Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toure’ Akela. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Toure’, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?
“Over 3333 Hours of Yoga: A Journey as a Minority Studio Owner in Southwest Atlanta”
For the past six years, I’ve dedicated over 3,333 hours to teaching yoga, but those hours only begin to scratch the surface of this journey. As a minority studio owner in Southwest Atlanta’s 30310 zip code, I’ve worked relentlessly to create a space where others who look like me, or share similar experiences, can feel seen, empowered, and understood.
Does that mean I am understood? No, its hard being the best I what you do because people will always aim to speak on the worst. While at the same time they will lift your biography and make it their own, literally. So obviously I am doing something remarkable and worth emulating. Thankfully for me I am still growing, evolving, not afraid of change. Most of all I thank God that I am far from lame, never needing to follow the crowd, ever!
Before I became a studio owner, I spent years as a yoga student, navigating predominantly white spaces in Atlanta. In those environments, I wasn’t just unseen—I was actively excluded even my yoga pants from the “hood” were mocked. As a veteran, a woman, and a single mother working through my own personal challenges, I quickly realized these spaces weren’t designed for people like me. Even during my yoga teacher training in 2016, striving for self-improvement in those settings was further damaging. Moreso, that particular studio owner aimed to shame me and my business from day one. Going so low in an attempt to recruit teachers off my schedule inviting them into their homes to do so. Oh yes, that has happened. The disrespect is pathetic and unfortunately nothing new. Aiming to make it bleed only demonstrates my point Black Excellence in unchartered lanes can be frighting and the opps want to destroy it anyway they can. That’s why I do it. People listening to that noise without the full story should really call things into question. I am too transparent to not tell the truth, and too busy working on being great to worry much. I am not one that goes along to get along. That’s not excelling, nor does it lead to excellence.
In 2019, I built a space and called it Southwest Atlanta Yoga. Unapologetically, I am now one of the very few black Yoga Alliance-approved instructors in the U.S. eligible to offer both 200-hour and 300-hour teacher training programs. Additionally, I own one of the few black-owned yoga studios in the country. While I may not be the pioneer, I have certainly contributed to largely changing the narrative of yoga not only in Atlanta, but across the globe. These 3,333-plus hours are a testament to my commitment to raising the standard of excellence in the black yoga community, and we’ve done that. The yoga industry in the west is still very white, fashion heavy, and not exactly spiritually focused as it should be, and that’s ok, However as a race of people, we need to not just learn, but apply the deeper layers of alchemy from the purest point of Source for spiritual survival. That is not grim, it’s just what it is. Speaking as a mother of a soon to be 21 year old black man born and raised in the 30310. Our world is different now, and the body must be prepared fully for all senses to be on board, that is what’s needed today – not fake woke. Not all yoga schools are aiming to tap into these deeper crevices to fully awaken our deep latent powers. Frankly, they are not capable, and ultimately it hinders the real forward progression needed today. I’ve been committed to this type of work strongly since 2021. As the standard setters shifted their curriculum to focus on the imposition of an Asiatic lineage within 300-hour curriculum, this only deepens the imbalance, failing to address the unique needs of our community, they have actually penetranted this language into the Veteran Affairs system and that too is freightening. Fortunately there are organizations like Black Boys Om that has tapped into their audience. BBO is a rare organization doing something active to strengthen the resolve for new yoga seekers come into the fold. Their exclusive 200 hour training program designed for men of color is now available online. This matters because the historical roots of yoga as we know it through documentation is extremely racist. In paradox yoga fixes our “-isms.” And they also say at some point the poses stops and the yogi can sit still and be one with God.
On November 28, 2022, a fire caused by a neighboring business destroyed my studio. I had every reason to walk away with a substantial check. Most, people would have. That definitely wasn’t the right thing to do, and many people thought I had just left. Sorry, no. I chose to reinvest in my yoga in the 30310 community. Essentially just reopening with challenges. Of course, I am different now—spiritually stronger and just now really integrating from delivering 1500 hours of yoga teacher trainings and yoga classes – 3,333 hours in six years is not easy. My commitment to Southwest Atlanta runs deeper than the physical structure of a studio—it’s about being a good steward to the unique energy that this space on the globe embodies.
