As children growing up in Mexico, sisters Mavy and Sandra Bejar spent a lot of time outdoors. One of their favorite pastimes was picking dandelions, blowing on them, and making wishes.
Now, after decades apart, they’ve come together to start a business together, launching the first yoga studio in recent memory in Keller, which opened on February 8. The name? Dandelion House, of course.
The sisters say the name comes from the strength of dandelions and their ability to thrive in challenging circumstances, even pushing through concrete and returning year after year. They note that it symbolizes their own strength and determination to be together again, and make their wishes come true.
Although they were apart, Sandra said she and Mavy have always remained close. They have certainly both covered their parts of the world, but their hearts have always been together.
Sandra has lived in Mexico, England, Switzerland, Michigan, Florida and now Texas. Mavy’s travels have taken her to Mexico, Spain and Texas.
“Despite the distances, our family has always remained very close. That is the beauty of our bond, we always care for each other, no matter where we are,” Sandra said.
Mavy added that they also visited each other often, which not only created a reunion but often an adventure in a new place.
Why a yoga studio?
They both have experience as yoga instructors and agree it made sense to bring it all under one roof in their Old Town home at 136 E. Hill St.
Mavy said that a passion for yoga also helped her through some struggles in her personal life. She started yoga, hoping it would help her move forward as she went through a marriage that was ending.
“If you don’t expect a divorce after 20 years of being together, it feels like your whole world is falling apart. Your self-esteem, your confidence, your faith, it all falls apart,” she said.
She recalled that one day during a yoga practice, the teacher asked the class to cover their eyes for the exercise. Mavy said she connected with different emotions: fear, insecurity, frustration, which helped her reconnect with herself, her self-confidence and, most importantly, finding a purpose and a reason in her life to continue healing.
“That way, I could one day share my path with someone who needs it as much as I do,” she said. “Yoga isn’t just about the poses — it’s a way of life for me.”
Inspired by their father
The sisters lost their father last year, and they said his pursuit of his own dreams was an inspiration.
“Although he struggled with the language, that didn’t stop him from giving conferences in English right after he moved to Texas,” Sandra said. “After he got his green card, his next goal was to become a citizen. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to take that step. However, he always enjoyed life and made new friends everywhere he went, never being ashamed to speak English, to connect with the community, and to be recognized by the many new friends he made in just a few years here.”
She added that they are sure that if their father, who was a business consultant, were still around, he would be thrilled to help out with the studio.
“He always gave advice and listened to our struggles,” Sandra said. “Dealing with our loss has helped us heal and cherish even more what he did in life and the legacy he left for us.”
Mavy said family was the most important thing in their father’s life and she believes he would be proud of their achievements if they worked together.
“Sandy and I were with him in his final moments. We know that if he were here today, he would not only be proud, but he would have been a part of our journey and given us his best advice,” she said.
After their father died, their mother was diagnosed with cancer. Sandra said her struggle to stay alive, especially after losing her partner of 50 years, has been incredibly moving.
“She has embraced different healing paths to overcome and heal herself. I am so grateful to have her with us,” she said. “She is a remarkable inspiration of strength and determination, just like my father.”
The sisters believe their studio offers much more than yoga, they see it as a safe space for others who, like themselves, are struggling with emotional challenges.
“We are learning every day and becoming more aware of the issues people face in life, and we are very attuned to their needs,” Mavy said. “Our empathy shines through in everything we do.
“People with diverse and similar experiences come to our studio and immediately feel the care and compassion we provide. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and truly cared for. Our goal is to continue to create a community where we can share, heal, and process our struggles and challenges together.”
Plans for the company
Sandra said the goal is to grow the community as the business grows, by offering different classes, workshops and therapies to help people find their path to happiness and peace.
“We look forward to making a difference for Keller and the great community in the area,” she said.
They also plan to continue inviting artists to be part of their journey and rely on Dandelion House as a place to share their art and inspiration. “Similarly, we want to grow with our instructors and coaches to offer diverse workshops in English and Spanish so that we include people from different backgrounds,” Mavy said.
