Meet Amy & Michael Caldwell | Yoga One Studio Co-Founders Since 2002 / Owners / Instructors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy & Michael Caldwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy & Michael, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
One of the most powerful lessons we’ve learned over the years is this: “How you do anything is how you do everything.”

It’s a simple phrase, but it continues to guide us in both our personal lives and in how we operate Yoga One. Whether it’s leading a class, sending an email, or sweeping the studio floor—how we show up matters. Every action, no matter how small, is an opportunity to embody our values.

Another core principle that shapes our path is Ahimsa, the yogic idea of non-harming. To us, it means more than just avoiding harm—it’s about intentionally practicing kindness, compassion, and respect. It reminds us that we’re all deeply interconnected and that the energy we put into the world ripples outward.

Since opening Yoga One in 2002, we’ve tried to live these values out loud, every day:

Inclusivity and Accessibility: We welcome students of all levels and backgrounds, with a variety of class styles that encourage growth and connection—not comparison.

Human-Centered Culture: We meet people where they are, offering genuine care for each student and team member’s individual journey.

Community Engagement: From free weekly classes to donated class packages for schools and nonprofits, giving back is part of who we are.

Sustainability and Self-Care: Our studio is filled with fresh air and natural light. Our carbon footprint is tiny.

Integrity and Accountability: We strive to walk our talk and hold ourselves accountable to the values we promote.

At the end of the day, for us, it comes back to this: Be real. Be kind. Do your best. Care deeply. That’s how we hope to live, teach, and lead—one breath, one class, one connection at a time.

With gratitude,
Yoga One Co-Founders / Owners / Instructors since 2002

What should our readers know about your business?
Yoga One was born in 2002 from a deep desire to share the transformative power of yoga and community. As a family, Black, and woman-owned small business, we’ve spent over two decades helping people feel stronger, calmer, more connected, and more at home in their bodies and lives.

From day one, we’ve aimed to create something more than just a yoga studio. We’ve built a welcoming “third space”—a place that’s not work and not home, but a sanctuary where people can breathe, move, grow, and connect. Whether it’s someone’s first class or their hundredth, we meet them with professionalism, heart, and a sense of play.

We’re proud to offer a positive, non-competitive environment—both in-person and online—where people of all backgrounds and experience levels can learn practical tools to manage stress, build strength and resilience, and feel more like their best selves. We also cultivate a culture of accountability, growth, and authenticity among our staff and community. We strive to lead by example—showing up fully, practicing mindfulness, and continuing to learn.

Along the way, we’ve experienced plenty of ups and downs. Running a small business isn’t easy—but we’ve stayed true to our values, leaned into challenges, and kept our focus on people first. Our passion and purpose have carried us through.

Some proud moments? We led the first-ever yoga class aboard the USS Midway, co-led a 800+ person event at Petco Park to help City of Hope raise $80,000 for cancer research, and co-created the award-winning iYoga Premium app with 3D4 Medical. But truly, our biggest success is the everyday impact—seeing students leave class feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected to themselves and the world around them.

At our core, Yoga One exists to help people live happier, healthier lives. We believe that with the right support, tools, and intention, everyone has the power to grow, heal, and thrive—and we’re honored to be part of that journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dinner at Wolf in the Woods, Stand-Up Paddle in Mission Bay, walk on Pacific beach followed by City Tacos, a sunset cocktail at Communion (at the top of the Sasan), Pickleball open play at Activities Center or Municipal Gym in Balboa Park, picnic at Presidio Park, artist Sarah Stieber, Sound Bath, Reiki and Restorative or a dance class at Yoga One (:

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We’d like to acknowledge our deep gratitude for a few people –
Missy DiDonato, our studio manager and friend for 10+ years. She shares her caring, dedication, creativity, knowledge, experience and passion for all things yoga with us and our community. We couldn’t do it without her! But don’t tell her we said that! (:
Our incredible teachers who give from the heart and contribute to the well being of so many.
Our community of wonderful students.
And our children – they inspire us to keep learning, evolving, playing, paying attention and showing up for them and the world with as much love as possible.

Website: https://www.yogaonesandiego.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaonesandiego/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogaonesandiego#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb0OaU_Bw5–GmgYCb0e6_A

Image Credits
Ansel Yaley
Peyton Hamby