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Gina Sicard

Owner of The Network

Thank you for supporting our brand new small business, The Network Yoga. Our vision and mission are centered around creating a safe space for the community to practice yoga, heal, network, and connect with like-minded people. We wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of yoga!

I would like to share my personal story with you, if you're open to it. My name is Gina Bianca, and I am the owner of The Network. Throughout my entire adult life, I struggled with workaholism and various addictions. In 2019, my life reached a low point, both physically and mentally, after breaking my foot. Despite the injury, I stubbornly continued to work without taking a break or allowing myself to heal. I fell into a deep depression, feeling helpless and unable to engage in any physical activity. During this time, I discovered yoga at Bloom Yoga in Southington, a studio that unfortunately closed during the pandemic.

Initially, yoga felt somewhat uneventful to me, but after a few weeks of consistent practice, it became the healthiest addiction I had ever experienced. The regularity of attending classes and being present on the mat started healing me from within. Gradually, my foot pain became more manageable, and I gained a deeper understanding of the poses, steadily improving my practice.

From a depressed state, limited to child's pose, I began to relish the challenge and growth that each pose brought. Eventually, I looked in the mirror and realized I had shed nearly 80 pounds, thanks to a combination of yoga, walking, and cycling. I had never felt so good, flexible, and energized in my life. Curious friends and acquaintances frequently asked what I was doing, and without hesitation, I told them to start with yoga. It became the wellspring of my energy and taught me how to love and appreciate my body, which in turn fueled my motivation for other activities. I learned firsthand that dedicating even just one hour of self-care on the mat can be more powerful than I ever imagined.

Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, my beloved studio closed, leaving me devastated. The implementation of mask mandates and restrictions on studio capacities caused me to halt my practice and dive back into work. As a result, I lost a significant amount of progress since I function best within a supportive community and draw energy from collective studio environments. I can't help but think that there are others currently facing similar challenges. Limited options, restricted schedules, and studio closures have left many without access to yoga.

Amidst this turmoil, I found myself repeatedly stating my desire to open a yoga studio. As you may know, once I start talking about something, I become consumed by it and immediately begin mapping out the steps required to make it a reality. In March 2021, as we were expanding The Network to provide more space for hair stylists and clients (we are a 26-chair salon), I made plans for a 1300 square foot classroom, initially intended for my hair classes. Deep down, however, I knew it would also serve as a yoga studio. Recent news of another local studio closing made it increasingly clear to me that this was the path I needed to pursue. With newfound courage, I made the decision to go all in and bring my vision to life.

The past few years have taken a toll on our community, and it's essential that we come together to heal. We need a studio that offers a wide range of classes, accommodating our busy schedules. We need a space where every class is accessible, welcoming practitioners of all levels. I am determined, passionate, and thrilled to provide this sanctuary to the community. I wholeheartedly believe that if I build it, they will come.



We have been open almost 2 years now, and I can't even describe my gratitude for all of your support. Thank you for coming along on this journey with us!

-Gina

Lily

Guest Care Team

Lily is a valued member of our guest team and is also a photographer. Look for her at the front desk taking care of all of our amazing students and team!