Tell us a bit about your background and your yoga journey…
Born and raised on the sandy shores of the East Coast of South Africa, I danced through childhood barefoot, with the earth beneath my feet as my constant companion.
In those early years, I found solace and clarity in nature, feeling an innate sense of grounding that eluded definition. Yet, as the years unfolded, the cacophony of the world grew louder, and I momentarily lost sight of the path that once felt so clear.
It was during the crossroads of late teens and early adulthood that fate led me to the threshold of a humble yoga studio. In that serendipitous moment, I embarked on a journey that would forever alter the course of my life.
Though I can’t remember the exact poses we practiced, I vividly recall the sense of peace and connection I felt afterwards. It was like coming home to myself after years of feeling adrift.
Inspired by this newfound clarity, I decided to dive deeper into yoga. I traveled to Costa Rica for a 200-hour teacher training, initially with no intention of teaching. However, during the training, I discovered a deep desire to share the magic of yoga with others.
I went on to teach yoga on the superyachts that I worked on at the time all, the while plotting my next teacher training. I was hooked and desperate to soak up & learn as much as I could about yoga so I could be a better, more inclusive teacher.
This led me to several more trainings in Greece and India and I still have the bug! I think that is the beauty of yoga and what keeps you humble – there is always new things to learn: from our teachers, our students, from life – we are forever a student of yoga.
What inspired you to open Sol Seek and when did you open the studio?
I vividly remember calling my best friend who was on the other side of the world, while I sat in the Costa Rican jungle, during my teacher training, and I told her of this vision I’d had – of the two of us creating this healing space for others. I could so clearly picture this vision in my mind’s eye that I even drew the floor plans for it! Though we didn’t know where or when it would happen, the dream was born. As I traveled the globe in my twenties, the dream of creating a sanctuary for yoga, mindfulness and wellness remained constant, a beacon guiding me through ever-changing horizons.
In 2021, fate intervened as my path crossed with that of my fiancé, and we found ourselves settling in the idyllic village of Mylor, just outside Falmouth, Cornwall. Here, amidst Cornwall’s coastlines and rolling hills, we laid the groundwork for what would become our shared vision.
As the stars aligned and divine timing took hold, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. In late 2023, the universe conspired in our favor – a dreamy studio space became available, resources aligned, and the arrival of my best friend, a fellow yoga teacher and wellness enthusiast, provided the final flourish to help us bring Sol Seek to life!
On March 1st, 2024, Sol Seek Yoga & Wellness Studio opened its doors to the community, a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, chasing your dreams and trusting in divine timing.
What is your mission with Sol Seek?
At Sol Seek, our passion lies in creating a sanctuary where community is at the heart of everything we do. Our dream is to cultivate a space of tranquility and connection amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
We believe that yoga is for every BODY, regardless of age, ability, or background. That’s why we strive to offer a diverse range of classes, from gentle chair yoga for those with restricted mobility to invigorating vinyasa flows, ensuring that everyone in our community has a place to belong and thrive.
Our mission is simple: to empower individuals to move, to breathe, and to connect. We believe that through the practice of yoga, we can walk away feeling happier, lighter, and more connected to ourselves and to each other.
How is your studio different from other studios?
We understand that yoga is a deeply personal journey, and what resonates with one individual may not necessarily resonate with another. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering a diverse range of yoga styles, from the grounding stillness of Yin to the dynamic flow of Vinyasa, and everything in between.
But more than just a schedule of classes, Sol Seek is a community built on connection and collaboration. We prioritize staying receptive and open to feedback, ensuring that our studio is a reflection of what our students want and need. Our vision may guide us, but we understand that true service means being flexible and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our community.
Our main priority is not just teaching yoga, but connecting – connecting with our students, connecting with our community, and fostering an environment of acceptance, support, and growth.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of opening their own studio?
If you are considering opening a yoga studio, it is essential to get clear on your vision. What is it that you hope to create? What values and principles will guide your studio’s ethos? Take the time to articulate your ‘why’ – the driving force behind your decision to embark on this path. Your ‘why’ will not only provide solid foundations for your studio and brand, but it will also serve as your guiding light during the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.
And let’s be real – there will be challenges. As you step into the role of CEO, bookkeeper, social media guru, and so much more, there will be days when it feels like you’re juggling a million different tasks, wondering why on earth you decided to do this. In those moments, come back to your ‘why’. Let it center you, ground you, and remind you of the impact you’re striving to make in the world. Your vision, your why, your ethos – these are what truly matter.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t need to be the most advanced yoga practitioner to open a studio. Sure, it’s great if you can turn yourself into a pretzel, but what truly matters is your passion for sharing the transformative power of yoga with others. Your authenticity, your dedication, and your willingness to hold space for your students – these are the qualities that will make your studio thrive.
While social media can be guilty of portraying very aesthetic versions of yoga, the truth is, yoga is messy. It’s challenging. It’s beautiful. It’s soft. It meets you at the depth of your soul, and sometimes, it does all of these things at once. As you invite real, living humans into your studio, into your classes, remember that your most important job is to hold space for them – for their emotions, their struggles, their triumphs. Creating a safe, nurturing environment where people feel seen and supported is what truly sets a studio apart.
So, to all the future yoga studio owners out there, I applaud your courage, your passion, and your commitment to making a difference in the world. Embrace the journey ahead with open hearts and open minds, knowing that you have the power to create something truly extraordinary.
Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?
“You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore” – Andre Gide. There is so much magic that lies on the other side of our comfort zones, if we have the bravery to step out into the unknown.
Find out more about Sol Seek Studio and their schedule:
Instagram: @sol.seek.yoga
Website: https://www.solseek.co.uk/
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