Conversations with Madison Hiney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Hiney.

Hi Madison, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I found my way into this work during a time when I was just trying to feel more grounded in myself. Yoga started as something personal – an outlet that helped me reconnect to my body and quiet everything going on in my mind. Over time, it became something much deeper, and I felt called to share it.

I didn’t take a traditional path, which came with a lot of uncertainty, but I kept following what felt aligned. That led me to continue my education, eventually completing over 900 hours of yoga training and expanding into sound healing and other holistic practices. Along the way, I began teaching in a range of environments – studios, schools, resorts, and events – which helped me grow into my voice.

A big part of my journey has been navigating real-life challenges – burnout, relationships, and moments of feeling lost – which shaped how I show up today. I don’t teach from a place of perfection, but from lived experience. My intention is to create spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and feel safe being exactly where they are.

Today, through my brand Shakti Saint, I offer yoga, sound baths, and curated wellness experiences that blend movement, music, and mindfulness. I’ve also expanded into photography and social media within the wellness space, capturing and supporting brands and communities that align with this work.

At the core of everything I do is a desire to help people come back to themselves in a real, grounded way – because I know how powerful that can be.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Choosing a non-traditional path came with a lot of uncertainty, especially in the beginning. There were times where I questioned if I was doing the right thing, financially and personally, and had to learn how to trust myself without a clear roadmap.

Burnout has also been a big challenge. When you’re building something that’s so personal, it’s easy to overextend yourself and lose balance. I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries, manage my energy, and not tie my self-worth to how much I’m doing or producing.

Another challenge has been navigating relationships while building this kind of lifestyle. When your path looks different from what people expect, it can create disconnect or misunderstanding, and I’ve had to get really clear on what aligns with me and what doesn’t.

I’ve also faced moments of self-doubt, especially being young in this space and stepping into leadership roles early. Learning to trust my voice and own my experience has been a process.

At the same time, those challenges have shaped everything I do. They’ve made me more grounded, more intentional, and more able to hold space for others in a real way – not from perfection, but from experience.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I see my work as creating environments more than just teaching classes. Through Shakti Saint, I design experiences that combine movement, sound, and atmosphere in a way that helps people shift out of their everyday state and into something more grounded and present.

My background is in yoga and sound healing, but the way I approach it is less about strict formats and more about how it feels in the room. I teach across different settings – from hotels and events to private groups and studios – and I’m known for reading the energy and adjusting in real time so the experience actually meets people where they are.

I also work in photography and social media within the wellness space, which has become an extension of my practice. Capturing these environments and moments has helped me understand how to build something that’s not just felt in person, but also translates visually.

What I’m most proud of is creating something that doesn’t feel one-dimensional. I’ve built a body of work that moves between teaching, creating, and collaborating, without losing its core identity.

What sets me apart is the attention to detail in how an experience feels – not just what’s being taught, but the pacing, the energy, the music, and the overall atmosphere. It’s less about following a formula and more about creating something people actually remember.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Palm Springs is the slower pace and the connection to nature. There’s something about the desert that naturally brings you back into your body – the stillness, the light, the space. It creates an environment where people are more open to slowing down, which aligns a lot with the work I do. There’s also a strong sense of community here, especially within the wellness space.

What I like least is that it can feel a bit limited at times, especially being a smaller area. There aren’t always as many resources or opportunities as a bigger city, so it requires more creativity and independence to build something here. But in a way, that’s also pushed me to grow and define my own path.

Pricing:

• Yoga + Sound Bath Experience: $350 – $550 depending on group size and duration

Contact Info:

• Website: https://desertsoundandyoga.com/
• Instagram: @shakisaint
• AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/services/6869848