ABOUT
A little bit about us
Yupa Yoga Studio was founded in 2020 by Yupa and Leyla, brought together by a shared love of yoga, wellbeing, and a desire to share its many benefits with others. Located in the heart of Wollaston, Stourbridge, our studio is set within a beautiful old corn mill, offering a warm, welcoming, and character-filled space to explore the ancient art and science of yoga.
We offer a wide range of classes and workshops suitable for all levels, whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the very first time or looking to deepen an established practice. Our team of experienced and passionate instructors brings a variety of teaching styles, perspectives, and approaches, and we encourage you to explore different classes to create a practice that feels right for you, whether that’s unwinding after a busy day or finding energy and balance for the week ahead.
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Our teachers provide thoughtful guidance and support, helping you honour your practice and find your own path. We respect and value individual needs and are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and enriching yoga experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
From all of us at Yupa Yoga Studio, we extend a warm welcome and look forward to seeing you on your mat.
OUR TEACHERS
CO-FOUNDER
YUPA BEASTALL
Hatha, Tai Chi, Yin, Pilates, Meditation
As co-founder and the name behind Yupa Yoga, I bring a deep passion for yoga and its transformative benefits for both mind and body. My classes are known for their playful, light-hearted approach, balanced with a strong focus on the healing power of pranayama (breathwork) and its ability to create space, ease, and clarity within both the body and the mind.
With over 15 years of holistic experience, I offer a broad and integrated understanding of yoga alongside a range of other wellness-based practices. This allows me to create classes that are nurturing yet energising, encouraging students to connect more deeply with themselves through movement, breath, and mindful awareness.
My intention is always for yogis to leave each class feeling lighter — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and to carry that sense of openness and joy with them long after they leave the mat, ideally with a smile still on their face.
CO-FOUNDER
LEYLA PALMER
Hatha, Vinyasa
I’ve been practising yoga for over 10 years and, in 2020, I opened our studio with my good friend Yupa after we discovered the beautiful old mill building that now feels so much like home. When the space became available, we knew it was the right moment to turn our shared dream into reality and create a studio of our own.
In 2025, I finally took the plunge and completed my Yoga Teacher Training at Soul Sanctuary Studio in Worcester — an experience I loved every minute of. I’m drawn to a strong, mindful practice and enjoy sharing the benefits that a moderately challenging class can bring to both body and mind.
Yoga’s teachings extend far beyond the physical, and I’m inspired by the spiritual messages it offers as well. My aim is to weave both the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga into my teaching, creating classes that feel grounding, empowering, and uplifting.
KATHERINE BENNETT
Hatha, Restorative, Somatic movement, Flow
Yoga offers so much more than physical movement, supporting our emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well. My aim is to share my own experiences of yoga and offer an alternative approach to traditional practices, encouraging intuitive movement guided by anatomical awareness and a focus on overall wellbeing.
I discovered yoga over 10 years ago while searching for ways to manage stress and recover from a slipped disc. Through my teaching, I support students in moving in a way that feels right for their bodies, helping them build balance, resilience, and a deeper connection both on and off the mat.
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BETH LEWIS
Hatha, Yin
I first came to yoga to help manage stress and anxiety, but over time it became something much deeper. As my practice evolved, I developed a strong connection to yoga on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, shaping how I now share the practice with others.
My classes offer a supportive and welcoming space where students are encouraged to move at their own pace and honour their individual experience. Rooted in curiosity and compassion, my teaching invites awareness of sensation, breath, and movement, helping students build a deeper connection within.
KAT GIBBY
Hatha, Vinyasa
I began practising yoga regularly while at university, discovering how it helped me relax both physically and mentally. As my practice continued, I noticed my inner dialogue becoming less critical and more compassionate, inspiring me to deepen my relationship with yoga.
I completed my 200-hour teacher training in 2023 and enjoy teaching a variety of styles, supported by my own balanced practice of energetic vinyasa and mindful hatha. My classes weave mindfulness, philosophy, and accessibility, creating a supportive space for students of all levels to connect with their bodies and calm their minds.
LYNN GRIFFIS
Beginners, Hatha
I was introduced to yoga over 25 years ago while seeking relief from chronic neck and shoulder pain following a whiplash injury. What began as a physical practice soon became something far more meaningful, offering a deep sense of calm and balance in everyday life.
I completed my 200-hour Hatha Yoga teacher training in 2021 and continue to share yoga with students of all abilities, including through seated yoga. Alongside Hatha, I incorporate teachings on breath, energy, and relaxation, often finishing classes with guided meditation to support rest, healing, and inner peace.
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DANNI HENLEY
Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin
Yoga has been part of my life since I was 18, beginning as a love for the physical practice before developing into a deeper spiritual journey. Exploring yoga beyond movement inspired me to share this powerful practice with others.
I completed my 200-hour training in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga in Thailand in 2019. My classes blend mindful movement, spiritual awareness, meditation, and deep relaxation, creating space for strength, stillness, and connection both on and off the mat.