Daily Inspiration: Meet Neely Tanner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neely Tanner.

Neely, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career as an elementary school teacher, spending a little over a decade in the classroom. Toward the end of those ten + years, my passion for yoga and music led to a transformative journey. First, I became certified to be a yoga instructor, and later, I embarked on a life on the road as a touring musician. My path eventually led me from Omaha, Nebraska, to Los Angeles, California, where I fused my love for teaching, yoga, and music into my own kid’s yoga program, which I named Keep Shining Kids Yoga. With over 23 years of experience working with children, I now travel as a dedicated kids yoga instructor, offering classes in preschools, Montessori schools, and private institutions on the Eastside of Los Angeles. My classes are not complete without the musical element, as I sing and create songs with my husband specifically tailored to my classes, bringing all of my passions together in one harmonious adventure.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing family, friendships, self-care, and running a small business can be quite challenging. At times, it feels overwhelming to be a mom, create a happy family, and manage my own well-being alongside my business responsibilities. When I find myself stretched thin, I seek advice and support from fellow entrepreneur moms who understand the juggling act. Additionally, my yoga practice becomes a valuable tool during these moments of uncertainty. It reminds me to center myself by returning to my breath, closing my eyes, and focusing on my priorities. I try to trust my inner guidance and intuition to guide me in making the right decisions for what comes next.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My diverse career experiences have equipped me with valuable insights that I’ve woven into my program. Teaching in the classroom taught me how to engage and manage children effectively, making learning enjoyable and bringing laughter into our lessons. My time as a touring musician really drove home how powerful music can be. It amplified my knowledge that singing is really an art of breath control.  Each night on stage, I found myself immersing in deep breaths, recognizing that consistent singing not only brings me joy, but also enhances my overall happiness. Being a yoga instructor has provided me with tools for personal centeredness and mindfulness, which I now share with my students. And motherhood has really deepened my understanding of children in so many wonderful ways. All of these experiences have come together to create a purposeful and enjoyable program that blends fun, yoga, and movement in a way that makes sense for kids.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?Facing my fear of creating a small business and evolving something I love so dearly, and turning that thing that I love to do into a career brings me so much joy. My sense of success comes from the smiles on my students’ faces, the stories parents share about their child teaching them something from my class, and witnessing the school teachers getting items checked off of their ‘To Do’ Lists while I teach their students. I feel overjoyed and successful when my students express that my yoga class is their favorite part of the day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.keepshiningkidsyoga.com
• Instagram: @keepshiningkidsyoga