A BUSINESSWOMAN from York who turned to yoga to help her after suffering from depression is in the running to win a prestigious award.

Lou Harrand, the founder of Yogabomb, York’s first hot yoga studio, is celebrating her first year in business by being named a finalist in the national Best Business Women Awards.

The mother-of-three is one of six finalists in the category of most inspiring businesswoman.

Winners will be announced on October 20 at a black tie ceremony in Hertfordshire.

Lou said: “I am ecstatic to have been shortlisted for this award.

“I’ve never thought of myself as a businesswoman or a typical yogi.

“I have suffered from depression for years and used yoga to help me mentally.

“I realised how it could help others so I took the plunge, retrained as a yoga instructor and set up the studio.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by its success.”

Lou started up her hot yoga studio, in Bootham Terrace, in November 2015, after spotting a gap in the market.

It provides ‘yoga for normal people’ who want to get the physical and mental benefits that yoga brings, while getting a sweat on.

She invested £60,000 in kitting out a basement space complete with infrared heaters and an air filtration system.

Since launching, Lou has introduced a range of creative classes like Yogadudes classes for men and corporate cleansing for businesses in York.

She now employs six teachers and offers more than 25 classes a week.

One of her customers, Elley Isles, said: “I am full of admiration for Lou.

“She is more than a great yoga teacher. She is inspirational and entrepreneurial.

“She keeps the yoga fresh and real with different classes, teachers, workshops and retreats.

“Energising yoga to relaxing candlelight sessions, Yogabomb is ever evolving.”

Lou’s plans for the future include running an urban retreat and reboot in January, working with other professionals in the health and wellness industry.

She is also looking to expand into a second Yogabomb studio, take on a manager, get Yogabomb into more schools in the area and write a book about ‘Yoga for normal people.’