We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Scarlett Chang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Scarlett below.

Scarlett, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

When I told my partner that I was taking up 200-hour yoga teacher training during the covid-19 pandemic, I was so certain that I would not be actually teaching. I mean, with a serious full-time job, who has time for that? Nonetheless, when my teacher offered to let me teach this Wednesday evening class in her studio immediately after my final practical exam, I hesitated. It was late March 2021. I was already in my early 40s, I had just felt settled in Miami and in my new career path working on the matters of asylum/refugees after relocating from NYC where I was an attorney providing free legal services to survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking for over a decade. While working on the most heart-wrenching cases under tremendous pressure, I thoroughly enjoyed recruiting students, volunteers and pro bono associates, supervised and mentored them through their journeys assisting our clients in breaking free from abuse and violence as well as building effective working relationship with clients. I often humorously suggested that I was also in the business of customer services. Facing stressed clients, pro-bono associates and law students, it was my responsibility to build trust and rapports as well as deliver positive experience. Yes. I love to teach. To share what I know through communication and trust. It is as simple as that. The calling is there. Loud and clear. Before the day ended, I jumped on the opportunity, took the job, and the rest is history.

Scarlett, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Miami based yoga/barre/sculpt/meditation teacher, serving both public and private classes at various studios and events such as weekly community outdoor yoga to all levels, Yoga x Kickboxing x Art with Club Alo, Skydive + Yoga, Sunrise Yoga, Power of Oneness Yoga at Babylon Beach event, Slow Power at Kimono Beach event, etc. I am new to wellness teaching, but I am not new to teach, and certainly not new to life experiences where we learn from struggles, grow from sufferings, triumph over defeats and heartbreaks, and see meaning and savor joy from the mundane. I believe yoga is not about feeling good, but being good at feeling. In my teaching, I guide flows and movements that would make sense in our minds and bodies, as well as create light and space. That’s what I aim to share. Originally from Taiwan, I lived in NYC for 13 years before moving to Miami and has traveled to approx. 40 countries. I have always had serious jobs: congressional legislative assistant in Taiwan, non-for-profit attorney providing free legal services to survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking in family law litigation, immigration matters and criminal justice advocacy, and now a worldwide refugee officer. I consider myself a warrior for social justice and humanitarian causes by profession, forever a student, and a lifetime traveler at heart.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Did I already tell you how much I LOVE to teach? Passion matters. From my background and professional experiences, I carry the passion for informing and engaging communities and bringing about positive impact. Additionally, my public speaking experience gained from my career outside fitness/wellness teaching indeed help me deliver. In my previous jobs, I had to explain complex concepts to traumatized survivors and victims in crisis. They were from all walks of life and had a wide variety of socio-economic-educational backgrounds. In order for them to understand where they stand, complex legal concepts or difficult answers must be conveyed in such a plain way with such kindness. I also had to sell hard proposals to my adversaries and score settlements in difficult cases. In addition to standing up in court litigating cases and arguing motions, I also worked closely with communities, schools, churches, hospitals, as well as advocacy committees and taskforces. I lobbied with the city and the state for legislative change. I was interviewed on TV, radio and newspapers, and presented in numerous workshops and conferences on the issues of cultural competence and effective communication. My past is part of me and supporting me in my new quest to share my passion to teach.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe I first need to be true with myself and everybody before I can be a real deal. I show up and show up prepared. I bare my heart and share what I know and how I feel. And I am grateful. Never taking any moment with students for granted, I express my gratitude and honor them. Someone asked me why I like to make Timelapse videos during my classes. The truth is that I make those videos not to highlight my face or my body or a close up for glory. Rather, I always just want to record the fleeting moments I’ve spent together with my students. Through these Timelapse clips, I am humbled and reminded that time indeed lapses. Changing colors in the sky, clouds flying by, the clips are to save these lovely moments we shared. To think how blessed I have been to get to do, think, and say what I want and share these moments with my students, I am simply grateful. Here are some reviews for my classes:
“She was amazing, you can feel how much she loves her job.” Scarlett is an amazing teacher, she gives clear direction and guidance throughout class. She is welcoming, kind and nice to chat with. I felt amazing after this class and look forward to another one at this studio and with Scarlett. I think this class is great for new and experienced yogis.“ “Scarlett’s class is the best! Always different and challenging” “Scarlett is so great! I love her class and her soothing voice!” “ Chefs kiss! Perfect flow. Not a super easy class but lots of modifications for all levels. Very kind teacher. Always leave this class feeling blissful”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ananda.atman
• Facebook: @ananda.atman.FB

Image Credits
Scarlett Chang (some are recaptured via Scarlett Chang’s self recording videos)
Marco Maestri