If you ask Beth Cosi to describe her work, she’ll tell you she’s an Entrepreneur, an Inspired Nerd and a Yoga Teacher. She’s the Founder of Bendy Brewski Yoga, a genius event series that brings all-levels yoga classes to local breweries around town. Through her vinyasa-meets-beer approach, Beth has created a unique place for Charlestonians to connect and unwind. So when it came time to find a speaker for “Anxiety,” we knew Beth would be the perfect choice. 

In our Q&A below, learn more about how Beth became a yogi, how she navigates stress, and why the people around her are her greatest source of inspiration. 

What do you love most about what you do? I love meeting new people and connecting with different communities. My work has opened up my life to an incredible amount of random & various people and interesting places. I delight in the fact that the thread that connects us is courage and play! And I greatly appreciate the hard work and dreams in action of the places we practice.

How did you get into your field of work? Did you always know you were going to be a yogi? On the surface, it was my relationships with 2 men that got me into my field. I was fresh from divorce with 2 young children in a town I didn’t know and I was smitten by a young man who practiced Yoga regularly. Underneath, I had forgotten who I was and I was seeking…to heal and to find connection- to the boy, the city, my Self. I am kind of nerdy (just ask my kids! ), and I really love to learn, so I decided to apply for a 4-month Yoga Teacher Training. I have always played sports and exercised. I have always been a teacher in some capacity. But I never had designs on becoming a Yoga Teacher. I had children to support! But, it emerged and developed. And I was very good at it.

How do you start your day? Let the dog out. Stretch. Make coffee. Say a prayer. (not always in that order).  

Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment.  Well, my most surprised moment was when Lululemon Charleston came to practice at Holy City Brewery and held up placards (they had hidden under their mats) asking me to be their Ambassador.  I was so shocked, I didn’t even answer for a minute—they had to ask twice!  But, I feel the most proud and in Flow when I get an anonymous or in-person thank you for doing what I do. It’s an incredible feeling to be of help.  

Do you have a hidden talent?  I make an amazing spaghetti gravy and i have magic powers. ;)

Who or what gives you creative inspiration? Great books, inspired Yoga teachers, but mostly the people I love. I’m blessed with amazing, talented, funny and thoughtful friends who have skills- in body work, mindfulness, artistry, entrepreneurship, words.

What’s your go-to coffee order?  Island Joe’s Shark Bite, black. 

What is your favorite place in Charleston? My home. 

How do you unwind or de-stress? Through my breath. I notice the length of my exhale and then, i turn my attention to my body and listen or let go.  

Rapid fire:

• morning person or night owl?  I’m a reformed night owl (all those years of F&B!) ..but i’ve always loved the morning
  
• summer or winter? Summer for sure
  
• mountains or beach? beach…i love a long view!
  
• pancakes or waffles? pancakes 
  
• fiction or non-fiction? both, equally