Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Vykoukal.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In my mid-twenties, I hit a personal rock bottom. I started exploring healthier ways to cope with anxiety, stress, and high sensitivity. I discovered yoga, nature, and animals are powerful medicines for mental and emotional wellness.
A few years later, a friend who knew about my love for dogs and yoga suggested I try teaching doga at her doggie daycare. This suggestion resonated so I started studying how to include my dog in my yoga practice and how to teach others doga.
Honestly, not many people came to doga in the beginning.
Fast forward a little over a decade later, and I am a successful psychotherapist and yoga teacher who helps people connect with joy and peace through dogs and yoga, Austin Doga.
It’s truly magical to work with others and share my gifts in such an authentic manner.
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?
Entrepreneurship has not been a smooth road, I have made mistakes, and there have been disappointments. As an entrepreneur, it has been important to pursue what resonates with me and not get swept away with others’ ideas and opinions. Supportive family, friends, and mentors who see my inner, authentic light and reflect it back have been absolutely crucial on this road.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Austin Doga offers a different approach to yoga and wellness. I think many of us are craving healthier ways to cope and looking for more meaningful and restorative experiences. Practicing yoga with your dog (doga) is a way to deeply connect with yourself, renew your body and mind, and share joy and a meaningful experience with your companion animal.
All doga sessions are taught by me, by appointment only, Monday-Friday, and range from individual sessions to small group sessions in-person or online. My small studio is located in East Austin.
Online doga can also be a fun workplace or corporate wellness activity that folks can practice remotely from the comfort of their own home. Yappy hour is the new happy hour, ha!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
A surprising thing about me is that growing up, I was a rebel.
One story that portrays my mischievous nature is when, as a kid, I rode my bike with friends to the neighborhood feed store and purchased a duckling for $2.50 (without my parent’s consent). I carefully placed this tiny baby duck in a ventilated box in my backpack and rode home with the plan to secretly raise it in my bedroom closet. Once he was grown, I would let him free at the neighborhood pond.
It wasn’t long before my mother heard a frantic peeping coming from my closet and my cover was blown.
After a talk, my parents, who recognized my love for animals, decided I could keep the duckling (in the backyard). My parents even bought another duckling friend so he wouldn’t be lonely. I named the pair Grimmy and Ziggy and absolutely loved raising them.
Grimmy and Ziggy grew up to be two beautiful male, Mallard ducks. When they were old enough, we drove them about 45 mins away to my grandparents’ house where they had access to a pond and other duck friends.
Looking back, it’s a funny story and represents my love for animals along with my rebellious ways. I guess you could expect someone who teaches dog yoga to be a little rebellious and different.
Pricing:
- 45 min Private Doga Session (1-2 people) $85
- 45 min Private Doga Session (3-6 people), $125
- 30-45 min Online Large Group Class, $125
Contact Info:
- Email: austindoga@gmail.com
- Website: www.austindoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxdoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atxdoga
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5oh1gZR20Ter2G6Lphhcg
- Other: https://www.nicolevykoukal.com/
Image Credits
Amos Behana
