Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolander Rivers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story starts with wanting to find a safe and sacred space to connect my mind, body, and spirit. As a student at Alabama State University, I began to practice meditation. This form of mental and emotional focus assisted me in school and everyday live by providing me with a healthy and fruitful outlet to deal with stress. Fast forward to my late twenties, I continued to practice meditation and added yoga for my physical well-being. I found yoga was what I needed to have to connect the concepts of mind, body and spirit, which for me is synonymous to internal and physical peace.
My church has a yoga ministry, which I joined approximately in 2002. I really enjoyed the class. I never missed a Saturday session! One of the ministry’s yoga instructors suggested I become a yoga instructor. The instructor shared with me my smooth and easy of executing various yoga moves and poses was noticeable. Likewise, my joy and love for yoga was obvious. As a result in 2017, I secured a 200-hour yoga certification in vinyasa flow. Also in 2017, YoSoul Yoga (my business) was born. To date, I teach on average five classes a week, which includes additional certifications in chair, children’s, and prenatal yoga.
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?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. The obstacles begin with changing the mindset and perception towards yoga. Some people still view yoga as a new age spiritual “religious” form of exercise. These people often have not ever taken a yoga class. Similarly, one of the challenges to grow YoSoul Yoga is to get people to realize the benefits of practicing yoga. I strive to get people to not set expectations but to focus on the movement of their own bodies.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
YoSoul Yoga, LLC is owned by a sole proprietor, Yolander Rivers. Yolander has an A.A. in Medical Assisting, B.S. in Biology, and an M.S. in Health Administration. She has been practicing yoga for over 15 years. Her love for yoga came from wanting to find an intimate space to connect with her mind, body, and spirit. Yolander also wanted to share her love and passion for yoga with others. Yolander teaches a Vinyasa Flow, which is a style of yoga characterized by stringing a multitude of postures together so that your movement from one to another is seamless and uses the breath/breathing practices. You will find that Yolander’s yoga style is warm and caring. Likewise, during her meditation sessions, she carefully takes you through the process of being aware of your breath and being intentional about quieting your mind. Further, her favorable personality and engaging approach often draw individuals to her, and many seek her yoga classes and meditation sessions on a regular basis. With YoSoul Yoga, LLC be ready to enter a Vinyasa practice that will comfort the mind, relax the body, and enlighten the spirit.
I am most proud of the expansion of my brand into air and body oils and mist. These forthcoming products will stimulate and provide comfort in your yoga practice. For example, lavender which one of the components in my product which promotes calmness and the release of stress.
I want readers to know that I am committed to wholeness and health. I offer my services in any space and location, committed to health and wellness. Finally, I do offer private and group classes.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a shy little girl who welcomed friendships. I am a sociable, expressive, and driven woman.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yosoulyoga.com
- Instagram: YoSoul Yoga
- Facebook: YoSoul Yoga
