Meet Krissy Derrick | Sala Studio, Auckland, NZ

You may see them so often in class you feel as though you already know them, but we want to know the person behind the pose. Welcome to meet our community, students edition. Today we meet Krissy Derrick.

Hey, who are you? What do you do and where do you live?

Hiii, I’m Krissy - I'm a creative. My day job is Digital Marketing Manager for a yoga brand and I’ve recently launched an art therapy brand called Modeletto - we offer air-dry pottery kits for you to create pottery pieces at your place. I live in Grey Lynn (nice and close to SALA hehe).

What inspired you to start Modeletto?

After struggling to get into pottery courses, (as they are so popular and are always sold out) I wanted to make pottery more accessible to people and with COVID and people being at home this was the perfect opportunity to offer something fun that didn’t require them to have to get their pieces fired.

How did you hear about SALA? How long have you been coming, and what’s your favourite thing about the sala community?

Was I your first student? Am I still in the top 10 for most classes attended? Yep, I’m a bit of a Sala groupy. I’ve made the most amazing divine friends - Olivia Thomas, Patty, Katie Buck… the list goes on - all met when we weren’t meant to be talking just before class starts hehe.

What is special about group fitness? Do you come with friends?

I just love the people you meet - the SALA community is so special.

Why and how did movement become such a big part of your life?

I found yoga after I was crippled with anxiety after the Christchurch earthquakes - I couldn’t even go in cars after being caught in falling rubble at Uni. Although I still struggle with anxiety, yoga has helped me access some tools to manage it.

What’s your favourite SALA class?

Dynamic with Sarah - have you listened to Sarah’s meditations - wow the rabbit holes you go into!

What’s your go to movement to elevate your mood?

A good run and some nice hands on adjustments by my fave Sala teachers.

What is movement a conduit for?

Creativity + ideas - most of my marketing + business ideas come to me during moving my body.

What other practices do you live by that support your mindset and mood?

Anything creative that gets you out of your head and into something hands on. Also spending time with little ones, friends + fam.

Why is rest important? Describe your dream rest day…

I’m bad at resting - I love running a million miles an hour but when I do Yin it is soooo dreamy. Candle, blanket on the floor and SALA Online - it’s the best.

How do you motivate yourself to get moving when you’re low energy?

Coffee?? Or my bf bribes me with a free coffee after a run haha.

What’s your favourite SALA online class?

Ohhh there are so many, mostly I like doing them for the sense of familiarity - I miss the studio so much.

What’s your advice to someone brand new to fitness/ yoga who wants to get started?

The high and clarity you get during/after a class is better than drugs.

What’s your star sign? Are you typical of your sign?

I’m a Gemini - yep I have two sides both an extreme introvert and extrovert!

What’s your go-to skincare routine?

Em Lew all the way. The Skin Reset is a dream and has changed my skin, helped get rid of scarring and the brand is an inspiration in terms of its impact on the environment.