About Kate
I first stepped onto a yoga mat in 1999, at a Hatha Yoga class with Barbara Occleshaw. I felt something comforting and exhilarating in the movements and kept one eye open in the meditation! From that day on, wild horses would not stop me from getting to my weekly yoga class! This is my story...
My Yoga Journey
From my first ever yoga class in January 1999 with Barbara Occleshaw, I fell in love with yoga and meditation. My 2 hour yoga class on a Wednesday night was my sanctuary and safe place in turbulent times as I navigated single-parenthood and running a business.
For the first few years it was as much as I could to turn up exhausted on a Wednesday evening and collapse on my mat! But over time, I started to roll out my mat at home, experiment with meditation, read yoga and spiritual books and practise the Gayatri Mantra in the car. Yoga slowly became embedded in all aspects of my life.
I was desperate to train as a yoga teacher, but had to wait until 2011 until I could find the time and money to train with Dru Yoga in Bethesda and taught my first class with my yoga buddy Helen Edwards. We were so nervous and we only had 6 students!
That is now 13 years ago and in the time from then to now, I have taught thousands of classes, trained in many aspects of yoga and personal development, and worked for retreat company The Zest Life from 2016 - 2012. Retreat teaching is quite different to weekly classes, and I had to think on my feet, teach a wide range of yogis from all walks of life and try to give every one of them a meaningful retreat. It was the best training ground and I am very grateful to Laura Bell for my time there.
So, here we are in 2026 and my daily practice now is morning meditation every day, regular 30 minute slots on my mat and weekly Yoga Nidra with my headphones on with bundles of cushions and blanket. I love teaching yoga and passing on all I have learned to others, and seeing blissed-out smiles at the end of a session!
Join me on a mat soon, yoga is so much better when we practise together!
Scroll down for my Training & Qualifications.
My Teaching Style
I have developed my own style of practising and teaching from 27 years of being consistently on my mat. What I find works for me is what I teach. I try to be authentic in that I teach directly from my own experience.
My language is invitational; we go on a journey together in each class. I don't 'adjust' students, preferring to just give verbal instructions about alignment so that each one of us in the room finds our own 'comfortable seat' which is the translation of the Sanskrit word Asana.
I know that sometimes I land on my mat grumpy, stressed, tired or distracted. So I assume that everyone arrives at a class or retreat in different state mentally and emotionally. I always invite a room full of people - before we do anything else - to notice, recognise, accept and be with whatever is sitting within.
Then we move slowly, or we breathe deeply. And begin here - wherever we are at in that moment. Everything else flows from there and at the end of the class, we are all in a different place than when we arrived. It is like a mystical magic trick, but it is available to everybody.
As I say in my classes, if Yoga didn't work, it wouldn't still be here, thousands of years after it first practised in India. Let's trust that and lie donw and breateh together. It's not complicated or hard - far from it. It is about connecting back to the body, mind, emotions, essence. I eprsonally don't know where I would be without it! I hope you can join me soon in a class or on a retreat.
Namaste... Thank you for being here x
Kate's Teaching Testimonials
Cath FarrI love Kate’s Classes because the physical poses and correct breathing techniques are so important, and I do look forward to the Meditation. It relaxes my mind, centres my attention. The ability to switch off and clear my mind is invaluable. I feel totally refreshed after a session.
Nerys EmyrWhat I love about the classes are your clear instructions, including different options, explanation of how muscles work - my knowledge of anatomy has greatly improved! Also love the relaxing end to the class.
Dr. Kent HillKate has taught me the benefits of practicing regular yoga over the past several years. She brings a full and diverse knowledge to her teachings, often adding to and varying the classes while reminding her yogis the methods to protect from injuries & listening to our bodies. The sky’s the limit to improve yoga practice with this teacher’s enthusiasm and joy for a better life that she brings.
Lynda MarsonI’ve been attending Kate’s yoga classes for many years. To put it very simply, it’s the best. Just give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. My balance has improved, my flexibilty has increased greatly. Kate's classes are uplifting in a friendly way with no hint of superiority or competitiveness.
Judith WarrilowI recommend Kate's yoga and meditation classes because the benefits for mind and body are endless. Thanks Kate for the years of gentle teaching. Kate's classes are varied. Each session is different and poses differ from week to week. Generally they are relaxing and modified for the older class members!
Joy LakeKate's style of teaching is very caring and loving. I love all the extra touches she brings. It's very nurturing and special. I can relax more deeply now and have found new ways of letting go of tension in my body.
Training & Qualifications
- Reiki 1 - 1999 : Reiki 2 - 2002 : Reiki 3 - 2022
- Dru Yoga Teacher Training - 2011 - 2013
- Dru Meditation Teacher Training - 2013 - 2015
- Unity Partner Yoga Teacher Training - 2018 - 2019
- 'Daring To Rest' - Yoga Nidra Facilitator & Certified Instructor- 2018 - 2020
- Yin Yoga Teacher Training - 2019
- First Aid Plus Training - 2023
- Crystal & Himalayan Bowl Practitioner - 2022 - 2023
- Transform Life Coaching - 2023
Before Yoga
Many moons ago, in another lifetime... I began working life as a seamstress at age 19 and by the time I was 28 I was a wedding dress-maker... What Katie Did. Then life fell apart a bit and I had to start over. I went to college and studied Art & Design and from that sprung a Hand-made Card Collection... What Katie Did Next, teaching Creative Arts for 5 years part-time. I opened a shop in Bodnant Gardens called Treasure Contemporary Metalwork and embarked on a joint venture with the super-talented Nia Roberts... The Contemporary Design Company, creating all sorts of gorgeous creations for the art & gift industry.
As that partnership came to it's natural conclusion, my jewellery business was born... Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio, and until May 2016 it was my passion and privilege to employ lots of talented guys and gals and see our jewellery in shops, boutiques and galleries all over the world. Always passionate about recycling, our jewellery was made from biscuit tins and silver, hand-made with love and provenance.
Due to the rise of cheap imports from the far east, our UK company struggled to compete and sadly closed the doors on 4th May 2016. It broke my heart but then, a buyer came along and two weeks later re-opened the studio in Abergele and under new management, carried on trading. So, if you see any jewellery with Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio on the tag, then yes that is / was me, and my team are still making jewellery and flying the flag for Hand-made in Britain.
And along the way, through all of this, I also was blessed with raising four amazing boys, more commonly known as Team Awesome, I love them more than words can say.
Photos below: two of the many wedding dresses I created, hand-made card designs, pages from my sketchbooks, framed original art, my talented team at Kate HH Jewellery studio, my recycled jewellery designs and my Fab Four.
