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Dr. Auburn Ellis of Downtown KC on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Auburn Ellis. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Auburn, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I am on a path to consciously seek joy every day. In the times we are living in, this is such a radical act! Fortunately, I am the mother of a four year-old little girl. I find happiness with her every day. Whether it be a conversation about something she learned, or us laughing at a funny joke, I find true joy in her presence.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Dr. Auburn Ellis, an artist, yogi, & health activist. Studio 54oo is my LLC, which is an educational consultancy that has served clients like Edward Jones, Evergy & Corepower Yoga. Every industry has unique needs, and we love helping companies introduce, and implement training initiatives.

With a foundation in visual arts, the workshops I curate integrate the arts, helping people shift mindset for both organizational and personal growth. We are located at 2033 Vine, in the historic 18th Vine District, just East of downtown KC.

This year, Studio 54oo will produce two big events: KC Wellness Conference on 4/12/26 & Soul Yoga Fest on 8/16/26. Both events are aimed to serve the community, and inspire people to find better health practices.

I’m so excited that KC Wellness Conference will be sponsored by Lululemon! We invite wellness enthusiasts to present, or participate and connect with others. Soul Yoga Fest will feature free classes for the public, workshops, and local vendors. Both events can be found on Eventbrite. We invite you to check it out!

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In our personal and professional lives, I truly believe that lack of empathy and compassion for others is what breaks bonds between people. In order to restore the connection, there has to be a willingness for introspection. You have to learn more about yourself, how you view the world, and others around you to restore reciprocity.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
After being in business for almost ten years, I’ve encountered a lot of failures. Personal, financial, and many others. The thing I’ve had to learn is not to compare myself to others. Each day, month, and year I’m am consistently try to be better than I was before. It’s a personal measure of accountability!

A lot of individuals make comparisons to other people-or businesses- especially in the age of social media. It’s important to stay grounded in what works for you, and commit to steady growth!

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is definitely the real version of me! I always strive to be authentic and organic. Whether it be the style of my hair, an outfit I picked out, or the advice I give you- it’s grounded in my authentic self.

While in public I’m typically teaching a yoga class, or selling art. In these interactions I love sharing my passions and encouraging others to pursue theirs. I’m an educator and creative at heart. Being in public allows opportunity for feedback and inspiration to perfect the craft.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m on my yoga mat in a room over 103°. The heat allows me to completely disengage from the world, mostly because it’s too hot to do anything else! My movements and breath are rhythmic. I find clarity.

After a flow of sixty minutes or more, I can carry the clarity off my mat and live in it. I’m so grateful to have found this practice.
Peace is paramount to a life grounded in wellness.

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