Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Popa.
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 began my journey in the fashion world as the founder of A Bride by Samantha out of my family business Andrea’s Fashions creating custom wedding gowns for women who wanted to express themselves authentically on their big day. Designing for artists, performers, and brides across the country gave me a deep appreciation for individuality and the beauty of transformation.
Over time, my own path began to shift. I was drawn more and more to healing work — starting with Pilates, then yoga, and eventually sound therapy. These practices helped me reconnect with my body, breath, and inner rhythm in ways that felt profound and life-changing. I began teaching and guiding others through that same process, which led to the birth of Solates — a studio and wellness platform that fuses movement, meditation, and sound healing with seasonal astrology and chakra work.
Solates is all about helping people return to themselves through embodiment, breath, and intuitive movement. Whether it’s a reformer session, sound healing circle, or certification training, every experience is designed to meet people where they are — physically, emotionally, and energetically. Today, I’m expanding the Solates brand with a focus on hybrid offerings, including in-person private sessions and a growing online platform to reach and support more people on their wellness journeys.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — but I don’t think any path worth walking is smooth. Building a business rooted in healing has required me to do a lot of my own healing along the way. I’ve had to learn how to hold space for others while navigating personal challenges, legal battles, and the stress that comes with running a heart-centered business in a fast-paced world.
There have been times I’ve had to advocate fiercely for myself and my space — whether it was dealing with unprofessional partnerships, standing up for my clients’ safety, or protecting the integrity of the Solates brand. As a woman entrepreneur, especially in the wellness industry, there’s often pressure to stay quiet, soft, or small. But I’ve found that staying grounded in my purpose — and being willing to speak truth with clarity and grace — has been my greatest strength.
The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Every obstacle has made me a better teacher, leader, and creator. And it’s deepened my commitment to helping others find their voice, their breath, and their own power.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Solates, I offer a unique fusion of Pilates, yoga, sound healing, astrology, and chakra-based movement. It’s a deeply intuitive, energetically grounded practice that helps people reconnect with their bodies and their breath in a way that feels empowering, not performative. I believe wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all — it should be personal, cyclical, and supportive of where you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
I specialize in creating experiences that meet people where they are. That could look like a private reformer session focused on pelvic floor and nervous system regulation, or a sound healing class rooted in seasonal astrology and chakra alignment. I also train and certify instructors in this integrative method, blending classical technique with holistic tools.
I’m most proud of the way Solates creates safe space — for growth, healing, and authenticity. Clients tell me they feel seen, not judged; held, not pushed. That’s what sets Solates apart. It’s not about pushing through pain or chasing perfection — it’s about coming home to yourself.
What truly sets my work apart is that it honors the energetic seasons of life — every class, every session, every training is built around attunement: to breath, body, and timing. That kind of presence creates real transformation.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’m born and raised in Los Angeles, and I’ve seen it evolve in so many ways — especially in Los Feliz, where I grew up. What I love most about this city is its creative energy. There’s something about L.A. that gives people permission to reinvent themselves, to dream big, and to blend art with wellness, fashion, activism — whatever calls them. It’s a city where healing and innovation coexist, and that’s been a big part of my journey.
What I like least is how quickly it can forget its roots. There’s so much rapid development and commercialization that sometimes the soul of a neighborhood gets overlooked. I’ve seen communities struggle to preserve their identity, culture, and small businesses in the face of big corporate growth. But I do believe in the power of community organizing and conscious business owners who care — and I’m hopeful we can continue shaping L.A. into a city that values integrity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Pricing:
- Group Classes $45
- Privates $135
- Private sound $350
- Private Group sound $888
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.solates.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/solatesbysamantha
- Facebook: www.TikTok.com/solatesbys
- Youtube: https://Www.youtube.com/solatesbysamantha
Image Credits
Twin Flame Photography
