Personality Profile: Renee Uma Brown

In this month’s Personality Profile, we feature Renee Uma Brown, an E-RYT-500 therapeutic yoga at Asheville Yoga Center with over 1000 hours of training, Reflexologist, Reiki Master, and Thai Body Worker. Renee owns Exhale—Yoga, Thai Bodywork, Reiki & Reflexology. 

After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2010, Renee felt betrayed by her body. She spent almost two years sedentary, heavily medicated, and completely miserable. But in 2012, she discovered the practice of yoga and fell in love.

“Yoga for me is a work-in, not a work-out. I slowly started breathing, connecting breath to movement, letting go of false thoughts and ideas, and learning to love and appreciate my body again.”

Renee was gracious enough to respond to a few questions we had for her this week!

How long have you lived in the Lake Country region?

15 years

Where are you originally from?

I am from Winder, Georgia.

What do you enjoy most about living here?

I love the people and I enjoy the beautiful surroundings of nature around the lake. 

Where is your favorite place to eat in the region?  

Cafe 44!

Who are some of your inspirations in life?

Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, and Brene Brown 

Do you have any hobbies? 

Yes, I love yoga, kayaking, nature walks- bird watching, reading, and love to travel. 

What does a healthy day look like for you? 

Meditate as soon as I wake up, I do Gentle yoga, eat delicious nutritious food, drink lots of water, and take a nice long walk in nature followed by kayaking. I complete the day with some restorative yoga. I also like to include some time with friends, family, and my sweet granddaughter and it’s a perfect day. 😊

Anything else you’d like the readers to know about yourself or living in the Lake Country region?

I’m happy to be part of a sweet community of yogis who support each other on and off the mat and we love welcoming and supporting new members. 

For more information, please visit her website.