I’m a mother of two and a veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 12 years. I’ve been in the fitness industry for 25 years, but yoga found me during one of the hardest chapters of my life—my divorce. I first stepped into an Ashtanga class hoping to save my marriage. Instead, I found the strength to leave it. I still remember my first class like it was yesterday. I walked in late, nervous and unsure. Jeff, my first yoga teacher, welcomed me in. That one class changed everything. I didn’t even realize I was practicing Ashtanga at first. The class was called Align and Flow, and I kept coming back to it daily. The deeper I went, the more I uncovered parts of myself I had forgotten. Even though the Ashtanga community felt challenging and at times judgmental, I stayed. I trained. I grew.

At first, I called myself an Ashtanga teacher without understanding the full weight of what that meant. But after years of study and experience, I now feel like I’ve earned that title.

Building the Black Yoga Room

The Black Yoga Room was born out of darkness. During my divorce, yoga became my refuge. I found myself on the mat in moments of complete despair. That’s when I realized—black may not be a traditional color in yoga spaces, but it represents where many people begin their healing. I wanted to create a space that honors that truth.

Staying Authentic

I remember when I first started teaching and practicing Ashtanga; I was everything but myself, mimicking what I saw as a student. It wasn't until I shared my truth, spoke from my heart, and embraced my authentic self that I began to flourish. In every post, every class, and every conversation, I show up as myself. I walk the talk. That’s what people connect with.

The Platform That Works

Instagram has been the most effective channel for reaching my community. It allows me to speak directly to people, to show them what real healing looks like, and to invite them into the space I’ve created.

Lessons I’ve Learned

You have to love what you do. Yoga isn’t a performance—it’s a calling. And if you’re not aligned with that calling, it shows.

You also learn that you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. That used to bother me. But then I shifted. I realized that if someone enters my space, even virtually, it’s like they’re walking into my home. So I make the tea how they like it—but I still serve it from my own kitchen.

You don’t have to be the loudest to be the most impactful. But you do have to be honest.

My Message to Founders

Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.

Don’t dilute who you are to fit in.

I didn’t grow until I dropped the mask.

When I stopped trying to be what others expected, I became magnetic.

You don’t need to please everyone.

You just need to show up, fully and consistently, as you.

Business Takeaways from Yoga Founders Magazine

Truth Over Trends

What resonates most isn’t strategy—it’s honesty. Let people feel your story, not just your services.

Honor the Darkness

Most people find yoga when life falls apart. Don’t only market the light. Make space for the struggle too.

Presence is Power

People don’t buy from perfect—they buy from present. If you show up fully, you’ll stand out in a crowded space.

Instagram as Connection

It’s not just a platform. It’s a way to invite people into your world. Treat it like your studio.

Your Dharma is Enough

You don’t need to justify your journey. If you’re being called to teach, that’s reason enough. Just don’t ignore the call.