it’s through sweat, stillness, or laughter, the goal is that each person leaves feeling more whole than when they arrived.

Lia: Thank you! It’s both surreal and exciting to be celebrating one year! Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has happened in such a short time. Our team has grown, our community of members has not only expanded in size but also in confidence and spirit, and we as a studio have learned so much along the way.

The first year has been a whirlwind — a mix of challenges, growth, and beautiful surprises. It has been overwhelming at times, but also deeply rewarding. Seeing the positive impact on people’s lives, watching connections form, and being part of the energy that fills the studio every day has been beyond anything I could have imagined when we first opened.

Lia: Downtown Kingston has been incredibly welcoming. From the very beginning, other business owners and residents extended a sense of support and camaraderie that made us feel immediately at home. The relationships we’ve built have been invaluable, and we’re deeply grateful for every connection.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to collaborate with other businesses and community members. These collaborations not only strengthen ties but also create new and exciting experiences for our members. We’ve already partnered on some wonderful projects, and we’re looking forward to many more in the future. Being part of this community has truly been one of the most fulfilling parts of Skandiflow’s journey so far.

Lia: Skandiflow is so much more than a yoga studio! We offer true community connections and welcome you, just as you are, into our space!