local storiesJune 10, 2024

Daily Inspiration: Meet Stephanie Acosta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Acosta.

Stephanie Acosta

Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Navigating Wellness as a Latina Leader: My Journey

I’m Stephanie Acosta, a proud blend of Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian heritage raised amidst the vibrant energy of the South Bronx. Now, I find myself calling Los Angeles home, juggling the joys of motherhood alongside my roles as a seasoned 500-hour yoga instructor, mentor, and the founder of Yogis Unidos, a dynamic Latinx-based yoga community.

My journey into the wellness realm began back in 2009, a time when I sought equilibrium in my life. Introducing yoga into my routine proved transformative, offering not just physical vitality but profound mental clarity. The post-yoga glow became addictive, fueling my desire to deepen my practice and share its benefits with others.

In 2016, I took the leap, earning my certification and stepping into the role of a yoga teacher. As my experience grew, so did my passion for guiding others on their wellness journeys. Mentoring became a natural extension of my practice, and I found immense fulfillment in nurturing both new and seasoned teachers.

The inception of Yogis Unidos was a pivotal moment for me. Born amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, it served as a beacon of support and solidarity within the Latinx wellness community. Celebrating our shared heritage and passion for well-being became our rallying cry, fostering connections even in the face of adversity.

Now, as I settle into life on the West Coast, I find myself contemplating the next chapter for Yogis Unidos. The world has changed, and with it, the needs of our community. A rebrand may be on the horizon, but my commitment to uplifting Latinx voices in wellness remains unwavering.

As someone in their 40s, I understand the challenges of navigating the wellness space, but I’m fueled by a relentless drive and an unyielding love for what I do. Teaching, mentoring, and advocating for Latinas in wellness continue to inspire me, and I eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in Los Angeles.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating wellness spaces as a Latina woman has always presented unique challenges for me. Coming from a background without financial privilege and lacking access to resources like yoga, I’ve often felt like an outsider in spaces that predominantly showcase thinner bodies. The representation of curvier bodies has been minimal, if existent at all, perpetuating an exclusionary narrative within the yoga community.

While I’m heartened to see some progress towards inclusivity, it often feels superficial, driven more by marketing strategies than genuine commitment to diversity. As someone deeply invested in fostering change, I aspire to be a catalyst for true inclusivity in yoga. I firmly believe that yoga is for everybody, regardless of size or shape.

Breaking down these barriers has been an uphill battle, but I’m fueled by the conviction that everyone, from toddlers to seniors, deserves access to the transformative power of yoga. Despite the challenges, I remain steadfast in my determination to challenge the status quo and champion inclusivity in wellness spaces.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m deeply passionate about fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the wellness community, particularly for Latinx individuals. As the founder of Yogis Unidos, a Latinx-based yoga community, I specialize in creating spaces that celebrate diversity and prioritize accessibility to yoga and wellness practices.

My journey in yoga began as a personal quest for balance and mental clarity, which evolved into a commitment to sharing the transformative power of yoga with others. I specialize in mentoring both new and seasoned yoga teachers, guiding them to embrace inclusivity and authenticity in their practice and teaching.

What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and challenging traditional norms within the wellness industry. I strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment where all individuals, regardless of background or body type, feel valued and represented.

One of my proudest achievements is founding Yogis Unidos, a community that provides a platform for Latinx wellness professionals and practitioners to connect, learn, and grow together. I take immense pride in the impact we’ve had in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among our members.

Ultimately, I am driven by a desire to be a beacon of change in the wellness industry, advocating for inclusivity, representation, and accessibility for all.

In addition to my work with Yogis Unidos, I leverage my platform on Instagram as a creative outlet to address the systemic issues within yoga spaces. Through curated content and thoughtful messaging, I strive to amplify marginalized voices and shed light on the challenges faced by underrepresented communities in wellness.

My approach is rooted in authenticity and relatability, as I aim to create content that resonates with individuals who may feel overlooked or marginalized in traditional yoga spaces. By sharing personal experiences and highlighting diverse perspectives, I seek to foster a sense of community and solidarity among my followers.

Using Instagram as a tool for advocacy, I advocate for inclusivity, representation, and accessibility within the wellness industry. I believe that by using my platform to elevate these important conversations, we can work towards creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all individuals to thrive in their wellness journey.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I think just watching what everybody else achieves inspires me to want more. I’m never complacent in anything that I do in my life. So, there’s not one particular podcast or book, or app that helps me in my journey. I just think collectively, going on Instagram and hearing stories from people; I think people sharing their individual stories is what drives me to want to do more and to grow, and to be better.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Grant Henry

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