We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Mendez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

Kula means “community” in Sanskrit. I chose that name for my business because my overarching goal was to build community, especially post-COVID. I wanted to build a community while simultaneously bolstering local businesses. Since starting Kula Yoga Tucson in October of 2023 I have witnessed the cultivation of friendships and strong bonds. I teach at a brewery and a vineyard, each, once a month, for free. I offer a 90-minute yin yoga class, where, following each class, I sit with my students and share a beer or a glass of wine. In my very first class, I had five students. I was unsure what to expect since it was my inaugural class but I shared my intention of communing over a drink following our practice. Four out of my five students stayed and we ended up conversing for nearly three hours. The conversation took many twists and turns, there was a connection built between five strangers that solidified my passion for not only teaching yoga but also erecting an inclusive community of folks who can openly share thoughts, stories, and feelings without judgment.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a medic in the Air Force for the last thirteen years of my life. Joining at the age of eighteen I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The longer I worked in Western medicine the more disparities were illuminated. During an advanced training course in San Antonio, Texas, I joined a mobile yoga studio and tried acupuncture for the first time. These modalities essentially eliminated my pain. I became more calm and connected to myself and the world around me. It was then that I decided I wanted to truly heal people. Nearly seven years later, while deployed to Curacao, I obtained my 200-hour yoga teacher training certification, the first step to becoming a yoga instructor. I then took specialized courses in restorative yoga, yin yoga, and breathwork. I now offer these for free modalities in my community, reducing pain and stress, and enhancing quality of life. I chose to offer my modality for free because yoga was never meant to be used for monetary value. It’s a practice that should be available to all for healing and finding inner peace. Yin and restorative yoga are more meditative, the asanas (poses) are held for an extended period to allow you to truly go inward while obtaining the full benefit of the posture. They are also wonderful for people of all ages and abilities because, in yin and restorative, we use props for support and can modify any posture depending on the capability of the student. I gain fulfillment in collaborating with local businesses and bringing people together. I have many returning students who bring friends, family, and partners along with them. They are eager to share their experience of Kula Yoga Tucson with their loved ones and also reconnect with other returning students. I have personally experienced the beauty of relationships and strong bonds through KYT, and I have built not just a community but a family. Every time we come together, even though it’s only twice a month, we never skip a beat. Friends share stories, strangers offer advice, and everyone ends up leaving with a huge smile on their face. Those smiles and connections are what motivate me to continue this work and continue teaching. Looking into the future, I start acupuncture school in September 2024 and plan to specialize in numerous holistic modalities to continue serving my community and my fellow man. I hope to collaborate with more local Tucson businesses offering more classes throughout the month and eventually, with my partners Nathalie and Jazlyn, owners of True Wild Existence, open a holistic health and wellness center offering a plethora of healing modalities that will change people’s lives.

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

To succeed not only as an entrepreneur but especially in the holistic health and wellness world, it is important to stay patient and open-minded. Be fluid like water and expect the unexpected. You are going to encounter all types of people and personalities. With that, comes all kinds of thoughts and opinions. Let go of your ego and become a super listener. As a helper and healer, running your own business, people from all walks of life are going to look to you for guidance and relief. Welcome them with open arms, and cultivate a safe space, your students and clients will return if you are genuine and loving.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Deep connection and strong bonds. When students and clients feel genuinely heard, cared for, and understood, they will gravitate toward that safe space. Especially in a world where our need for connection is being eclipsed by technology and superficial interactions, cultivating that sense of community will continue to attract interest. Tribalism is woven into our genes. Foster an environment built on genuine connection and your clientele will substantially increase over a short period.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kulayogatuc.com
• Instagram: amandanicolemendez and kulayogatucson

Image Credits

The photos in the studio were taken by photographer Carlos Castillo. Instagram @charlezmalasana