02 / THEIR ORIGIN STORY
A very wobbly
beginning.
Before they became SUMmates,
they were two beginners
standing outside the same door.
SUMI was reading a studio sign: ALL LEVELS WELCOME.
“Do you think that includes people who overthink everything?”
Beside her, MILO was trying to unroll a mat without trapping his tail. He had a question about buying all the equipment before doing any exercise.
They decided to find out together.
Being shaped like a lotus came with expectations. People assumed SUMI was peaceful, balanced, and good at waking up early. She had questions about all three.
“My petals are calm. The rest of me is a work in progress.”
MILO owned a mat, a Pilates ring, and a sunrise schedule he had revised six times. Under the jokes, he wanted to feel stronger and follow through.
Both dreamed of eventually sharing movement with others.
SUMI worried about every position. MILO hurried through them. During tree pose, they both wobbled — despite MILO’s “substantial balancing accessory.” He meant his tail.
Their teacher helped them adjust, find their breath, and try again. SUMI laughed and tried once more. MILO slowed down enough to notice what he was doing.
“Same time tomorrow?”
“I’ll bring my tail.”
They kept learning. Yoga and Pilates opened up breath, awareness, strength, control, and a bigger question: could they help someone else begin?
With SUM, they found online learning they could return to, practice they could build gradually, and guidance when they needed help. They began working towards their dream of teaching with clarity and care.
Now, they’re here to celebrate your small milestones and make space for your beginning.
“Come on in. We’re learning too.”
