continuing to deepen my Ashtanga practice through travel, study, and mentorship with certified and authorized teachers. In 2018, I began teaching two Ashtanga classes a week at a local studio in St. Louis while still working in physical therapy.

By 2020, a transition into real estate and development gave me the flexibility to focus more on yoga. That freedom led to the opening of Saint Louis Ashtanga Yoga (SLAY) in May 2021, the home of St. Louis’ only Mysore yoga program.

Building Saint Louis Ashtanga Yoga

SLAY has always been about holding space for the authentic practice of yoga. I teach open-level Mysore classes four days a week, a weekly led primary series, and a philosophy class. My approach integrates breathwork, chanting, and philosophy, shaped by my teachers and years of clinical work as a physical therapy assistant. This background gives me a deep understanding of movement, anatomy, and recovery, allowing me to help students navigate their practice safely and effectively.

I also host and teach workshops, and share wellness insights as co-host of the Bold Vitality Podcast. Teaching yoga is a labor of love for me. I aim to release expectations and trust in how the universe unfolds.

Lessons I've Learned

Stay true to yourself and your voice. Not everyone will resonate with your message, and that's okay, your people will find you.

Business Takeaways from Authenticity Wins

The most powerful growth comes from building in alignment with who you truly are.

Skills as Assets

Draw from your unique background to shape your offerings. Your past experiences are part of your value.

Detach from Numbers

Your impact is not measured by class size or short-term metrics. Depth Over Trend

Stay committed to teaching what has depth and meaning, rather than chasing popularity.

Hold the Space

Your main job as a founder is to maintain a space where the work can happen—growth follows naturally.

At , we don't just share inspiring stories — we break down what makes yoga businesses succeed. By learning directly from real founders and entrepreneurs, we extract actionable lessons and proven strategies you can apply, so you can avoid common mistakes, feel more confident, grow faster, and make bold choices with clarity.

Business Takeaways

  • Yoga Business Journey For me SLAY has always been about holding space for the practice of Yoga. Teaching is my path and having this opportunity to help others along the way through the journey of yoga is very special. I bring a unique skillset to my teaching, drawing on my years of clinical work as a physical therapy assistant. I have a deep understanding of movement patterns, anatomy, injury and recovery. I incorporate the teachings of my teachers into my offerings and regularly include breathwork, philosophy and chanting in classes. I also enjoy hosting and teaching workshops, and sharing my thoughts on varying wellness topics weekly as a co-host on the Bold Vitality Podcast. My top 5 pieces of advice to my younger self and anyone else on the path of teaching, leading, and/or owning their own business: 1) Stay true to yourself, 2) Establish your voice, 3) Know that your message will not resonate with everyone- your people will find you, 4) Sometimes classes are full and sometimes they are empty- don't base your self worth on a number, 5) The practice is a mirror reflecting outward and people bring a lot to the mat- don't take it personally. Teaching Yoga is a labor of love, I aim to surrender any expectations to how the universe will unfold for me.