Sofia Artola

Co-FOUNDER / food goddess

Sofia has been teaching yoga for 18 years. She is a graduate of the Sai Ayurvedic College and Wellness Center & has an Associate Degree in Vedic Studies. A native of Nicaragua, Sofia has been an island resident of Key West, Florida for over 30 years.

In 2005 Sofia started Shakti Yoga & 10 years later she launched Mayanjali Cafe & Boutique. Sofia has created a full organic menu & hosts specialty dinners & cooking classes at Mayanjali.

' In the progression of this yogic life, I have found my Dharma. Transforming simple ingredients into foods that heal your body, mind and nourish the soul. ' - Sofia

Tara McCabe

CO-FOUNDER / water maiden

Tara has been a yoga instructor at Shakti Yoga for more than a decade & co-teaches the 200 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training. She leads Kirtans and Bhakti workshops focusing on the different energies and mantras of the various deities in the yoga tradition.

Tara weaves her love of mantra, & stories from various spiritual traditions, into every class. She creates a light & inspiring environment for students to heal, grow, & evolve in a way that pertains to their day-to-day life. One of Tara's strengths is bringing in music and mantra to her classes.

In 2009 Tara brought together her two passions - yoga and her love for the ocean - and founded Key West Paddle Board Yoga, known today as Lazy Dog PaddleYoga. Tara is a World Paddle Association certified PaddleYoga instructor. She is a USCG Master, 100 Ton Captain & runs her own private charter boat.

' Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, "you owe me". Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky. '  - Hafiz

Marlene Koenig

CO-FOUNDER / soul artist

For nearly eight years Marlene has been teaching yoga & hosting workshops at Shakti Yoga. She also co-teaches the 200 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training. Marlene began her personal yoga practice 17 years ago & started her mediation journey five years earlier. 

Marlene is a well-established local artist. Her colorful murals grace the walls of Shakti & other locations in Key West &. Her work is greatly influenced by the colors, patterns & adornments of the cultures she has visited in India, Nepal, Morocco, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Europe, & Thailand.

Combined with her studies of eastern philosophy and spirituality, Marlene brings her creativity and spirituality to each & every one of her classes. She has been a Key West native for 17 years.

' We are all vast. We are all infinite. ' - Marlene