Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Rametta.
Hi Brandy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the founder of Heart & Soul Yoga and The Local Wellness Foundation. My journey has swayed in and out of many different stories and experiences, but to put it simply, it all began in 2003 at Silverlake Bikram Yoga. I fell in love with the challenge and developed a deep connection to how my mind began to comprehend my body, emotions, life, and the energy around me. It cultivated a profound romance that was hard to articulate, but I found myself making sense of it through the trials and errors of life. Over time, the evolution of my life led me to love and marriage. After having my first child, I faced a challenging battle with postpartum depression. Having never experienced depression before, it was difficult for me to grapple with this new reality. I had to admit to myself that I needed therapy, and that ultimately, nobody was coming to save me except me. This realization prompted a significant commitment to reinventing myself, and yoga became a crucial part of that journey. During this profound time, I confronted not only my suffering but also the generational trauma that lingered in my body and soul. I went deeper within and realized I was being called to share the healing power of yoga with others. I began teaching yoga in my backyard while recovering from postpartum depression, starting at my post-pregnancy weight of 215 lbs and with limited resources and understanding from those around me. But I took that first step into my mission, and that was in 2017. Since then, I have not stopped.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Stepping into my new found career (now about 9 years in) has indeed been a journey filled with challenges, but I’ve found that it embodies the same principles I cherish in yoga: effort and ease. While there have been moments requiring immense dedication, resilience, and hard work—much like holding a challenging pose—I’ve also experienced profound flow and ease when I align with my purpose and passion. One of the significant challenges has been articulating my mission to community members: yoga for mental and emotional health. Ten years ago, conversations around mental health were not as prevalent, making it difficult to explain what I was doing. It was more something that people could feel rather than hear—something I had to show rather than explain. During this time, I’ve also faced many personal struggles. I made a commitment to take care of myself and to be honest about my own journey and energy because holding space for others is sacred. It’s an honor to have people trust in the way I share yoga, and I do not take that for granted. However, this honor has required me to take a hard look at my own choices, energy, and integrity. I fully embody what I preach, knowing that while it’s easy to feel called to this work, it’s also challenging because I am, after all, human. I experience stress, I also need guidance, and I too need to be held and uplifted. This community that surrounds me now at Heart & Soul and The Local Wellness Foundation holds me, uplifts me and supports me in a way I never imagined. This journey has pushed me to evolve and stay committed to ensuring that I can serve from an open, clear, and available space.
As you know, we’re big fans of the Local wellness foundation and Heart & Soul Yoga. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Making An Impact on Mental Health
The Local Wellness FoundationMission and Vision:
At the heart of The Local Wellness Foundation lies a commitment to crafting diverse wellness programs that weave through the fabric of schools, corporations, working groups, and communities across our state. Our mission is to diversify health and wellness, redefine self-care, and nurture leadership through classes, workshops, and social wellness events. We are profoundly dedicated to inclusivity, focusing on mental health, community wellness, and healing, especially for underserved families and community members. Our core values—community, growth, healing, education, and positive engagement—guide our every endeavor.
What Sets Us Apart:
What sets us apart is our heartfelt commitment to delivering compassion-centered and authentic programs that prioritize early intervention in mental health. We strive to connect with diverse communities, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, children, seniors, LGBTQ+ groups, families impacted by suicide, cancer, and other challenging life circumstances, as well as those experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction.I am personally dedicated to making yoga accessible to everyone, and this commitment has earned recognition from respected organizations like the Los Angeles Mental Health Department and CalMHSA. Together, we aim to foster inclusivity and healing for all through yoga, sound, breathwork, acupressure, and introspective workshops that correlate the lessons of yoga with real-life experiences.
