Heather and I first met years ago through Gamma Phi Beta. I know, the two of us in sorority is a bit contrary to who we each are today. But years ago, as we both struggled to find ourselves, we were introduced through greek life.

Although we met there, our friendship didn't form until we connected through yoga years later. I had dropped sorority within my first year, and as I came to find out, she dropped shortly there after as well. But we both found a community and connection to yoga. And that's one thing I love about this practice.

Heather is a badass bitch who works tirelessly to learn more about yoga, and then in turn share that knowledge and passion with others. Read on the hear more from Heather on yoga, feminism, and passion.

What is a recent book or article that you’ve read that has challenged your thinking, inspired you, or changed you?

A couple months ago I read The Ramayana. I had heard the stories of it here and there from my teacher, but I had never read it cover to cover. But about six months ago I dived into it. It’s teachings of dharma and love and purpose are inspiring. It’s impacted my living and my teaching. It’s rich in passion and adventure and chivalry, these things that I love. It’s super romantic as well, with this deep undercurrent of “you’re here to live out your purpose.” It was a beautiful reminder that I’m just meant to put one foot in front of the other and trust that whatever is in front of me is meant to be there, and I’m meant to do the work and let my path unfold.

Who is an influencer in your life?

My teacher Stephanie Snyder is the epitome of grace and devotion. In my career there are a lot of examples of different teachers, and I’m always so proud when I send people to her Instagram or class or website. She is everything I want to embody: grace, devotion, honor, compassion, and empathy. She’s so humble and such a beacon of togetherness and community, without the competition. That’s something I hadn’t experienced before. Her concern is in the dharma, and love, and showing up and doing the practice of yoga.

How do you balance that grace and humility you spoke of with the business side as a self-employed teacher and businesswoman?

Not everyone does what I do full time, because it’s hard. I just had to get to the point of not feeling bad for charging money for the services I’m giving. I want to be sustainable. And I know that if my students could see all of the work behind the curtain, they’d want me to be comfortable and happy and content, so that I can show up and serve them. I really acknowledged all the work I do as a teacher, and all of the money I’ve put in to my own education and trainings, and from there I set my prices.

Equal exchange is big for me. And not just monetarily, it’s energetically and emotionally as well. I’ve learned to leave a situation if I don’t feel there’s an equal exchange. I used to stay out of the fear of not having enough money or the thought of losing exposure to then later fill up workshops or trainings. I got to the point where it was sucking the life out of me.

What does feminism mean to you?

Feminism is being fiercely equal to our male counterparts. It feels like a common sense thing to me. Since I was a little girl I was a tomboy. I think part of that came from growing up with my dad, who is Greek and very traditional and incredibly sexist. I grew up feeling like I needed to prove that I was just as good as my brother. I never understood why he saw boys and girls as being more or lesser than the other. Equality is something I just felt innately. I think I was born with a soul that had to overcome obstacles of separateness, because it’s been easy for me to see the sameness in everyone. So feminism to me is standing up for equality with fierceness. It means standing up for my fellow women when I feel like they’re being oppressed. And it also means living my life in a way that when others see it they see a strong, independent human being.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you try to live your life by?

“I’m doing the best I can with what I have.” The way my spiritual teacher Monica taught it to me is that even when we think we’re not doing our best, in the moment we are. And if we knew better, we’d do better. So when I mess up, I just remind myself I’m doing my best with what I have and what I know.

My second favorite mantra is twofold: “I’m sorry,” and “Thank you.”

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about freedom. And I don’t necessarily just mean freedom from oppression, but more freedom from the things that keep you separate from your self. I teach that passionately through yoga. I want to remind people that there’s more to life than work and monetary success. Freedom comes in small moments of joy between friends, or taking a walk without your phone. Freedom comes from turning off all the outer voices and listening to the inner voice. I want to help people learn to be happy and content.

How will you spread this lifestyle of freedom and contentment?

Teaching it, living it, sharing it…that’s why I’m so open when I teach. I talk about my own experiences a lot, even things most people don’t usually share in that context. Because I know we’ve all done things we’re not proud of. No one really talks about it outright though.

Finish this sentence: I am _____________ .

I am strong.

Heather's got your back.

xxo