Today we’d like to introduce you to Frederika Easley
Hi Frederika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Almost 15 years ago I stepped into a yoga studio for the first time, and I had ALL THE FEELS! I was in Burlington, Vermont on a job assignment. The fact that I was the only Black woman in the space was not odd, but it was noticed…it was felt. What did stick out to me, and initially made me a bit self-conscious, was the lack of variations of body types. I thought, “lord where are the booties, where are the thighs”…and there I was with all spandex on, lol! Thankfully, the realities of Bikram won me over. It was so hot and the poses were so foreign to me that the only things I could pay attention to were the sweat that was dripping from everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE, and literally trying to breathe.
Over the years I kept a very inconsistent, physical relationship with my practice. We were on an as needed basis. If I was bulking up too much from weight lifting or boxing, I’d look for some classes to smooth out. If I was getting bored with whatever I was deep into at the time I’d start going again.
At the end of 2018 I was sexually assaulted. I poured myself into my work. I found a therapist. I went to boxing classes and I ran. These things made me feel good for moments, but they weren’t enough. I didn’t really know what I needed but I knew that I had to figure it out. In October of the following year an ad for 30 days of unlimited yoga popped up in one of my social media feeds (its funny how you can mention something on a phone call and then abra cadabra) and I said, “well let’s see”. My first time back on the mat something cracked and I knew flowing would be a part of my healing!
What I did not know was that the journey I was on would prepare me for one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences of my life.
In February of 2020, my husband and I learned that I was with child. My practice is what got me through social unrest, murders and gross injustices. It has helped me weather the storm of a global pandemic and accept the need to socially distance. It is what allowed me to have a healthy pregnancy and successful, medication free home birth. It grounded me and nurtured my connection to self and my beautiful baby! One would think that was enough and it should have been but in the midst of it all…being confined and without the ease of tapping into my traditional buckets of community I thought and knew that I couldn’t be the only one feeling this same way.
In early 2021 at the encouragement of a friend I applied for the Community Driven Initiatives Program situated in the Dell Medical School of The University of Texas at Austin. I learned in May of 2021 that my idea was accepted and I would spend the next year with some of the most amazing people, Kacey Hanson, Nitakuwa Barrett, Marianna Espinoza, supported by Grace Schrobilgen, bringing it to life.
Flow to Heal is a virtual yoga and wellness program that centers Black women ages 21 and beyond, regardless of physical conditions (of course within reason and doctor approval if necessary) and addresses three priorities: access to physical activity, stress management/reduction, chronic disease prevention and management, and health equity. While the benefits of yoga are unquestionable, yoga studios can be intimidating and unwelcoming spaces for people of color. FTH creates a virtual space for, by, and about women. This online program encourages women to set goals for their health and practice, learn yoga poses at the beginning to intermediate level, and connect with an online cohort of women, thereby focusing on physical and mental health, building supportive relationships and reducing isolation, all from the comfort of their homes.
In October I started monthly commitments on IG to get back out there and hold myself accountable. People have been so gracious and supportive. They have assured me that there is space for me and what I have to offer. I have declared that 2025 will be my year to pour out and offer this experience! A core component of the Flow to Heal program is ensuring that finances are not a barrier. I want to introduce the practice in general and specifically through a different lens to those who may not otherwise entertain the practice. I am seeking corporate/business sponsors and partners to support my vision. They can DM me on IG or email me at easley@flowtoheal.com
In the mean and between time tap into my monthly IG yoga commitments (December’s focus is poses associated with chakras 1-4) and stay tuned for upcoming offerings!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What is smooth, lol! My first cohort was amazing and the best introduction of the program I could have asked the universe for. Between then and now I carried and naturally home birthed another human, supported my mother through lung cancer surgery and chemotherapy treatment, lost my oldest brother the day before my birthday and most recently lost one of my closest aunts. This was all in addition to the newness of mothering now two babies, being a “seasoned” mother (over 35), a professional in a budding industry, a wife, sister, aunt… The list goes on. Honestly yoga has once again been my anchor.
Life has been doling out so many hills to climb, lessons to learn and healings to receive but I know I’m not special in this way. We are all going through something which is why I know I’m not the only person who needs release. Flowing is my release. Intentional breathing is my release. Community building brings healing. These can be yours too!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, the Executive Director of the Cannabis Impact Fund and Host/Producer of the podcast The People are Blunt. Both organizations are centered on making the budding regulated cannabis industry an accessible, fair and inclusive space. The podcast is a space where voices from disproportionately impacted communities as well experts can share their stories and educate the masses about their offerings and about the cannabis plant.
My specialty is creating and implementing strategy through a unique lens that brings an impactful perspective. I promote harm alleviation, community engagement and inclusivity. I analyze federal and state policies with an equity lens to identify areas of opportunity and advocacy. Additionally, I focus on stakeholder engagement through leadership roles in industry associations, the creation of thought pieces, interviews, and panel discussions. My work in articulating social inequities and promoting advocacy for change through legislation and the social culture of the cannabis industry and beyond has been noted by a host of publications.
What matters most to you? Why?
Healing myself matters most to me. Through self work I’m able to become a more aware and emotionally intelligent version of myself which in turn assists in my work of breaking through generational trauma. When my personal cup is full I’m able to pour out without resentment and with genuine love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @flowtohealyoga
Image Credits
Photos: Cierra Samaripa @capturebycierra
Yoga Mat: Toned By Baggedem @baggedem.com
Outfits: Savage Fenty savagex.com