Yes, it disappoints me when my work is dismissed or mischaracterized. But that has never consumed me. Instead, it is pushing me forward in my leadership. Raising a black boy from Southwest Atlanta into adulthood, I thank God for my yoga practice. I thank God for my capacity. I thank God for silence, space, and clarity. The space I’ve created is a sanctuary for growth and empowerment, not just for me, but for everyone who steps through its doors. I must say, most of my students and graduates are far from ordinary people, they are rare independent leaders serving the world in ways they were created to.
Through it all, I’ve learned that disappointment and frustration are part of the process, but they can’t be the destination. I could dwell on the criticisms, the labels, and the resistance, but I choose to focus on the work—in the realms of metaphysics and hatha yoga. I choose my son, who was born and raised in 30310 and is now in college. I choose my partner, as we navigate life together with joy, freedom, peace, and ease. I choose to remain committed to my 16-year career as an Oncology Data Specialist. My father and grandfathers taught me the importance of perseverance, not just through words, but through their actions. I’ve worked hard to build something that extends far beyond me—it’s about creating lasting change in people within a community that deserves nothing less. This is why it’s easy to lead from this place where others cannot. It takes fortitude, courage, and grit to be in business in SW Atlanta. Balance that with the business being yoga, even more complexities, and things that cannot be sugar coated. However people love sugar and so do I.
These 3,333 hours I’ve spent teaching aren’t just about guiding people through yoga poses—they are about resilience, growth, and fostering a space where black and brown people can see themselves reflected and transformed. That is what defines Black Excellence—the transformation. I am sure that statement will be seen again. As a single mother raising a black young man from the 30310 I am very serious about this. This journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has fortified my resolve. Though I may not be able to control how others perceive my work, I can control how I continue to show up for the 30310 and the world at large.
I remain committed to providing a space where people of can come to heal, grow, and be empowered. The road ahead may still hold challenges, but with every hour I teach, I know that I’m building something real, something transformative. My son can see I’ve given more than most, with seldom applause. Do I feel robbed or slighted? Or has he learned from the cruelties of the world to be his own man anyway
Show up anyway. And when you do, show up and show up well. People change, people grow, people seldom forgive. While others maybe growing and evolving at the same time, it can be thankless. But transformation at some point requires isolation, and who you are after that process, fortunately enhances your view point of the world. Is this best or worst investment I’ve made as a business owner? First and foremost I am enriched because I have learned to give it to God, fully. The work speaks for itself.
If parts of your bio are showing up as other people’s narrative. They are still watching you, and want to be you so desperately. God’s work is funny like that. By now you should be able to see it and hear it from miles away and be absolutely OK. Stay prayed up, or do a more informed yoga so you can get here!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Toure` Akela is a dedicated spiritual teacher, yoga healer, and visionary entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a yoga student. Rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern-day practice, As the founder of Southwest Atlanta Yoga, LLC located in the historic West End of Atlanta, Toure` integrates deep spiritual principles with the physical practice of yoga, helping students align their inner and outer worlds. Through her unique approach to yoga and spiritual healing, Toure’ blends teachings from Metaphysical Hatha Yoga, Christian Mysticism, and Hermetic alchemy to guide others toward self-mastery.
Toure` is committed to leading others on their own paths of transformation, emphasizing patience, stillness, and emotional intelligence as key pillars of spiritual and material success. With her specialized training program, Solraprana Metaphysical Hatha Yoga(TM), Toure` empowers future leaders to cultivate inner peace, align with divine intelligence, and become co-creators of their own reality.
Toure’ is the best Shamanic Reiki Master Sensi in Georgia, likely the east coast and southern corridor. I am the best at what I do.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Bigger boundaries. I am typically transparent, I trust and I love hard. 2024 has taught me not to do that. I am closer to 50 and actively removing narratives that are not richly fortified, authentic and true. The wrong thoughts and things now a days may feel like it has the legs of a spider or octopus. Going thinner will strengthen my journey and my peace.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The fire on November 28, 2022 was pretty big. I waited a year and six months to be made whole and reopen. I could have taken the check and lived unhappily ever after, knowing deep in my heart that my work within Southwest Atlanta Yoga is far finished. Here’s the pivot. I am not the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,swatlyoga.com
- Instagram: @swatlantayoga & @toure_the_metaphysician
Image Credits
black and white shirt headshot : @meccaclarkephoto