Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sri Amirah.
Sri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a full-time Yoga Instructor & Sound Healing Facilitator for my business Connect Yoga. Over a decade ago, I took my first yoga class and felt… indifferent. It was a very challenging class, mentally and physically. I didn’t know any of the poses; I was falling over, and it left me feeling discouraged. I told myself at that moment that this was not for me and that I knew I wouldn’t practice again.
However, something continued to call me back to the practice every Tuesday at 6 pm when my mom and I would take a community class. It became our thing, which is why I did it. Up until one day, I realized these classes were serving a bigger purpose in my life. I had a tough day at work one day and said to myself, “Well, at least I’m going to yoga tonight.” Wait, what? Why was that such a relieving moment for me? What was this practice becoming for me?
From then on, I knew this practice was special, so I wanted to explore it even further. Not long after, I was asked to join an intimate group of dedicated yoga and wellness practitioners who were all of color. This felt like I was earning my badge of honor, and in the moment, I was surprised that they wanted me. Me? Why me? Shortly after, I participated in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program with them and was officially certified to teach.
It took me about six months to start teaching because I lacked confidence in using my voice to guide people in this way. But eventually, I took a chance and led a free class at my apartment complex. Technically, this wasn’t the first class I taught. The job I was working at the time, Apple, asked if I would lead the team in a yoga class as they knew I practiced often; this was before I was certified. I let them know I’d be happy to, but just know I’ve never done it before.
They were okay with that. So, the following week, I led 20 people in yoga at the park, and something inside me was born. I continued weekly donation-based classes at my apartment for about two years. Eventually, I moved out of the state twice and have taught at local yoga studios in each state. This has contributed greatly to my development as a teacher and, quite frankly, as a student.
In October 2022, I decided it was time to launch my own yoga business. I had so many goals and offerings I wanted to share with the community and knew starting my own business would be the way to go. In February of 2023, I left my corporate job of 6 years to teach full-time. It wasn’t a hard decision at all. At the time, months went by, and I was severely unhappy, unappreciated, yet overworked by the upper management of my team. As a manager, leaving my team was hard, but putting my happiness first and making this decision for myself was not.
Since then, I have poured so much love, passion, and dedication into my business to ensure its success in spreading wellness practices to the community. I have also spent time furthering my knowledge in yoga and adopting a new wellness tool, sound healing. Since 2019, I’ve attended sound healing baths and have been deeply moved by the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy it creates for me. I knew it was time to integrate sound healing not only as a personal practice but also as a business offering.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have absolutely been struggles along the way. I don’t believe a business is truly successful without some challenges.
These struggles include business being a bit slower to start, having to work with curveballs running a business throw at you, and mostly adapting patience and adaptability as things don’t always go according to plan.
Overall, I see these struggles as lessons and have done my best to shift my business around as and when needed.
Thanks for sharing that. Maybe you can tell us a bit more about your business next.
Through my business, Connect Yoga, I offer private 1:1 classes to focus on individual needs, group sessions, corporate sessions, and virtual and in-person experiences for yoga and sound healing. As a yoga teacher of 7 years, my mission is deeply rooted in spreading the beautiful and authentic awareness of this practice to everyone I touch.
I am most proud of simply saying I wanted to accomplish something, actually doing it, and being successful in it. The details of how I got here matter, but not as much as the fact that people who take a giant leap of faith to chase a dream and manifest it into reality are the most beautiful thing one can do. I am also proud that the work I offer is for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of those I share it with. I am literally contributing to the greater good.
I look forward to all the ways my business and personal development will continue to expand, all the lives I will touch, and all the transformations I will have the honor and pleasure of being a part of.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is patience. Things will not always go exactly how you plan or idealize for your business; however, when things take a natural turn in a different direction, surrender and trust that everything is working out exactly as it should.
A lot of very successful businesses learn to adapt and adjust to the unexpected and lean into the discomfort that may come with diversion. Stay focused, keep up your pace, and know that you got this!
Pricing:
- Private 1:1 Yoga or Sound Healing Session – $100
- Group Yoga or Sound Healing Session – $200
- Corporate Yoga or Sound Healing Session – $500
- Monthly Virtual Gentle Yoga & Sound Bath – $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sriamirah.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_connectyoga
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sri-ali
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@connect_yoga
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sriamirah
Image Credits
CrownedbyCK
