Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Williams-Turgott.
Hi Kay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Omg, the story of La Vida Flor reaches all the way back to 2008, when I was living in Alexandria, VA! At that time, I was working as a personal trainer and Zumba instructor, completely immersed in the world of fitness. That’s when I started noticing something important: many of my clients were struggling to meet their fitness goals not because they lacked motivation or discipline but because something deeper was holding them back. Their physical challenges were often rooted in their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
It became clear to me that true wellness couldn’t be achieved by just following a workout plan or sticking to a diet. It required a holistic approach one that nurtured the mind, body, and spirit. Many of my clients would spend their hour with me not only exercising but also talking through personal challenges things like emotional eating, stress, self-sabotage, and lack of confidence. These sessions often turned into moments of deep reflection and emotional healing. Through this work, I began to see how our mental and physical health are inseparable. During that time, I also began studying psychology to better understand human behavior and learn how to support my clients more effectively. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about helping people heal from the inside out.
My journey with yoga started long before that, though when I was just 18 years old. My aunt had a book about chakras and healing that completely fascinated me. I dove in headfirst, trying every exercise and practice it suggested. That curiosity led me to study Buddhism later in life, which deepened my understanding of yoga beyond the poses. I came to see yoga not simply as a physical practice, as it’s often viewed in Western culture, but as a way of life a spiritual discipline that brings balance, mindfulness, and harmony.
Today, La Vida Flor has blossomed into a holistic wellness practice that reflects this philosophy. We offer yoga for mental and physical health, organic skincare products handmade with locally sourced ingredients to support small businesses, and counseling services both group and individual. My husband, Mikal Turgott, has joined me in crafting our skincare line and will also co-lead couples yoga, helping partners strengthen their bond through movement and mindfulness.
And now, we’re taking the next big step opening a physical location! Our vision is to create a serene, welcoming space where the community can experience everything La Vida Flor offers under one roof: yoga classes, therapy sessions, and our line of organic skincare products. We’re also adding a cozy book corner for book lovers to unwind and discover inspiration, along with a small café that will serve organic, homemade snacks made with love and intention.
Currently, I’m pursuing my degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), so I can continue expanding La Vida Flor’s mission. My goal is to help individuals and families achieve not just mental health, but mental wealth living life in full bloom, just as our name represents.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There has been many ups and downs that I have experienced since I launched La Vida Flor in 2021 however, all have been learning experiences providing me lessons leading to growth. My first struggle was when I opened my first location in Downtown Killeen. I didn’t teach any classes or do anything with the space for two months because I was battling impostor syndrome. A part of me kept saying that I did not know what I was doing and that I had no business trying to step out and guide others when I had my own struggles to face (I was recently divorced and a single mom of 4). I stopped working to focus on my business but by me not teaching any classes for two months, I had no income and had to dip into my savings to care for my family. The next struggle was closing my location. Before Downtown Killeen became what it was today, the area was a bit unsafe and there were things going on that made myself and clients feel uncomfortable which meant I lost clients unless I taught classes at the park and then everyone would come, lol! I loved my clients for that support! If I offered virtual classes, everyone would show up as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m mostly known for my high-energy, heart-centered yoga classes and the unique music I play during sessions which is everything from smooth jazz and R&B to go-go and 90s old-school hits. The vibe is always uplifting and soulful! Alongside yoga, I’m also known for Flor Essentials, our line of handmade skincare products crafted with care and intention. Aaand I am known for Samba Dancing :).
My specialty is power yoga and creating natural soaps and body oils that smell absolutely AH-MAZING! My approach to yoga is a little different from what you might experience in traditional certification classes. I blend everything I’ve learned over the years as a personal trainer into my sessions so my classes often combine elements of HIIT, Pilates, and gentle restorative flows. It’s a full-body experience that challenges your strength, balance, and endurance, while also helping you find peace and connection within.
What really sets me apart is my philosophy on wellness. I don’t see it as something you “achieve” in a month or two it’s a lifelong journey that requires intention, consistency, and compassion for yourself along the way. I make it my mission to support my clients through that process, meeting them wherever they are on their path and helping them grow from there.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the continued support from my clients and customers. Even though I had to take a pause from teaching and producing skincare products earlier this year because I was pregnant and needed to rest, they still reached out with love, encouragement, and requests to work together again. We welcomed our beautiful baby girl in August, and now I’m slowly getting back into creating products and preparing to return to teaching yoga.
This next chapter feels incredibly special because I get to pour even more heart and intention into my work with renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a lot of gratitude for the community that has stood by me every step of the way.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The qualities that have been most important to my success are a mix of resilience and grace. Resilience has helped me push through challenges and keep moving forward, but grace has taught me to stay soft with myself along the way. I’ve learned that it’s okay to slow down, rest, and take care of myself even when things don’t go as planned. That balance keeps me grounded and allows me to show up fully for my clients, my family, and myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lavidaflor.com
- Instagram: la_vida_flor
- Facebook: La_vida_flor
