Today we’d like to introduce you to Missie (Melissa) Wikler.
Hi Missie (Melissa), we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started with my own experience of living with an overloaded nervous system—driven by the stress and demands of everyday life. I found refuge in the natural world and in my yoga practice.
When I started teaching high school in 2007, those demands exploded even more, but it was also where I realized I could share what I was learning to help others. While teaching in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, I dedicated myself to taking my students and their families out into nature to spend time simply wandering, connecting with the natural world, and finding refuge in open spaces.
I earned my first yoga teacher certification in 2009 and brought the practice into the school environment through a yoga club. The students loved having an opportunity to let go of the stress of homework and deadlines. I was amazed to learn that, much like myself, savasana was their favorite pose.
When I moved to Bend in 2017, I taught yoga classes at my school where students could earn credit for taking care of themselves. I eventually wanted to fully merge the healing power of nature with yoga, which led me to found r’oming yoga in 2021. Since then, I’ve also earned my certification in nature therapy to help guide others in deepening their connection with nature on their own wellness journeys. Today, I continue to grow as both a student and a teacher to bring unique wellness experiences to our community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. As someone who does not have a business background, I had a long learning curve in how to not only manage a business, but in the logistics of setting up a business and how to market my business. Because I manage this work in addition to another full time commitment as an educator struggles in how I manage my time have been real. There have been a lot of lessons learned along the way, some from research, some from others who have helped, and some from good old fashioned trial and error. I am thankful for business mentors I have had and to those who have helped me along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about r’oming yoga ?
What We Do & Specialize In:
My business offers both public and private wellness sessions for our local community and for visitors exploring our region. I specialize in breath work coaching, yoga sessions, and nature therapy guidance. My signature offering is blending all three into guided yoga hikes, where participants connect on a deeper level with each other and the natural world.
My most popular offerings are customized private group bookings. I regularly guide outdoor wellness experiences for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and retreats, as well as one-on-one sessions for individuals seeking to mend or deepen their relationship with nature. I have land permissions in many areas in Central Oregon, which allows me to further customize experiences by finding my client’s right match with the surrounding land.
What Sets Us Apart:
What truly sets my brand apart is a 100% client-centered, high-touch approach. When someone reaches out, I take the time to deeply understand their specific goals regarding energy, connection, and desired outcomes. From there, I craft a collaborative, fully customized proposal tailored to their needs.
Brand Pride & Philosophy:
I am most proud of operating from a genuine place of deep hospitality and service. I’ve even had clients tell me I’ve treated them better than family! Every single experience I guide is completely unique because I meet people exactly where they are, sharing my knowledge to foster meaningful healing, joy, and connection.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One surprising thing that people who know me may not know is that I have a very energetic side to complement the calm and relaxing techniques that I both practice and guide. I am an avid and competitive cyclist who dabbles in mountain and more recently gravel racing.
Pricing:
- Private Bookings start out at $100/hr for small groups.
- Pricing depends on many factors, including size of the group as well as services that are requested.
- Land use fees also impact pricing, so the space in which clients want to be guided also affects costs and pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.romingyogabend.com/home
- Instagram: bend_forestbaths_yogahikes
- Youtube: @romingyogabend
