As a yoga instructor, my intention in every class is simple: I want my students to leave feeling better—mentally, physically and emotionally—than when they walked in. I create that experience by weaving together yoga philosophy, meaningful mantras, flowing asanas, breath work and a powerful reminder that yoga is individualistic. It is your practice. Not your neighbor’s. Not your friend’s. Yours. Move in the way your body wants to move. Listen to it. Trust it. I’m simply here to guide.
I took my first real yoga class back in 2017—a moment I still look back on with gratitude and a little “why didn’t I find this sooner?” energy. The class was at a small studio led by one of my best friends, Rachel, who unknowingly helped me uncover just how strong I was. That single class cracked open possibilities I didn’t even know were waiting for me.
There were only two of us in the room, which was perfect for my anxiety at the time. I didn’t know how to get into Crow or Warrior III, and honestly, I was afraid of looking ridiculous. But Rachel held the space beautifully. She offered modifications, celebrated our effort and guided us into a long, blissful savasana.
And that was it—I was hooked.
That hour opened the door to a version of myself I had buried under trauma, self-doubt and the noise of life. What followed was a slow and steady uncovering: clearing out toxic relationships, standing up for myself, recognizing my worth and eventually moving to a new city. I didn’t even realize I had stepped onto a spiritual path until I was already walking it. But that first class was the catalyst.
This inner shift followed me into the present. In 2021, I decided to pursue my Yoga Teacher Training certification—one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my personal growth and overall wellness. I fell in love with journaling, deepened my meditation (still imperfect, still learning) and became more intentional about being fully present in my everyday life.
The light I rediscovered in myself is the reason Up Way Wellness + Branding exists today. I wanted to create a space where others could find their own inner light—especially if it’s been dimmed by stress, life changes or the everyday chaos that chips away at us. Through yoga classes, community events and holistic wellness offerings, my goal is to help people reconnect with the parts of themselves they may have forgotten.
Taking a yoga class seems like a simple choice, but the true challenge is in the mindfulness: connecting breath to movement, noticing when your mind drifts and gently returning to the present moment. I encourage my students to give themselves permission to be fully here. The past no longer serves us. The future hasn’t arrived. The present is where our power actually lives.
If you’re looking for a personal yoga instructor, interested in private sessions or hoping to collaborate on a yoga pop-up or wellness event, I’d love to connect. Let’s explore how strong you really are, how capable you are in navigating life’s chaos and how close true happiness might be—sometimes, just one yoga class away.
Up Way 