Owning your story is the bravest thing you”ll ever do. -Brene Brown

I’ll never forget the day my husband and I were driving on the freeway and he said I should open up a yoga studio. I laughed because that was a dream I let go of knowing what it would take to pull off. Just five months later, we opened our doors as United Yoga Studio in the small town of San Dimas, CA. Although we closed our brick and mortar April of 2022 due to the pandemic, our community still stands and continues to grow.

The beginning of my yoga journey was a common one. I was 18 years old going to Cal State Fullerton getting my bachelors in Kinesiology and was one of those people who was always at the gym. I saw yoga on the group fitness schedule of classes, decided to give it a shot and was hooked. My curiosity and competitive spirit kept bringing me back as I learned to tackle the more demanding postures. What began as a physical practice transformed into a mental, emotional, & spiritual practice stirring me towards stillness, peace, self-acceptance, and compassion towards myself & others.

The day I met a Latinx teacher named, Monique, I realized that someone like me could be a teacher. Representation matters y’all. 6 years later, after I graduated with my Masters in Kinesiology I decided to quit my bartending job at Chili’s and signed up for my 200 Hour certification through YogaWorks. It was a one-month intensive that I had no idea would change the course of my life. Before the training, I was planning on being a high school teacher and coach. Well, God/Universe/Source had other plans.

Yoga not only brought me closer to my faith but it made me aware of my true-self which positively impacted and influenced every aspect of my life. I felt called to share this gift with as many people as I could. So I did. I started a donation-based class in my backyard. At first just one night a week with my sisters and my mom. Then one night became three and my backyard was filled with up to 25 people at times from people in our community. From there, teaching opportunities flooded my way. Over the years, I have taught at various studios, gyms, schools and non-profits in Los Angeles County. Eventually, I birthed United Yoga as well as creating my own curriculum for a yoga teacher training that I now teach at the University level.

It brings me so much joy sharing the yoga lifestyle with people who either have had a misunderstanding of it or who have never experienced it before. I feel honored to teach yoga to all types of people. To young and old. To different body types and abilities. To people who are in pain, stressed, depressed, and anxious. To people who are unhappy with their health, jobs, and relationships. To people who don’t feel comfortable walking into a gym class or can’t afford a studio membership. To people who have been marginalized for their ethnic background, sexual orientation, or religious identity. To people who have lost sight of who they are or lack community.

My goal was and still is to make yoga accessible to ALL people. Yoga is for everyone. It never ceases to amaze me how this beautiful practice transforms lives. Whether I am leading a group class, retreat, private or training, I have the privilege of holding space and facilitating opportunities for healing.

This ancient practice saved me from suffering in each season of my life. Though life continues to bring its challenges and my personal healing journey continues, I can wholeheartedly say “It is well”. I am well today because of the integration of yoga as a lifestyle. I want you to know that you too, can be well and experience JOY through the layers of your self.