Rising Stars: Meet Kathryn McCann of Sorrento Valley

Hi Kathryn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hang Zen Yogis officially turns ten in 2025! It all began in San Diego with a simple idea: bring bespoke, pop-up wellness classes into local businesses to help teams de-stress and reconnect. The response was overwhelmingly positive. As more companies reached out, I brought on a team of trusted instructors, and Hang Zen quickly grew into a full-service corporate wellness company throughout the country.

In 2020, we pivoted to virtual classes to meet the needs of a changing world, and today, I continue to run the company remotely from Honolulu, Hawaii. We offer yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound healing to corporate America—tools that not only reduce stress but also improve focus, boost morale, and create a more balanced and engaged workforce.

Our mission has always been simple: meet people where they are and make wellness accessible, impactful, and easy to integrate into the workday.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. In the early days, I was doing everything myself—teaching, scheduling, invoicing, and client outreach—all while trying to grow the business organically. One of the biggest challenges came in 2020, when COVID-19 hit and in-person classes were suddenly no longer an option. Overnight, we had to rethink how to deliver our services.

Pivoting to virtual wellness was a learning curve, but ultimately it allowed us to reach even more people and offer support during one of the most stressful times in recent history. I also had to learn how to scale the business without losing the personal, boutique feel that makes Hang Zen special.

These challenges pushed me to become a better leader, a more adaptable teacher, and a more grounded business owner. Every setback helped shape the strength and heart of Hang Zen today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Hang Zen Yogis, we offer wellness experiences that go beyond just movement. We specialize in yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound healing, specifically tailored for corporate teams. What makes our work unique is how intentionally we approach each class. I personally theme sessions around topics like stress relief, resilience, gratitude, focus, and personal growth—designed to spark not just relaxation, but reflection and inner shifts. Our goal is to create space for self-help, clarity, and long-term wellbeing.

I’m incredibly proud of the team I work with. Each instructor brings their own unique gifts—whether it’s sound therapy, deep meditative guidance, or trauma-informed movement—and we design each class with intention and care. Our offerings are never one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand the needs of each group, creating personalized experiences that foster connection, reduce burnout, and support a more balanced, joyful workplace.

What sets us apart is our ability to truly connect—with both individuals and the culture of a company. We’re not just showing up to teach a class—we’re showing up to help people feel seen, supported, and empowered in their workday and beyond.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people feel better—whether it’s a student taking a deep breath for the first time all day, or an employee who leaves class with more clarity, energy, or peace than when they arrived. Helping others create space for themselves, especially in the middle of a busy workday, brings me so much joy.

I’m also happiest when I’m in nature—especially near the ocean. Living in Hawaii now, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of presence, simplicity, and flow. Whether it’s teaching, catching waves, or sharing quiet moments with loved ones, happiness for me comes from meaningful connection—with myself, with others, and with the world around me.

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