Inspiring Conversations with Tiffany Mejia of Yoga Vida

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Mejia.

Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I’m Tiffany Mejia, the owner of Yoga Vida. I teach yoga classes, lead sound baths, and host yoga retreats. While my full-time career is as an elementary school teacher, yoga has been a steady and meaningful presence in my life for many years, and I intentionally make space to share its many benefits with others whenever I can.

I began practicing yoga in college, and it has been the one form of movement that has stayed with me ever since. I fell in love with the way yoga calms both my body and mind, creating a sense of balance that extends far beyond the mat. In 2021, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica, where I spent a month deepening my understanding of yoga—and, in the process, learning more about myself. When I returned home, I felt inspired and grounded, and excited to share yoga in a more intentional way.

Since then, I’ve continued to deepen my training through Reiki, yoga for eating disorder recovery, and sound bath experiences. Today, I teach yoga to students, fellow educators, and friends, weaving mindfulness and movement into everyday life. I hosted my first yoga retreat the summer after my training, and it quickly became one of the most fulfilling experiences of my teaching journey. Since then, I’ve led retreats throughout California and in Costa Rica, with my next retreat taking place in beautiful Santa Barbara.

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? 

One of the biggest challenges has been building Yoga Vida alongside a full-time teaching career. Much of this work happens in the margins of my life, outside of school hours. But I’ve learned that when something truly matters to you, you find ways to make space for it.

Another challenge has been navigating my own internal dialogue around hosting retreats. At times, I worried that people might assume I see myself as a guru or someone who has everything figured out—either in yoga or in life. That’s never felt true to who I am. I don’t come to this work from a place of authority or perfection.

What I’ve learned instead is that my strength lies in being honest, human, and open. When I allow myself to show up authentically—without pretending to have all the answers—it creates a space where others feel safe to do the same. I’m not here to tell anyone how to live; I’m here to practice alongside them, to share what has supported me, and to hold space for rest, reflection, and connection.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Yoga Vida?

My work is rooted in creating thoughtful, welcoming spaces where people can slow down and reconnect with themselves. Through yoga classes, sound baths, and intimate retreats, my intention is always to offer experiences that feel grounding, accessible, and deeply human. My background as an elementary school teacher strongly influences how I show up in this work—with patience, warmth, structure, and care.

I specialize in yoga experiences that are calming and supportive rather than performative or intimidating. My classes and retreats emphasize presence over perfection, nervous-system regulation, mindful movement, and genuine connection. People often share that they feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are, without pressure to look a certain way or have anything figured out.

What truly sets Yoga Vida apart is the authenticity behind it. I lead from a place of humility and shared experience, believing that vulnerability is what builds trust and community. Yoga, to me, is a lifelong practice of curiosity and self-compassion, and that philosophy is woven into everything I offer.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the sense of trust and community that has grown organically over time. Yoga Vida isn’t about trends, exclusivity, or striving—it’s about presence, accessibility, and connection. Whether someone joins a class, a sound bath, or a multi-day retreat, my hope is that they leave feeling more grounded, supported, and at ease than when they arrived.

If these offerings resonate with you, I would love to welcome you to my upcoming retreat in Santa Barbara from June 25–29. It will be a luxury wellness retreat featuring daily morning yoga, nourishing meals prepared by an integrative nutritionist, and time spent in a gorgeous home with private beach access. More details and photos can be found on my website, linked below.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yogavidacalifornia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogavidacalifornia/