(1) Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a teacher, writer, do-gooder, entrepreneur, and eco-fashion designer currently obsessed with Paris, potbelly pigs, and all things sparkly. I am the creative director and founder of tranquil space – named among the top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel + Leisure, author of Hip Tranquil Chick and Tranquilista, and holds a Master’s in Women’s Studies.

When not bookstore browsing, I’m sipping heaps of tea, crafting new designs for TranquiliT, or leading retreats. My work has been featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio, in Daily Candy, Fit Yoga, US News and various books. With a passion for do-gooding, I launched Tranquil Space Foundation to bring yoga, creativity, and leadership to women and girls and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work.

I live in a cozy raspberry-colored flat in Washington, D.C. with two fancy felines named after French impressionists, a supportive beau, and a sassy black pug. Indulge in musings on tranquilology through her blog and podcast, tranquility du jour. Learn more at kimberlywilson.com.

(2) What caused you to get involved with Tranquil Space Foundation and what is it about the organization that keeps you coming back?
Tranquil Space Foundation evolved from Tranquil Space, a dynamic DC yoga community that was voted one of the top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2007. Tranquil Space was created by DC entrepreneur Kimberly Wilson, who grew the organization from a small, home-based business to a thriving, socially responsible enterprise. Tranquil Space helps yogis in DC and beyond explore the practice and principles of yoga through regional and international retreats and workshops. In addition, the studio’s Karma Yoga program offers special classes and events designed to raise money for charitable organizations.

Over time, I became interested in doing even more to bring the benefits of yoga to a wider community. In 2006, I collaborated with local leaders to hatch the concept of Tranquil Space Foundation, building on my passion not only for yoga but also for helping women discover their full potential. Tranquil Space Foundation expands opportunities for girls and women to develop their inner voice through yoga, creativity, and leadership activities.
 

(3) Describe how a mentor or someone you look up to has helped you mold your life.
I have many mentors that have sprinkled inspiration throughout my career – from Julia Cameron via The Artist’s Way to Madonna’s continual reinvention of herself to Melinda Gates’ philanthropic work to Oprah Winfrey’s ongoing self-reflection to Martha Stewart’s brand expansion to SARK’s vibrant use of color and playfulness. Each of these ladies have provided heaps of inspiration and continue to mold my life in amazing ways – despite the fact that we’ve never met!

(4) What makes you happy?
Creating, eye candy, spaciousness, sparkly things, do-gooding, pigs, pink, deep breaths, yoga, jasmine tea, my pets, my beau.

(5) If you had $1million, what would you do with it?
Pay off my mortgage and yoga studio build-out debt, donate remainder to Tranquil Space Foundation (Tranquilspacefoundation.org), Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue (midatlanticpugrescue.org)  and Pig Sanctuary (pigs.org).

(6) What are 3 things we would find in your refrigerator?
Chinese takeout, spinach, greek yogurt.

(7) What is your ideal vacation?
In a remote cabin surrounded by snow-capped mountains and trees, curled up in front of a roaring fire with a heap of books, my pug, and my beau.