Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Durel and Kylie Conniff.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Natasha and Kylie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
N: I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology of why people do what they do, but I wanted to find a formula for how to do it even better through action and having a stronger perspective. I started mentoring and volunteering first to see if it was something that I could do. It came so naturally to me and I knew that it was for me. I’ve been Life Coaching for two years now and love it.
In the past I’ve coached soccer and track, been a camp counselor, and I have been in quite a few roles that have interestingly aligned with what I do now.
My introduction to meditation was formed through a ton of painful realizations within myself. Anxiety is something that I’ve had for as long as I can remember. Music and closing my eyes was my go to way of calming down when I was a kid. At that point, I didn’t realize what I was doing. I found meditation videos on YouTube in early high school, but still didn’t have a regular practice developed. I use it as one of my modalities in coaching if clients are open to it and I also teach classes. My goal is to demystify the intimidation factor of meditation that sometimes surrounds it. I want to help others find a practice that feels wholeheartedly good for them and that realistically fits in with their lifestyle.
Each person that is in MBC has a unique and fresh perspective to bring to the table, and that’s truly why the community felt like the last piece of the puzzle. The vision of connecting people to others and a deeper part of themselves is something that Kylie & I have shared since day one.
K: When I was younger, I was focused on being “skinny”. I was eating as little calories as possible, working out excessively, and treating my body poorly. My only intention at that time was to “weigh less than 100 pounds” and to me that isn’t a great mindset to be in.
As I got older, I realized that an outer appearance is not important – what’s important is taking care of ourselves inside and out. I began to shift my focus to fueling my body with nutrients and exercising to be strong and simply feel good. With this shift came happiness and love for myself. With my behavior changes, I have learned that I want to help others transform the way that they treat themselves and become the most energetic, happiest, and healthiest version of themselves!
I’ve always had a passion for fitness and helping others so I decided to seek a career in the fitness/wellness industry. I wanted to have a strong educational foundation, so I went to school and got my bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Psychology.
I have furthered my education by participating in hands on internships, obtaining more certifications, and am constantly researching and learning new things.
All of this lead up to me starting my own business! My company provides personal training, health coaching, and worksite wellness services. I take a holistic approach when working with my clients and provide them with well-rounded programs to help them become healthier overall. My knowledge and expertise helps them reach their goals safely and effectively.
As Natasha and I discovered that our services would work well together, we decided to join forces and created the Mind Body Connection community!
Has it been a smooth road?
K: Owning your own business is A LOT of work. You don’t get to just go to work for the day and then go home and relax – there’s always something to do and our minds are always thinking about the tasks that we need to complete and what the next steps that we need to take are. We work with our clients and any free moment that we have we spend creating content, researching, and working on new programs – it’s exhausting! There were times where we wanted to quit, but we love what we do so it’s all completely worth it!
N: It’s honestly like being in a relationship. The passion and love for what you do will be what gets you through even the most challenging of times. Your patience will be tested, and you have to ask yourself “How can I be better?”
In return, you are rewarded with something so solid and strong. Trusting yourself and growing with your vision is the biggest key. Other people may need a second to catch up and fully get behind what you are doing. This can be slightly discouraging, ESPECIALLY when you are doing something new and different. It just can’t take up too much of your focus. The focus has to be on how you are going to grow from the current position that you are at by asking yourself that question.
It has been rewarding so far to look back and see how far we both have come. The road will never be fully smooth but that’s when the biggest learning curves and best lessons come in. A solid perspective will get you so much further.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mind Body Connection story. Tell us more about the business.
We have created a community that revolves around physical & mental health, because they go hand in hand.
The Mind Body Connection Facebook group is a place where we post tips, recipes, create activities and challenges for both our clients and members of the community, and is a safe space for our members ask each other questions regarding health.
What sets us apart is that we bring both of our practices together. In addition to the community, we provide dual coaching sessions and worksite health promotion services.
What were you like growing up?
We have known each other since 8th grade and not much has changed. Even back then we would be sitting in class eyes closed, visualizing our dreams. 0 shame in the game. We both got introduced to the Secret at 13 years old and that was the gateway for us to start questioning our thinking and continue to seek out deeper answers.
We are both huge goofballs and let that shine through in our work. We like to keep it professional, but don’t take ourselves too seriously because we want others to have fun while learning!
Pricing:
- Mind Body Connection Services: Membership to the community/facebook group: FREE!
- Online small group classes: $45 per person
- Private coaching with Natasha: $85-100 per 55 minute session
- Private coaching with Kylie: $85-100/ 55 minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: Natasha: www.natashadurel.com @natashadurel / Kylie: www.kylieconniff.com @kylieconniff
- Instagram: @Mbccommunity
- Facebook: Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/mindbodyconnectiongroup
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.
