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An Inspired Chat with Christopher DeFranco of Rockville, MD

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christopher DeFranco. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Christopher, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Good Morning, thank you for taking the time to talk with me! My favorite way to lose track of time involves either travel, hiking, and reading. I’m currently working my way through 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami and planning my next international retreat for 2026.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a licensed mental health counselor, yoga teacher, and entrepreneur. I’m the founder of Find Your Fit Yoga, a wellness brand that blends movement, mindfulness, and mental health education through accessible classes, retreats, and creative content. I’m also the author of the children’s book Halo Finds a Home, which introduces kids to emotional regulation and grounding skills through a fun and heartwarming story featuring my dog, Halo.

What makes my work unique is the intersectional approach I take — integrating clinical expertise with somatic healing, travel, and community building. I work with clients through my counseling practice, teach trauma-informed yoga, and design wellness and retreat experiences that help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and grow.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father, a lifelong salesman, taught me the most about work.

When I was a kid, he used to bring me to his office and then say he had to “run back to get something,” leaving me with his coworkers to navigate conversations on my own. It wasn’t until years later that I realized this was his subtle way of teaching me how to be confident, social, and adaptable — to hold my own in a room full of adults and learn to read energy, connect, and carry myself with ease.

He believed in learning by doing, and watching him interact with clients, lead with confidence and humor, and treat everyone — from the receptionist to the CEO — with genuine respect taught me the power of emotional intelligence and human connection in business.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Slow down and relax. My art teacher in High School used to say, “You can’t create and critique at the same time.” I took this to heart, and really believe in trying to be fully present in the things I do. It not only helps me feel more relaxed, but also helps me expand upon my creative potential by leaning more into it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building a sustainable, community-driven model of conscious living and wellness — one that redefines what it means to thrive, both individually and collectively.

For me, this means more than just yoga classes, therapy sessions, or wellness retreats. It’s about cultivating spaces — physical and emotional — where people can reconnect with themselves and others, free from judgment and societal pressure. It’s about accessibility and equity, making sure healing and growth aren’t limited to the privileged few. I envision a network of wellness-focused, co-working, co-living spaces that integrate mental health care, movement, creativity, and purpose.

This project blends my passions for self-care, travel, design, and real estate, with a core theme centered on the power of community.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Probably how intentional it all was. On the surface, it might look like I was just doing the most — teaching yoga, running a business, writing children’s books, organizing retreats, launching creative projects. But what people might miss is that none of it was random or scattered. Every piece was woven together with a clear purpose: to help people find alignment — with themselves, their values, and their community.

My legacy isn’t about productivity or hustle. It’s about offering people spaces and tools to come back to themselves.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@lisasyberg_photography

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