Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Quintero.
Johanna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I come from San Juan, Puerto Rico there was where I grew up. Moved to California circa 2001. First stop was Santa Ynez Valley then shortly after, Santa Barbara. Although, these two places are extraordinarily beautiful, it wasn’t working for me, I needed a change of pace. I was in search of my “pot of gold’ so relocated to Los Angeles. Instead what I found was a ‘Pandora’s box.’ Isn’t that often the case, though? Humor and sarcasm aside. Eighteen years have passed by and I’ve come to understand, adapt and love this city. This is home!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It wasn’t simple figuring out my path. It took some time. In life we have the innate gift of “Free Will” (our ability to choose) and that wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have a life filled with contrasts: the lows/highs, love/hate, success/failure, forgiveness/resentment, peace/anger, light/dark, health/sickness… we can only hope that our choices will be good and the outcomes will be as desired. But the truth is that not every choice will have favorable results and outcomes may not turn out to be as expected. Nevertheless, I am a true believer that every choice we take; will lead us to that which needs to be experienced and learned.
Planet Earth is “the mother” of all schools. We are here to transcend it all, and we can’t do this alone.
My decision to become a Yogini/Teacher was evident. Like the saying goes – “the light at the end of the tunnel” it was so transparent and unclouded, that I said YES to yoga teacher training and at that instant I felt a surge of energy starting at the bottom of my feet all the way to the crown of my head. As if an invisible portal of potential and possibility opened for me. There was no turning back. I had to do it.
Then, two words came to mind FINALLY and THANK YOU!
My advice to other women/young women is to continue to take care of themselves, to strive, that you don’t need to be perfect; that no one is… that beauty is relative. True beauty, lasting beauty, comes by being gracious and accepting wholeheartedly of who you are, remember where you come from, to pay attention, to learn how to be independent yet share with others the best of you. Never let go of your nurturing nature, believe in your strength and your abilities to prosper, stay kind, compassionate and have the courage to be YOU! One more thing, love, love, love, always!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am JohannaQuinteroYoga and this is what I teach six days a week:
Yoga/Meditation/SculptYoga -Teacher at Veda Yoga Center, Culver City, TRX/Sculptworks -Teacher at Yogaworks-Brentwood, an Experiential Yoga Teacher in Recovery for drugs and alcohol addiction at CORE IOP Treatment/Detox/ West Hollywood, acquired two Certifications from National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM-CPT and NASM-CES) Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist (Former Trainer at Sports Club EQUINOX West LA) also Yoga Teacher Trainer to aspiring yoga teachers (giving lectures on Anatomy and Physiology at yoga studios in Culver City, Long Beach and Orange County).
I teach from a place of love and integrity connecting my own personal experience to it. I guide students to tap into their inner strength and unique essence. The objective of the class is to increase levels of awareness, energetic field/vibration and become more present, stronger, balanced and more flexible (body, mind, and spirit).
My style of teaching is methodical, systematic and constantly evolving, I favor structure/discipline, my classes are straight forward/authentic, inspiring/joyous. I teach what I know, based on the knowledge I have accumulated through my years as a student/practitioner/teacher. I like to stay current with yoga/fitness/meditation (the old and the new.) Learning/studying/teaching to me is an ongoing process and I truly, enjoy it!
Fundamentally, my aim is to be part of the solution; and the best way I can contribute is through the teaching, guidance, and practice of Yoga, Meditation and Fitness. I will continue to hold space for my students and watch them flourish, make strides and succeed.
“There are not enough yoga teachers and fitness professionals in this world. We need more, lots more. Because our Planet and humanity are in desperate need of healing, repair, and deep transformation!
Everyone matters… everyone!
Love and light, Namaste!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Books: Just to name a few:
1. The Deeper Dimension of Yoga by Georg Feuerstein
2. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Edwin F. Bryant
3. Tao “The Three Treasures” by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
4. The Origins of Yoga and Tantra by Geoffrey Samuel
5. Inner Yoga by Janne Kontala
6. The Roots of Yoga Translated by James Hamilton and Mark Singleton
7. Light on Yoga B.K.S. Iyengar
8. Complete BANDHA YOGA Collection of books www.bandhayoga.com
9. Yoga of Heart by Mark Whitwell
10. Power vs Force by David R. Hawkins
11. The Unlimited Self by Jonathan Heston
12. Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chodron
13. You Are The Universe by Deepak Chopra & Menas Kafatos
14. Yoga Anatomy For Yoga by David Keil
15. the Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele
16. Wheels of Light by Rosalyn Bruyere
17. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
18. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
19. The Alchemist by Pablo Coelho
I do enjoy watching other Yogis do their thing at:
@ALOMOVES
@OMSTARZ
– YouTube
Blogs:
-Namaste – Yoga Journal
Apps:
– iYoga-Premium
– 3D4 Medical’s Muscle & Fitness
– iMuscle 2
-Spotify
Contact Info:
- Website: www.OMbyJQY.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/johannaquinteroyoga
Image Credit:
Bobby Quillard Photography, Sara Beckman Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
