Ambassadors

Meryl Kelly

Meryl is a native born Houstonian and has been practicing pilates for about 5 years. She never thought she would like yoga until she came to Happy Belly Studios, and now she takes yoga and pilates classes alike all week long! She loves the constant challenge of both yoga and pilates, and loves the way it makes her look and feel. Meryl teaches pre-K and works as a cocktail waitress at benjy’s  on the weekends, and hopes to take the Pilates Teacher Training over the summer. Meryl is very happy to be a part of the Happy Belly family and can’t wait to see all the shining smiles in the studio!

Brandi Virden

Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, Brandi has been a practicing yogi for 4 years. She began playing with yoga as a way to find balance in her hectic schedule as a gradute student who was working full-time. After completing her Masters degree, she could not give up the yoga way of life. Her favorite style is vinyasa flow, syncing movement with breath, however she appreciates the many different styles of yoga. According to Brandi, one of the best aspects of Happy Belly Studios is the variety and diversity of classes offered. Whatever she is in the mood for, she knows she can find at Happy Belly Studios! This studio is not only her place of employment, but her yoga home.

Mercedes Jackson

After graduating from high school in 2008, I moved from San Antonio to Houston to attend Texas Southern University full-time. Since middle school, I’ve been an athlete. Played basketball year ‘round since middle school and every season, it was a different sport; basketball, volleyball, track and field. After quitting the women’s team at TSU, I got hired in the Wellness Center at the Downtown YMCA in April 2010. I’m currently a 22 y/o full-time college student and a full-time employee at the Y downtown working in the Wellness Center, teaching TRX and Family Yoga. Last August, I got kids yoga certified through mini yogis Yoga for Kids. I’m also taking my personal training test at the end of May. I’ve only been running (which I picked up as a ‘free my mind’ hobby) and practicing yoga consistently for about a year and it has transformed my overall life. I couldn’t be happier. Everyday I’m inspired to do better and to be a better person. I love a good laugh and smiling ear to ear!