At the start of March 2021, Danni Pomplun had an idea… let’s call it a dream to open a yoga studio like none other in San Francisco. A dream he had had for some time, but never really knew how to bring to fruition. He didn’t know if it was even possible anymore - partly due to the COVID climate and partly due to the economic unknown.

Was he crazy? Could this dream succeed? How do you navigate a dream that seems so far out of reach in the new world?

There’s no other way to say it other than 2020 changed everything. So much of our communities were shaken. For the San Francisco yoga community, some of our long-time yoga spaces had shut down permanently after over 20 years of being in service to so many. Yoga Tree was home for many students and teachers alike. Once formally and locally owned then later sold to a bigger company, Yoga Tree was the place where many of us shared space to learn, process, and grow. It’s one of the places you heard of to practice yoga in San Francisco. So when all six locations closed, an entire community of yogis was displaced. That displaced feeling was overwhelming; some would even go as far as to say “crushing”.

Danni knew something needed to happen in our community, but didn’t know how or when to initiate his dream. So he sat back and waited. One month passed… And then another one and then another one and another one as his inner dialogue was screaming. “Who’s going to do it? Who’s going to do it? No one’s doing it!”

Finally, one morning while sipping a fresh cup of coffee he heard himself say, “Okay... I guess I’m doing it.” It took a moment to set in.

“I’m doing it.”

Later that day he would share his dream with long-time friend Yvonne Kinsley and their spark would make a dream into reality. Danni began to look at some of the previous Yoga Tree locations with some particular spaces in mind. After some serious challenges and negotiations with landlords, Danni knew he needed to start fresh and find just the right space and a location in the heart of San Francisco.

Danni saw a new light in places he never dreamt of looking. And with a new shift and newfound light, he began to see all the right pieces begin to fall into place. “When you know, you know.” It wasn’t long till Danni knew he found the right place and felt that gut intuition that he should move forward.

The idea for HAUM was born in the Mission in a studio apartment.

This dream was born before the pandemic, but truly came to life in one of the hardest times of our lives. HAUM found its origin in the middle of Danni’s living room. He invited the community into his home. And in doing so he heard the community's needs. He heard how we all missed shared space to practice in. Most importantly, a community space to grieve, breathe and move together is a place that supports us in creating change in this world - off the mat.

Within a few months of acquiring the former Yoga to the People space at 16th and Mission Streets, HAUM SF opened its doors to the Mission community in July of 2021.

HAUM says, “Our Mission location was founded on serving our community. We may be small, but our goals to help those around us are big. Our first “soft opening” weekend of classes helped to raise over $6,000 for the Mission Resource Center, which focuses on community building, basic human needs, and integrated health in the neighborhood.” With Haum now a reality, Danni’s new dream is to continue HAUM’s mission in serving all communities both on and off the mat.

While the doors have been open for a few months, Danni and his team have been working out the kinks and are so excited for the official grand opening scheduled for December 4th! The whole weekend (December 3 - 5) HAUM will open its doors to offer it’s yoga classes on donation (with all proceeds going toward Mission Resource Center), along with special giveaways and other surprises for everyone who steps through its doors.

HAUM SF has a unique approach toward the business and delivery of yoga. The whole staff, referred to collectively as the HAUM Team, is laser-focused on creating a safe space where anyone can show up to their mat exactly as they are without fear of being judged. The schedule is built upon the premise that yoga classes can bring you home to yourself and open your eyes to the loving community around you.

“Our mission is to fully embrace each member of the community and bring them together with us and with each other through intentional practices,” said Yvonne Kingsley, Danni’s partner in the business. “We do that in many different ways but it starts with taking care of our amazing teachers so they can take care of the yogis coming through.”

HAUM SF is also rethinking yoga teacher compensation. Teachers at HAUM get an above-average base pay, bonuses based on attendance, and the opportunity to have their classes saved in a digital library where teachers could begin to generate income from class replays or on-demand recorded yoga sessions.

Taking great care of the HAUM Team teachers is just step one though. Pomplun and his team are also committed to excellence in yoga programming.

“There is a common mindset among the teachers at HAUM,” said Frances Belleza, a HAUM Team teacher. “We all show up to hold space for people as humans. Of course, we teach students the yoga poses, but we offer them so much more! We offer them a safe home mentally and emotionally as much as we do physically.”

The HAUM Team also wants to serve you! In the spirit of being in the SF Yoga Magazine community, the HAUM Team is doing a GIVEAWAY of ONE YOGA membership for ONE MONTH (in person and online)! We will pick the winner on December 3rd!!!

And everyone is invited to attend HAUM's Grand Opening weekend. Join us for a weekend of inspiring, fun, and donation-based yoga classes with your favorite teachers: Danni Pomplun, Yvonne Kingsley, Janet Stone, & Rebecca Rogers, featuring live music by DJ Drez, Ege Sanli + Nat Kendall. All benefits go to our friends at the Mission Resource Center because we like to party with a purpose! Plus we’re offering 15% off class packs, a chance to win a free monthly membership, and an opportunity to enjoy a chair massage, eat nourishing goodies from Nana Joes and even more surprises. You can RSVP to get your spot on the studio’s website.

HAUM offers a range of class types including Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative, and Yin. Classes are offered throughout the day every day of the week and students can attend in-person or virtually via the HAUM Live Stream.

You can learn more about the studio or book a class by visiting haumsf.com!