Andrena & Marilynn
Meet your besties
Blissful Besties was born from friendship, healing, and the belief that mindfulness is better when shared.
What began as two lifelong friends supporting each other’s growth has blossomed into a community where yoga, sound, and mindfulness flow together. We create spaces that feel sacred yet approachable - from yin yoga and sound baths, to workplace activations, retreats, and private celebrations.
At the heart of Blissful Besties is connection: to yourself, to each other, and to the moments of calm that help us rise in a chaotic world.
Andrena Renteria
Andrena was first drawn to yoga through the asanas, but soon discovered it was so much more than movement.
While navigating personal struggles, she found refuge in mindfulness, meditation, and sound - practices that helped her care for herself and show up more fully for others.
What began as a simple idea to host classes in the park grew into a mission to create a welcoming space where yoga felt truly accessible. Now certified in Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Yoga for All Bodies, and sound meditation, Andrena teaches with compassion and a trauma-informed approach, always reminding students that yoga is for every body.
As co-founder of Blissful Besties, she brings grounding, authenticity, and heart into every gathering, helping participants feel safe, supported, and connected — to themselves and to the community around them.
Follow Andrena at @westsideyogastory to stay connected with her classes and events.
Marilynn Meraz
Marilynn found her way to restorative practices during seasons when life felt especially heavy. As old wounds resurfaced and depression threatened to pull her under, sound, mindfulness, and movement gave her somewhere to land.
What began as a way to cope gradually became a practice of returning to herself. Today, Marilynn is a proud girl mom, Certified Sound Practitioner, 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher, and Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Level II Practitioner who brings compassion and thoughtful care to every experience she curates. Her approach is grounded in the belief that healing doesn’t have to be perfect, intimidating, or lonely.
As co-founder of Your Blissful Besties, she loves witnessing the moment someone’s shoulders soften, their mind grows quieter, and they remember what it feels like to be present in their body. She is especially moved by hearing how these practices continue to support participants after they leave.
Follow Marilynn at @meltwithmarilynn to stay connected with her classes and events.
Meet our Featured Bestie
Vanessa Nevarez
Vanessa Nevarez is a passionate yogi with a heart for healing. With certifications in Vinyasa, Yin, Chair, and Prenatal Yoga, she creates a safe, welcoming space for all. Blending her psychology background and love for movement, Vanessa supports every journey with compassion and care. Her mission: to make yoga joyful, accessible, and empowering for everyone.
Recently certified in Sound Healing, she now offers nurturing Sound Baths alongside her yoga offerings. As our honorary bestie, Vanessa has stepped in to sub at Blissful Besties events and every time, she brings her warmth and wisdom to the circle.
We are so grateful for her presence in our community and encourage you to stay connected with her. Vanessa also hosts her own beautiful events, so be sure to follow her journey and support her offerings.
Follow Vanessa at @bloomingwithfiness to stay connected with her classes and events.
Bliss from our besties
Our Roots
At the heart of Blissful Besties is a friendship that has grown through mindfulness, healing, and shared practice. One place especially dear to us is Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, CA. In this sanctuary, we’ve spent time over the years learning, practicing, and reconnecting with ourselves and each other. The time we’ve shared there continues to shape how we show up in our work, reminding us that peace begins within and ripples outward into our families, friendships, and communities.
Deer Park is a 400-acre monastery and mindfulness practice center founded in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Life there is about bringing mindfulness into every moment - from walking and eating to simply breathing together. As the monastery shares: “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.” Those words continue to inspire us, grounding Blissful Besties in the belief that healing is not just individual, but collective. ✨ We invite you to explore more, visit, or support the work there through donating, volunteering, or learning more about their retreats and teachings.
Community Partnerships
The Garcia Center for the Arts
Since its founding, the Garcia Center for the Arts has served as an inclusive cultural hub in San Bernardino, dedicated to fostering creativity, community, and cultural preservation. Through programs like Creative Aid, the Creative Instructor Program, and the Culture Garden, the Garcia Center provides resources, education, and a safe space where arts and culture thrive.
From day one, Blissful Besties has benefited immensely from their support — the Garcia Center has generously provided us with both space and resources that have allowed us to serve our community better. Their partnership has been foundational in helping us bring sound baths, yoga gatherings, workshops, and more to people who need rest, healing, and connection.
✨ If you feel called to support their mission, you can do so by volunteering your time or making a donation to help them continue uplifting the community.
Let’s grow together
Calling all healers, yogis, and wellness practitioners - join our Bestie Directory to get featured, collaborate, and connect with your community.