Erin Smith: owner and yoga therapist at the OM place

Q&A with Erin Smith: owner and yoga therapist at the OM place

Q: In a few sentences, tell me about yourself.

A: "I am a published writer, newspaper columnist, yoga teacher, mindfulness coach, and the host of theOMchannel.com. When I'm not standing on my head or typing on my trusty laptop, you’ll find me reading, playing guitar, enjoying a glass of red wine or snuggling on the couch with her family and pets."

Q: Describe yourself in three words.

A: "curious, generous, loyal"

Q: We live in Winchester so I have to ask....are you an Ale 8 drinker?

A: "No"

Q: Are you a dog or cat person?

A: "I'm a cat AND a dog person!"

Q: What's your favorite season?

A: "Summer"

Q: How long have you lived in Winchester?

A: "My whole life (about to turn 50!)"

Q: What are you known for around town?

A: "Owning the local yoga studio and writing about mindfulness."

Q: If you work or own a business in Winchester… what is it that you do and/or what is your business?

A: "I own the OM place, a movement and meditation center that has been in business for over 22 years!"

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?

A: "Loma's (for the brussels sprouts) and Hall's (for the deck)"

Q: What are some of your favorite places to go in Winchester-Clark County?

A: "My ten acres on Quisenberry Lane. I can sit on my back porch and, in the span of a day, see butterflies, hummingbirds, turkeys, possums,. raccoons, coyotes, deer, hawks, falcons, and an occasional bald eagle. It's magic."

Q: In what ways are you involved in the community?

A: " I write a weekly column for Winchester City News and Views about mindful living.

Q: What, in your opinion, makes Winchester-Clark County a unique or special place to live?

A: "I love that I am loved simply because people know - or knew - "my people." Some would say they hate how everyone knows your business in a small town, but I am deeply comforted by the fact that I'm rarely more than 3 degrees of separation from anyone I meet here. My grandfather was the jailer here for 16 years, my father a local dentist, and my husband a physical therapist at the hospital who works with the elderly. I've also taught hundreds of people in this community over the years, first as a school librarian and then as a yoga teacher. I can always find someone and something in common with anyone I meet. I also love that we feel like a small town, but have easy interstate access to "big" town concerts and events in Lexington and Louisville. We get the green space, less traffic, and lower taxes, but are close enough to drive to "big city" happenings."

Q: If you were going to introduce someone to Winchester-Clark County for the first time, what places, faces or activities would you tell them not to miss?

A: "The Labor Day Parade and Pioneer Festival is a must! Ditto Lauren Mink singing at Harkness Winery on beautiful fall Sundays. Hiking at Lower Howard's Creek followed by beer cheese and a cocktail on Halls' back deck. Farmer's Market Saturdays (don't miss the Creative Coffee iced mocha or a lamb sandwich from Double F Farms!) Any and every musical production at Leeds Theatre is incredible. Go early to get a pizza across the street at La Trattoria. Legacy Grove Park is a great place to take your kids or fur babies."