Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Thomas.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been working as a Special Education teacher at a charter school in Hollywood for the past five years. Every day presents a new challenge and if I’m not present or mindful, both the students and I suffer. I had already been practicing yoga and meditation for years but it wasn’t until recently that I started to incorporate these practices into my lessons. I immediately saw noticeable improvements in my students’ moods and performance in class after implementing breathing exercises and I was eager to discover how else these techniques could improve people’s lives.
After graduating with a B.A in Dance, I started my teaching career with the hope that I could dance in my spare time. Being a lifelong dancer, movement is something I’ve always craved. Yoga has been the perfect creative outlet for me and over the years, I’ve fallen deeper in love with my practice and yoga philosophy.
My passion for movement, teaching, and mindfulness has led me to pursue a yoga career and here I am today in the process of making that shift!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth, maybe – but many detours! As I said before, I went to college for Dance. I wanted to pursue a dance career but after auditioning for a few jobs, my now husband and I decided to move to South Korea to teach English for a few years. Living and working abroad expanded my cultural awareness, and helped me discover more of who I am. One day in the classroom I noticed a student in the back who was not receiving much attention from the teacher or classmates. She clearly had a learning disability but no one was helping her. When I moved back home, I immediately started my teaching credential program in Special Education. I have always felt a pull to help those in need and to help instill confidence in people’s abilities instead of focusing on their disabilities.
Starting a career in Special Education felt like a calling but after a year or two, my heart (and body) was still yearning to move. I decided to go through a yoga teacher training and since making that decision, my life has been so much fuller. Yoga affords me the ability to help people find confidence in themselves while fulfilling my passions as well.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
BadAsh Yoga is an experience that helps people tap into their bodies and find their natural rhythm so that they have the energy to tackle any obstacle they’re facing in life. My classes are structured enough to make people feel comfortable, but open enough to allow exploration of the body and mind. Private sessions and small groups allow me to create a class that is more individualized to help my clients with specific needs, whether that means getting in shape, learning meditation techniques to stay calm in high-stress situations, or just having fun! During class, I hope to push people to a place that is uncomfortable so that they learn to trust their bodies and let go of negative thoughts. I am on a mission to help people find confidence in themselves and their bodies so that they can live a life of adventure and ease. Yoga is so much more than just a physical practice – it’s a way of being.
What were you like growing up?
I am the youngest of three and the only girl. Growing up with two older brothers, I was always trying to fit in with the boys and begging them to join my dance performances. This has shaped who I am tremendously. I never wanted to be left out because I was a girl and I wanted to prove to my brothers and myself that I could do anything I put my mind to.
I was and still am a bit eccentric! My parents always encouraged me to be myself and to embrace the parts of me that are unique. I don’t like taking myself or life too seriously. I love making people laugh and helping them feel comfortable enough to be their weirdest selves. I feel most alive when I am free to be exactly who I am!
Pricing:
- Private Single Session- $75
- Private packages- 5 classes- $300
- Private packages- 10 classes- $650
- Group Classes- 1 Hour, 2-3 people: $125, $10 additional for every student above 3
Contact Info:
- Website: badashyogi.com
- Phone: 951-764-6030
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @badashyogi
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