People
Meet the Dockers: Sam Barker and Emma Daly
Born and bred in the Royal Docks, Sam attended Star Lane School and Eastlea School in Canning Town. She is still a local resident. “I have strong east end connections” says Sam. “My parents, grandparents and I were all born and raised in East London. Growing up, the area was so vibrant, rich in history and a place where everyone knew everyone. Over the years, my mum and quite a few members of my wider family worked for Tate and Lyle Sugars. I followed in the family footsteps as I’ve now worked there for the last 14 years. In 2021, I decided to retrain as a yoga teacher with the dream of opening a studio. I wanted to bring yoga to the community where I grew up with the gift that is Shakti Space”.
Emma says, “I began my journey with meditation, starting with Falun Dafa, a Chinese spiritual practice that combines meditation exercises with a moral philosophy. Later I explored Buddhism at the London Buddhist Centre. Buddhism helped me address deep questions about self, reality and morality.
“Meditation became a key practice for me, especially as a secondary school teacher. It helped me manage the stresses of the classroom and maintain balance and clarity in my life. As my meditation practice deepened, yoga felt like a natural extension. It became a way to support my physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. My journey has led me to understand the deep connection between mind, body and spirit. I’m now so grateful for the opportunity to share yoga and wellbeing practices with others.
“I went on to teach yoga to refugees at PranaSpace, where I met Sam. Our first real conversation happened when our yoga teacher, Raj, suggested that Sam and I open a studio together! Raj felt we had the potential to create something truly special. It was a surprising but exciting proposition.
“Sam and I were both deeply motivated and driven. We decided to take the leap. Sam is a true powerhouse of energy and vision. She was instrumental in finding the perfect location in Canning Town”.
Being in the Royal Docks is like a full circle homecoming for me. It’s exciting being part of the regeneration
“We didn’t really choose the location; in a way it chose us.” says Sam. “We were looking in other areas, when I remembered that Projekt rented out space to small businesses. As soon as we saw the space it felt right. It was as if everything fell into place naturally and we slipped into a beautiful rhythm of creation and collaboration. The vision unfolded and grew effortlessly and organically with Projekt. They provided great support throughout the studio build. We also had the support of many wonderful friends, who lent their time, skills and hearts to bring it all together. We’re so grateful for the love and energy that poured into the space from everyone involved. There weren’t even walls when we first saw the space but five months and two days later, we launched! The journey has been nothing short of magical”.
“The atmosphere at Shakti Space is warm, open and inclusive.” says Sam. “We’ve intentionally created a space that feels like a home. You can truly relax and be yourself. It’s a place where you can deepen your practice and nourish yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. The studio is filled with natural light, calming colours and a sense of tranquility that invites you to slow down, connect and find stillness. It’s not just about physical space; it’s also about the energy that flows within it. It’s grounded in mindfulness, compassion and community”.
Our classes are designed to meet you where you are; whether you're seeking relaxation, strength, or emotional healing. The classes are a beautiful blend of Hatha, Vinyasa, Power, Yin, Restorative, Nidra, Yang to Yin and more, all guided by experienced teachers. The teachers can provide adaptations or alternative postures to suit individual needs, including disabilities and injuries. Meditation and breathwork are also integral parts of our offerings, providing tools for mental clarity, emotional balance, and deep relaxation”.
“Classes that are carefully designed and timetabled such as Slow Flow on Sunday mornings to ease you into the rest of the week. Its yoga combined with specific meditations, sound and breathwork.” says Emma.
“We also offer discounted community classes, beginners’ yoga and more challenging classes for more seasoned yogis. Our Power Yoga, late evening Hatha and Vinyasa classes are designed for those who love a swift, high-energy flow. For gym goers, yoga can complement regular workouts. It can take fitness to the next level by improving flexibility, balance and recovery; key elements that can help performance in other areas. It also reduces the risk of injury and releases tightness in areas that are often neglected. This is especially beneficial if you’re lifting heavy or doing intense cardio. The classes challenge you and get your heart rate up just like standard gym sessions, but with a mindful, holistic approach”.
“Most people know that yoga can improve fitness and flexibility. Some lesser-known benefits include emotional resilience, enhanced circulation and detoxification. A book I recommend to all my friends is ‘The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma’ by Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatrist and trauma researcher. Yoga can aid in this recovery process and so much more.
“But it’s not just about the classes” says Sam. It’s about being part of a vibrant, compassionate community where you can connect with like-minded individuals on their own journeys of self-discovery and growth. At Shakti Space, we believe that true transformation happens in community, and we create opportunities for people to connect and share their experiences both on and off the mat”.
“Shakti Space has quickly become a sanctuary for the community” says Emma. “It’s a wellbeing space that serves everyone. Seeing the delight and calm on faces when classes end is the best thing about my job” says Sam. “I love helping to enhance people’s wellbeing using practices that are over 5,000 years old”.
We currently have a taster offer. It’s £26 to enjoy unlimited classes for two weeks. It’s a great opportunity to visit the studio and try out all the classes before signing up for a monthly membership. We’ve got lots of exciting things lined up at Shakti Space. Dance and Sound Healing Workshops, mini day retreats, more community classes and safe women’s space are all in the pipeline.
Sam says “It’s been great getting to know people at the studio in the area where I grew up. Canning Town is a rebirthed community with a makeover for the next generation. I love going to Lyle Park for a walk along the river where all the new flats are; Knights Road to Pontoon Dock. Sweheat Sauna is a hidden gem and the pizza at Heroica Lounge is delicious. I still live locally so it’s great being able to walk to work on brighter days”.
“The future looks bright but like anything it’s the people that make a village. We’re looking forward to seeing more inclusive community spaces, social housing and youth clubs benefiting the entire community. Being in the Royal Docks is like a full circle homecoming for me. It’s exciting being part of the regeneration”.
Find out more about Shakti Space
Shakti Space is located at 15 Peto Street North, Canning Town, London, E16 1RL. For more information and details of membership visit www.shakti-space.co.uk
Find out more about Projekt
Projekt provides high-quality, mixed-use, affordable space for businesses, events, artists, designers and creative SMEs in London and the southeast. Find out more at www.thisisprojekt.com
