Power Life By Design: Retail Designer Spotlight

By Abby Middleton

The latest Power Life designs have been turning heads in our studios, and we couldn’t be more excited! What makes them even more special? They’re crafted by one of our very own Kansas City instructors. We sat down with Cyrena to learn more about her creative process. Check out the interview below—and keep an eye out for fresh designs coming your way soon!

Creative Process

Where do you find inspiration for designs that resonate with the Power Life brand?

  • I love drawing inspiration from the studio’s core vibe of mindfulness, strength, and balance. I like to mix in organic shapes, on-trend graphics, and some playful, quirky lettering to bring that perfect blend of calm and energy. I’m always on the lookout for fresh, cool graphics from around the world—whether it’s bold patterns or unique global influences—that add some fun, creative flair. The goal is to create designs that feel grounded but also totally inspiring, while still staying true to the studio’s warm, welcoming, and inclusive vibe. It’s all about having fun with it and making something that feels as good as it looks!

Do you have a favorite type of design to work on, such as typography-based, graphic-heavy, or minimalistic styles?

  • I’m all about typography, especially since hand lettering is my jam at my full-time job. I get to dive into creating fun, quirky lettering lockups that really vibe with Power Life’s energy. This is where I can really let loose, experiment, and put my own spin on things. It’s such a blast to bring my personality into the designs and have a little fun with it!

Challenges and Rewards

What has been the most challenging aspect of designing for a brand like Power Life?

  • The biggest challenge is balancing creativity with staying true to Power Life’s core values. It’s about finding that sweet spot between pushing the design forward while keeping it grounded and aligned with the brand’s vibe. But that’s also what makes it fun—working within those boundaries to create something fresh and impactful.
  • The most rewarding part is seeing my designs come to life in the Power Life community! It’s so cool to watch members rock my designs in class and across all our studios near and far. It feels so awesome to know my work is helping inspire and connect people—plus, it’s just fun seeing it out there in action!

Reflection and Growth

Can you share a favorite design you’ve created for Power Life and what made it special?

  • Ugh, it’s impossible to pick just one! I love all the designs, but what really gets me excited is seeing the pieces that the members absolutely love to wear. There’s something so special about creating designs that they feel connected to and confident in—it’s all about what resonates with them and makes them feel good while they’re crushing it in class!

How has working with Power Life influenced your growth as a designer?

  • Working with Power Life has been a total game changer! It’s pushed me to think bigger about how design can inspire and connect people. I’ve had a blast experimenting with new styles, especially in typography and hand lettering, and the collaborative vibe with Amy has helped me grow and stay flexible. It’s been such a fun journey!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring designers looking to create for niche brands?

  • A little bit of advice for aspiring designers…stay true to the brand’s core values while finding ways to bring your unique style to the table! Understand the audience, experiment, and don’t be afraid to take creative risks within the brand’s identity!

Looking Ahead

Are there any upcoming designs or projects for Power Life that you’re particularly excited about?

  • Fun fits coming! Keep an eye out for the new designs dropping throughout the year!

2025 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with 🤍 by Blink

2025 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with 🤍 by Blink Wellness

Village Pointe Studio Parking

Parking available in the Scheels Parking Lot.

Leave us a message. 👋

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

About Kirk: 

Kirk was working 80-hour weeks and wearing his shoulders as earrings when he found yoga in 2005. Forever the competitive athlete, he loved the physicality of yoga. When the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga were exposed to him, Kirk was hooked. Yoga provided him with what other activities couldn’t -- the ability to foster the benefits of practice both on and off of the mat. Yoga was something that Kirk could bring into all aspects of his life. 

Kirk knows that yoga can be intimidating, so he crafts a class that is playful and inviting, while still being challenging and safe. His creatively planned classes build strength and flexibility in your body and mind while establishing clarity, giving you more confidence to overcome obstacles in your life, and keeping you injury-free. His classes are themed with a message that is relatable and will inspire you to take it with you off your mat. Kirk has been teaching yoga since 2008 and lead his first teacher training in 2012. Where Kirk truly shines is in coaching, developing and bringing out the best in others.  

Kirk enjoys traveling (40+ countries to date!), snowboarding, and cherishes time with his wife and two daughters. 

About Christen: 

Christen Bakken’s yoga journey began in 1998 in a Bikram studio that provided a safe and secure place to practice. She saw the yoga mat as a place to remember her purpose and a place to play. As she continued her studies and began her journey to teaching in 2006, Christen infused yoga classes with devotion and the yoga mat became a place of personal transformation and healing. Her classes are filled with laughter, song, sweat, and usually heart openers. In 2013, Christen began training yoga teachers. This is the place where she finds the most joy - in community with folks looking to grow and be of greater service in their homes, on their mats, and in the world. Over the years, she has led trainings in Denver, the Midwest, Florida, and now abroad. She has trained in continuing education modules, 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour programs. Beyond the mat, Christen is a passionate adventure seeker - she loves to bike, snowboard, and spend time with her husband and pups. She sees each day as a blessing and hopes to remind all who interact with her of this truth.  

Two Light Studio Parking Information

We validate parking for THREE garages in the area!

  • Two Light garage located directly north of the studio. Please bring your ticket inside for validation.

  • Three Light garage at Main and Truman. Garage entrance on Truman. Please bring your ticket inside for a validation sticker.

  • Power & Light garage at 13th and Grand. Please ask for a parking pass at the studio front desk. (Hot tip: the Power & Light garage has a ton of space! But be sure to give yourself a little extra time to walk to the studio.)

If you find that you are running a couple minutes late due to parking, please call the studio to let the instructor know to wait for you before locking the doors.

Blackstone Studio Parking

  • We have partnered with our friends at Greenslate to provide 1 hour and 15 minute validated parking for Power Life students in the lot at 36th and Harney (just south of the Cottonwood Hotel). Read below to learn how to take advantage of this perk:

    • Step 1: Scan the QR code located in the lot.

    • Step 2: Select your destination (i.e. “yoga studio”).

    • Step 3: Ask for the validation code at the Blackstone studio front desk and enter it on your phone.

    • Step 4: You are all set! Have fun at class!

    Please note:

    • The validation provided by Power Life and Greenslate is for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Need to add additional time to your parking space? You can do that conveniently from your phone!

    • This option is valid once per day per license plate.

    • Please do NOT park in the Crescent Moon lot − you will be towed!

East Village Studio Amenities

  • There is a paved lot and gravel lot on the West side of the building.

  • Meters on Court and 4th (by Peace Tree) for $0.25/hour, 9am-9pm Mon. – Sat. 12-hour max*

  • Meters on 4th (to the North) for $1.25/hour. Mon – Sat. 4-hour max.

  • All meters are free on Sundays and major holidays.

*Starting July 8, 4th Street will temporarily become a one-way. Students will only be able to enter our parking lot from the North via Court Ave. and exit it going south. Thank you for understanding!

Power Life By Design: Retail Designer Spotlight Info