Tachou Dubuisson is a South Hamilton mom of 2 and Beverly business owner. We’re thrilled to share more about how she got started as a local business owner and how she has pivoted her offerings during COVID. She also shares some great advice on parenting, passed down from her mother and grandmother!
Where are you from originally and which Massachusetts town do you live in now?
I was born in Malden, MA. Moved to Beverly when I was 3, with my father, mother and two siblings. I grew up in Beverly until I left for college. I currently live in South Hamilton, raising two sons.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have two sons, Parker, who is 9 and Logan, who is 6 (but soon to be 7 as he will remind you!).
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
Our favorite North Shore family activity is going to our happy place – the beach! And we love going out to eat!
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
When the kids were a bit younger our dining choices were based on the hand-out toy activity for the kids. In the summer, we love Finz in Salem. You can also always find us at A&B Burger, in Beverly, or at The Black Cow in Hamilton. Pizza is a big deal at our house and being from Beverly the sweet sauce at Little Italy is our favorite!
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started as a yoga instructor and owner of The Village Oasis.
I bought the studio from my neighbor, who bit off more than she could chew. I stepped in because I thought a yoga studio with an element that catered more to children was a great idea, that needed to continue. I wanted to expand on the concept that mindfulness of our own being should start at very early stages in our lives. As humans, we should not wait until adulthood to be made aware of how powerful our own mind and bodies are. Yoga is truly for ALL ages. My studio is for everyone in the family!
What’s your favorite part about owning the studio?
My favorite part about owning The Village Oasis is being in the very community that raised me. It gives me great joy to bring yoga to people of ALL ages.
How did you choose downtown Beverly for your location?
I bought the studio already at that location. The visibility and connection of being in downtown Beverly helps the studio to be used and seen as a home away from home to practice yoga!
How has your business changed during COVID and how can local moms support you right now?
Business has changed tremendously since COVID. The studio has remained closed, as the space is too small to accommodate the 6 ft social distancing guideline. Like most busy moms, transitioning to a virtual only platform was really difficult. I am currently working on a backyard yoga series. I am conducting classes for ALL ages in outdoor spaces like my backyard or going to students’ backyard or other suitable outdoor spaces. I would love to hear from Moms who would like to bring backyard yoga to their neighborhood for the whole family.
Any tips for balancing work & motherhood?
For me, self care is essential. When the balancing act gets too stressful, I allow myself to step back to decompress and restore my well-being. I do this by making alone time to let go and meditate. I do this to decrease the levels of urgency that build up with our daily tasks. And I make sure to enjoy myself doing it! I enjoy raising my kids and being a part of their growth. I also enjoy having my own business in a field that helps others thrive mentally and physically.
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
My grandmother and mother have instilled in me that I am not my children’s friend, I am their MOTHER. There is friendship already in that title but also with so much more. I think trying to be friends with your kids makes necessary discipline difficult.
They both have also taught me to know the important difference between my needs and my wants. And to always remember I’m capable of providing myself with both.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me” time?
I love ‘staycations’ for some “me” time. I check into either the Beauport, in Gloucester, or the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites for a day and night of unplugging. I will do anything from just sleep to eat meals uninterrupted!
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can bring The Village Oasis to your home or neighborhood, for a backyard yoga session, contact Tachou at [email protected]. You can also follow The Village Oasis on Instagram at @villageoasisyoga and Facebook at @the village oasis.