Brandy’s Expertise:
As for me, I carry my certifications in cognitive behavioral therapy, a 500-hour RYT, Meridian Yoga Therapy and sound healing. My expertise in yoga therapy, particularly in Meridian Yoga Therapy (MYT), allows me to introduce innovative, evidence-based tools that have been statistically proven to enhance emotional well-being. This unique approach addresses stress, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other chronic emotional disorders, providing individuals with powerful pathways to healing and resilience. My years of experience have immersed me in the depths of mental health, where I focus on the gritty, transformative work that transcends the aesthetic appeal of yoga. It is a journey through messy, uncomfortable healing—a deep work-in that is both fulfilling and rewarding, second only to my role as a mother.
Unique Offerings:
A significant part of my focus is dedicated to working with individuals with disabilities, recovery and mental and emotional challenges. This is a growing and unique aspect of our nonprofit. In addition to these specialized offerings, Heart & Soul Yoga boasts a diverse menu of classes for our everyday community members, including Sculpt, Power, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and Flow for ALL LEVELS. Our compassionate team of yoga teachers serves the community daily in the vibrant heart of Uptown Whittier Community. From our yoga studio to the inner workings of our nonprofits we offer: weekly walks with The Whittier Walk for Wellness, community connections with the Local Wellness Network Market, The Work-IN Workshop, and yoga everyday! We have something for everyone!
Impact:
The beauty of joining our yoga studio lies in the understanding that you are not just attending a class; you are supporting a mission centered around mental health and emotional community healing. Together, we are transforming lives and redefining the role of yoga in mental health care as a form of non-medical therapy.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I take immense pride in breaking the cycle of generational trauma and raising my children in a nurturing environment enriched with community resources and confidence in the role models around them. From the painful corners of my life, I have built something meaningful, and I deeply cherish the community we’ve created.I am also incredibly grateful to the teachers and mental health and wellness experts who have endorsed our mission and contribute their expertise to our work. The tangible impact we’ve made in addressing mental health through our programs is a true testament to our mission. We have forged strong partnerships with organizations such as the Whittier Union High School District, Rio Hondo College, Helpline Youth Center, LGBTQ Center, LA Cada, and the Regional Center. Together, these collaborations help pave the way toward emotional well-being and holistic development.
Final Thoughts:
I invite readers to join us in our mission at both Heart & Soul Yoga and The Local Wellness Foundation, where we are dedicated to creating spaces that nurture healing, community, and empowerment. Our work extends beyond the studio, influencing the way individuals connect with themselves, their families, and their workplaces. We welcome everyone to embrace their unique journey toward mental health and wellness, knowing that every step taken is a step toward transformation. Together, we can align with our best potential—mind, body, and soul.
How do you think about happiness?
At the heart of my happiness is my family, the foundation of everything I hold dear. I feel incredibly fortunate to have them by my side on this journey toward peace, healing, and love. Their unwavering support nourishes my spirit and inspires me to embrace life fully.Equally, my culture brings me immense joy. The vibrant food, rhythmic music, and rich tapestry of traditions in my hometown of Whittier fill my heart with pride. Whittier has a strong, unbreakable culture—one that I’m honored to be a part of, reminding me of the beauty in our shared heritage. I also find happiness in life’s simple pleasures: watching sunsets from my yard, savoring a warm cup of tea, indulging in delicious tacos (or any Mexican food!), and taking leisurely walks through my neighborhood. Writing is a source of great joy for me as well; it’s a creative outlet that lets me express my thoughts, share my experiences, and connect with others on a deeper level. Being a lifelong learner fills me with happiness too. I’m always seeking knowledge and growth to enrich my life and the lives of those around me. These moments of tranquility and joy remind me to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me and to embrace the little things that make life truly special. And of course, watching our community grow in the city where I was born and raised is surreal. Knowing I’ve contributed to something so meaningful—and hopefully lasting—fills me with hope that it will touch the world in a significant way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.handsyoga.com
- Instagram: heartandsoulyogaandwellness
- Other: www.thelocalwellnessfoundation.org
Image Credits
Hilda Centeno – IG Handle @centenoportraits
