Pike District Business Spotlight

Q&A with Arlet Koseian-Beckham, owner of extendyoga

How did you get interested in yoga and when did you open Extend Yoga?

I got introduced to yoga in the early 2000s while living in NYC when a coworker invited me to a class as a way to relax from a high-stress fast-paced job. After a few classes, I was hooked. Yoga was really taking off in the US at that time. One day, sitting on my yoga mat waiting for class to start, I had the "crazy" idea to open a yoga studio. I moved back home to Maryland in 2010 and opened extendYoga in 2011.

Why did you choose the Pike District?

I looked at A LOT of potential spaces to lease all over the DMV before landing in Pike District. I ultimately decided that this location was ideal, as it's easily accessible from several densely populated areas and neighborhoods in the county. Once I learned about all the development coming to the area, that solidified my decision.

Offer some advice when it comes to opening a small business.

There's so much I could share, but one thing I wish I had known before opening is that no matter how prepared you feel, some things are completely unpredictable and out of your control. Be prepared to learn as you go, think on your feet, and know when to ask for help. Another guiding principle for me is to trust your gut and intuition—they usually lead you in the right direction.

Tell us more about you!

I am a proud first-generation Armenian American with deep roots in Montgomery County. I was born in DC, raised in MoCo, and went to Richard Montgomery High School. After graduating from the University of Maryland (go Terps!), I moved to Philadelphia, then New York City. After deciding to open my business, I moved back to the area to open extendYoga and be closer to family. While living in NYC, I reconnected with another UMD grad, John, who later became my husband. We have two amazing young boys: Levon (8) and Avo (5). We live in Bethesda, MD.

What’s your favorite yoga practice/pose?

Ohh that's so tough. My practice/pose preferences definitely shift depending on what's going on in my life, my body, and the world. I am very much into restorative and more restful and rejuvenating yoga these days.