Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Sallie.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The story of V Sallie Yoga really started when I left NYC after an abusive relationship in 2017. I packed one suitcase and booked a flight to California to begin a “new life” on the West Coast. In those three years, I was able to work on my healing journey – I strived to learn more about who I was and what my interests were. I was able to build new friendships, find community, and discover the things that brought me joy with the freedom I’d found. In this time, I was able to write my first book, a memoir titled It’s A Long Story. It was also around this time that I started taking yoga classes. Yoga introduced me to mindfulness, brought me back to fitness, gave me peace, and helped me become more in tune with my body.
After spending two years developing my practice, I decided to take my teacher training so that I’d be able to share the joy and lessons with others. It was my goal to “normalize” yoga and make it accessible for all bodies. I wanted to get rid of the stigma that yoga was only for a certain group, or that a person needed to be or look a particular way to validate their practice. Right after becoming certified in 2 types of yoga training, I immediately threw myself into teaching. I went on to teach at multiple studios, as well as leading my own classes. After COVID 19, I had to get more creative, leading classes on social media and Zoom. I’ve now taught luxury apartment buildings nationwide, private 1:1 sessions, group classes, and more. I also create videos with short yoga flows that people can do from the comfort of their homes 24/7.
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?
The road to entrepreneurship has definitely not been a smooth one. There’s this idealistic expectation that things will happen overnight, and that’s not the case at all. I had to learn more patience and had to be willing to start as a beginner. I had to figure out how to stand out from all of the other amazing yoga instructors that were looking to teach at the same time that I was. I had to manage my class expectations – focusing on the value that I offered in each class instead of how many students attended. I took any opportunity that came my way to teach and used that to build my resume.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with V Sallie Yoga – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
V Sallie Yoga offers a variety of yoga services and caters primarily to beginner/ intermediate yogis (with advanced modifications available). Our classes break down each posture with safe alignment cues to make sure that everyone can get the most out of their practice. V Sallie Yoga is different than others because I introduce yoga in a way that is accessible for all bodies, and we get to really unpack the practical benefits of consistent practice. I offer postures that people can use outside of class, so they can do more on their own. I’m proud of the progress my students make after each class and the visible shift in their energy after completing practice. I’m certified in both vinyasa yoga (this is breath to movement; it’s a quicker and more active class), as well as yin yoga (which is more passive stretching).
I offer a gentle group yoga class on Zoom every Wednesday at 6PM PST. This is all levels and is a nice way to relax midweek. I also offer virtual 1:1 classes on Zoom for people that would like to develop their practice further. The virtual 1:1 class caters specifically to each yogi and can either be a relaxing yin/hatha OR a more active vinyasa flow (which is more of a sweaty workout). I also teach private group classes for different organizations. Lastly, I’m available for private 1:1 or group classes in the Long Beach area, as long as we adhere to social distancing guidelines.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Even though there are still so many crazy changes going on in the world everyday, I’m looking forward to expanding the services that V Sallie Yoga offers. There will be instructional videos available for purchase before the end of 2020 so that people can learn yoga at home on their own time. And once some of the COVID restrictions are lifted, there will also be wellness retreats offered in various locations.
Pricing:
- $15 – Single Yoga Class
- $40 – 4 Class Pack
- $45 – 1 Private 1:1 Yoga Class Session
- $50 – 1 Private Group Class
- $150 – Monthly Private 1:1 Yoga Sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vsallie.com
- Phone: 646-918-0941
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/victoriasallie
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vsallienyc
Image Credit:
Sherman Taylor Photography, Eunis Photography, Buddhi Yoga
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