Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amber Horton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I have always loved movement. In my early years, I studied dance for 15 years. In my late twenties, I was introduced to yoga and found a kindred spirit of movement in this new practice. Yoga spoke to me in a new way and encouraged me to breathe through heat (poses).

Yoga helped me stay balanced and is a significant component in regulating moods and anxiety levels. In addition, breath control and meditation are essential. I am now focused on prioritizing all aspects of health by implementing therapy, good eating habits, practicing sleep hygiene, and incorporating yoga as a staple routine.

Understanding these values and wanting to share this beautiful gift led me to pursue a career as an instructor, receiving my certification in June 2023. Teaching in this space is everything; as I continue to share, learn, and grow – I find my attention in the therapeutic area of yoga. This year, I received additional certifications as a yoga corrective exercise specialist and a yoga teacher for mental health awareness. I approach this responsibility mindfully with a thoughtful heart and encourage others to practice kindness and grace for all aspects of themselves.

I quickly recognized that the best way to serve in my field was to create a space that was accessible, both virtually and in person. This realization gave birth to Am Yoga Inc.

Am Yoga Inc. stands out by valuing your time, space, and pace. It’s not just about the asana practice but about embracing yoga as a lifestyle.

At Am Yoga Inc., my mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for individuals to explore the transformative practice of yoga, meditation, and breath control. I prioritize safety and proper form in every class while fostering a positive, calm, and centered atmosphere.

I specialize in various styles of yoga, including Yoga corrective exercise assessments and sessions, Trauma-informed yoga, Mindful yoga for anxiety and depression, Chair yoga, Senior yoga, Beginner yoga, Gentle yoga, All-levels flow, Vinyasa flow, Strength and Stretch yoga, Power yoga, and Yoga Body Sculpt.

I (Amber), owner and lead instructor, am dedicated to serving as a guide for individuals of all ages, levels, and backgrounds and helping them discover the significance of yoga.

Amber, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey in self-care has deeply influenced my professional practice. I’ve come to understand the importance of filling my cup first before pouring into others. I make it a point to take time in the day to breathe and be still, creating boundaries and learning to say ‘no’ when necessary. My guiding motto is ‘Do what speaks to your soul.’ I’m blessed with a loving family, and I cherish the little things in life. I’m passionate about instilling the value of mental health in my children and encouraging them to communicate their wants, needs, and concerns thoughtfully and completely.

As a Yoga corrective exercise specialist, I don’t just provide a service, I become a collaborative partner in my clients’ journey towards better musculoskeletal health. I leverage my knowledge and skillset to assess posture, joint mobility, and movement quality and then prescribe specific asanas or corrective exercises to enhance movement quality. I’m deeply appreciative of the trust my clients place in me, and I’m humbled to be a part of their yoga journey and movement goals.

As a certified mental health awareness yoga instructor, I am passionate about incorporating yoga to calm my mood and lower my anxiety and stress levels. I believe this informed area of yoga is not just important but critical in our modern world.

I am trained in body-based or somatic practices that help with self-awareness and well-being. I provide trauma-informed, evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities as a mindful and holistic approach to mental health.

What gives me the most joy and pride are the individuals that I have the privilege of partnering with each day. They are all beautiful beings with amazing energy. I intend to create a peaceful environment and encourage and empower you to reach your goals, and I receive that same intention from everyone I work with.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As I matriculated through life, I took a corporate career path with a tech company. I excelled in my role as an account manager. However, this space began to weigh on my priorities, as my work-life balance was in disarray. Ironically, this emotional strain was necessary to put things into perspective and bring yoga back into my life.

During the pandemic, I was forced to make a change as I parted with the corporate world. With the guidance of a phenomenal Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Therapist at Asili Wellness and my wonderful husband’s support, I began a career as a Yoga Teacher.

I recognize that walking this new path is scary. I was most terrified of the uncertainty of everything and afraid of starting over. I have learned to embrace these transitions, ambitions, and goals that scare me—it just means that I really want them.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My story has taught me many lessons. However, the consistent theme has been trusting myself and genuinely listening to my inner voice rather than the voices and opinions of others. To do that, first, I needed to understand myself. Who am I? I’m a creative—a health and wellness advocate and a lover of movement. I am an encourager and a listener. I care about people.

What do I enjoy? Yoga, movement, music, regiments, and practice.

Once I established who I truly am, I understood my purpose. From there, I could create a plan, set goals, educate and train, and start pursuing that which truly speaks to my soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amber-horton.heymarvelous.com/
• Instagram: https:// https://www.instagram.com/soulspeakyogi?igsh=MjNzMmtveGpjamhw&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Jasmine Smith Photography

Valerie Bayless Photography – at Lift Yoga + Body (Johns Creek)