Inspiring Conversations with Denise Antoine of Denise Marie Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Antoine.

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?
I am an African/Asian American (Creole & Korean if you’re wondering…), L.A. based Yoga & Dance Teacher. I began my artistic training in Modern dance, with Karen McDonald and Classical Ballet study, with Stefan Wenta. I performed with Lula Washington’s Youth Ensemble and attended L.A. County H.S. for the arts. Upon graduating from LACHSA, I was accepted to The Ailey School, The Boston Conservatory, Tisch and NYU to continue the study of dance. I was greatly disappointed to decline acceptances to these institutions due to lack of financial resources. Suddenly my lifelong plans changed, and my identity shifted. I was crushed. I mourned and eventually rediscovered hope in a yoga class – my healing journey began and I found a new path to my purpose.

Remaining in Los Angeles allowed me the opportunity to merge my creative and advocacy passions. As a survivor of an attempted childhood abduction in my hometown of South Central L.A., I prioritized investing in the youth and survivors of trauma. I volunteered as the Children’s Creative Program Director at Oasis Church and worked as the Donor Relations Manager with Treasures (a L.A. based non-profit providing support and care for women working in the sex industry, including victims of human trafficking).

I transitioned my love of movement to yoga practice and received a 200-hour yoga certification with Holistic Yoga Flow (Travis Eliot & Lauren Eckstrom) and my 500-hour yoga certification with Yoga Salt (Tamal Dodge). I am also certified in Mat Pilates by Set and Flow Yoga, Trauma Release Yoga by Uprising Yoga and Reiki Level 1 by International House of Reiki.

I teach at/partner with FORMELife, The Yoga Collective, Unplug Meditation, IDMTV, Trifit LA, Yoga Bliss, yogaraj, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Artistico Dance. My classes are athletic, fun and alignment-based. I also host Trauma Release Yoga experiences, Yoga & Meditation workshops and am a Brand Partner for international companies such as Fabletics, Manduka and ALO.

I have a vision to see intentional diversity in all industries; economic empowerment in underserved communities, access to education and yoga available to all persons. I want to help build a culture where yoga is available to anyone looking to walk in healing, freedom and strength. Join me…

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to recovery has not been a smooth one, but it’s been so worth it. The why behind my acts of service, are the people I’m able to impact. People seeking hope and restoration are my driving forces. I’d forgotten my worth and my value due to traumas and disappointments. Yoga, therapy and community led me back to wholeness. It is my honor to assist others in their journey back to hope…

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Denise Marie Yoga is a space for healing and connection. I believe the more self-aware and self-loving we are as individuals, the more we are able to best serve ourselves and the collective. Know yourself, love yourself and confidently share your authentic self with the world. I believe transparency, humor, creativity, testimony and love are great foundations for connection & growth.

How do you define success?
Inner peace is my definition of success. Although “words of affirmation” is my dominant love language, therefore being recognized as the most influential LA yoga teacher in 2021 by L.A. Entrepreneurs Magazine was pretty amazing. I’ve come so far, but still have much work to do. I believe I’ve arrived at success when I leave a legacy of opportunity, love and inclusion.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: denisemarieyoga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisemarieantoine/

Image Credits:
1). Ryu Edo of [email protected] 2). setandflow.com 3). George – https://www.instagram.com/georgehobbsart/