Our Seva Family
Tricia Ryel Richter, RYT-200, Trauma-Informed Certified
As founder of Seva Yoga of Columbia, Trish brings a unique background of non-profit experience to her yoga training. In fact, she was working in Development when she was dragged to her first-ever yoga class back in 2013. Little did she know that this first class would prove the start of a whole new journey. After experiencing relief from both sciatic pain and- more importantly- debilitating PPD, she was completely convinced of its value as a system of healing & even healthcare; however, attending just once a week certainly put a strain on the family budget at the time.
Soon, Trish felt called by the yogic principle of "seva", or selfless service, to find a way to share the healing of yoga, while also addressing one of its major shortcomings: inequity in access. As a first step, she completed her 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification, and later completed a Trauma-Informed Yoga certification. Now she is working to create an organization whose mission is to bring the healing of yoga to EVERYbody and everyBODY, regardless of background, experience or resources. Along the way, she hopes to create a diverse, inclusive community of yogis committed to practicing seva- or “selfless service”!
Off the mat, Trish enjoys gardening & cooking, and is a student of Yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda. She lives in the house attached to the studio with her partner, Bertram, their son, Finley, crazy cat, Sisi, and studio mascot/puppy, Bear…so you might see them around! She and her family are recent transplants to South Carolina and look forward to serving their new community.
Tameika Bostic, RYT-500
Greetings! My name is Tameika and I am so excited to be teaching at Seva Yoga. Although I’ve been teaching for just two years, I’ve been a student of yoga since 2009. A little about me: I’m a native of North Carolina, growing up in a small town called Lincolnton just Northwest of Charlotte. The only child to Charles and Betty, I’m a graduate of UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. I’m a Civil Engineer by day, creative by night, and a student of yoga all the time!
I’ve been in Columbia for almost 11 years and I have found it to be the absolute best speed for my lifestyle. As for hobbies, I’m a total nerd. I love to read, visit museums, and visit Hilton Head Island as much as possible. I also love doing crafts.
My favorite thing about yoga? I’m glad you asked. I love the diversity in the poses! You can be in a class with multiple people and even though each of them is in the same pose, they are able to comfortably fit the pose to their body. Great representation of our world, right?
I’m really looking forward to meeting y’all on the mat. If you would like, check me out on my yoga Instagram page @pillowtopyogabae. I look forward to connecting with you!
Giovanna Mezsaros, RYT-200
Giovanna is a 200 hr RYT, and has been practicing yoga for over 5 years.
Originally, Giovanna hails from Brazil and she and her husband Adam are newer arrivals to Columbia.
Follow along with Giovanna on instagram @flow_with_gio and join her on the mat for Hatha Yoga!
Family Matters
Trish and her “Boys” in the studio.
Studio Mascot/Guard Dog
Bear (aka Bearbella) in front of the studio.