We were lucky to catch up with Amy Heasman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Introduction:
In 2011, I made a life-altering decision to leave my hometown of London and fly to Australia with the intention of starting a new life. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a conscious choice to find a new place to call home and set roots. I left behind my entire family, an incredible tribe of friends, my career in marketing, and my passion for music. It was a terrifying decision, but one I knew I had to make. After two years in Australia, I moved to Canada, where I traveled through Alberta and British Columbia for three years before settling in the Kootenays in 2016. I pursued my yoga teacher training that same year and began building a yoga-based business. I once dreamed of creating a yoga festival but had little belief it could ever become a reality. Fast forward to 2024, and the Kootenay Yoga Festival has been running for three years with a dedicated team of six. My yoga business has flourished over the past eight years, and I’ve found my true purpose in holding space for others to explore their relationship with mind, body, and spirit.

Backstory:
Before I left London, my life was a whirlwind of activity. I worked hard and played hard as a marketing manager by day, a restaurant server by night, and a musician on weekends. I was caught in a cycle of using drugs and alcohol to numb a deep-seated unhappiness that had plagued me since childhood. My life revolved around materialism and external validation, leaving me burnt out, undervalued, and unhealthy in mind, body, and soul. My life took a drastic turn when I was unjustly dismissed from my marketing job. The blow to my ego and soul was devastating, and I knew I needed to leave London to start fresh. My employer used expensive lawyers to silence me with a contract, and I was too embarrassed to fight it, so I ran—and never looked back. This experience shattered my reputation in marketing, making it nearly impossible to find work in the field when I moved to Australia. I returned to serving, a job I had hoped to leave behind. During this time, yoga, which I had practiced since university, became my outlet for pain and a support for my physical and mental well-being. I never imagined I would one day become a teacher, let alone run my own business and create a non-profit yoga festival.

The Decision:
Leaving London meant leaving behind everything that had once defined my safety net—friends, family, and the familiarity of a city I knew so well. I was alone and had to rediscover how to support myself financially, mentally, and physically. Over the next five years, I embarked on a personal journey to rehabilitate myself, breaking free from the grip of alcohol and drugs, a journey that began with a commitment to my yoga practice. After my last marketing job, I knew I no longer wanted to work for someone else. I craved autonomy and wanted to be my own boss, serving others with humility, love, and grace. I longed to explore my true purpose and build a career I loved, one that would create a space—especially after the pandemic—that offered a safe haven for the community to come together, grow, and embark on their healing journeys.

Execution:
Before leaving London, I worked tirelessly, saving every penny to sustain myself during my first year in Australia. I set aside my pride and returned to serving to cover my living expenses. I expanded my horizons by taking on various jobs in farming and nannying, learning to navigate uncomfortable situations and build confidence. Along the way, I met new friends who helped my soul expand and grow. Yoga became my anchor; I practiced almost daily to keep my mind grounded and my mental health in check. After traveling through Southeast Asia and Canada, I found my home in the Kootenay region. I immersed myself in business training, learning how to build my own business and navigate the complexities of social media. I made countless mistakes, each one a lesson that clarified my path. I trusted my gut and committed to showing up on my yoga mat every day after my teacher training, exploring spiritual concepts and putting them into action off the mat. I never gave up, educated myself, and allowed others to support me. I trusted the process and knew this was my calling.

Outcome:
I have now lived in the Kootenays for over eight years and in Canada for more than ten. I am a proud Canadian citizen with a successful local yoga business and serve as the Executive Director of the Kootenay Yoga Festival, which is entering its fourth year. Our non-profit’s mission is to provide barrier-free access to holistic health services and education to everyone in need. My life is no longer controlled by drugs and alcohol; I rehabbed myself when I moved to the Kootenays and have never looked back. I’ve built an incredible network of friends who have supported my vision. Health and wellness have become my true calling, and living near such epic nature reminds me daily of our deep connection to the elements. I practice gratitude and grace in all that I do and create spaces for others to explore this journey for themselves. I grow my own food and am passionate about living with intention and supporting local businesses to thrive. Yoga saved my life.

Reflection:
I’ve learned that our greatest challenges often become our greatest teachers. Taking risks and embracing discomfort are essential for transforming our deepest fears into our greatest successes. I am deeply grateful for all the hardships I’ve faced over the past ten years—they’ve shaped me into the person I am today. I’m proud of who I’ve become and humbled by the journey that led me here. I believe that taking risks is necessary to cultivate resilience, self-worth, selfless service, compassion, gratitude, and clarity in our authentic self-expression. We are powerful manifestors when we get clear on what we want and how we wish to show up in the world. By remembering that we are all connected and that our energy impacts everything around us, we can choose a conscious path of expansion.

Amy , 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?

Tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry/business/discipline/craft, etc.

I’m Amy Heasman, originally from East London, UK, and now living in the beautiful Kootenays, BC, Canada. My journey into the world of yoga and wellness has been deeply personal and transformative. With a background of over 15 years in business, marketing, customer service, and event production, I initially thrived in London’s fast-paced environment. However, after a pivotal moment in 2011, I left behind my life in London, including a promising career in marketing, to seek a fresh start in Australia. This leap of faith led me to Canada, where I found my true calling in yoga.

Yoga became more than just a practice for me—it was a lifeline. It helped me overcome past challenges, including struggles with substance use, and provided the tools I needed to heal and grow. I eventually became a 300-hour certified yoga teacher and started my own yoga business, which I’ve been running successfully for the past eight years. Along the way, I founded the Kootenay Yoga Festival, a community-based holistic wellness, music, and art festival, which is now entering its fourth year.

What type of products/services/creative works do you provide, and what problems do you solve for your clients?

As a yoga teacher, vocalist, and songwriter, I offer a range of services centered around holistic well-being and authentic self-expression. Through my yoga classes, workshops, and the Kootenay Yoga Festival, I create transformative spaces where individuals can explore their connection to their mind, body, and spirit. My work emphasizes mindfulness, empowerment, and the power of presence, helping clients foster greater awareness and intention in their lives.

The Kootenay Yoga Festival, which I founded and direct, is more than just an event; it’s a sacred gathering that offers barrier-free access to holistic health services for the local community. The festival integrates yoga, wellness education, music, and art to create an immersive experience that promotes healing, learning, and joyful play. I am also the Executive Director of the Kootenay Wellness Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing holistic health services to those in need.

What sets you apart from others, and what are you most proud of?

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to fostering holistic well-being and creating spaces that allow for genuine, transformative experiences. My journey from London to the Kootenays, from a life of external validation to one of inner exploration, has given me a unique perspective on what it means to live authentically and with purpose. I’m most proud of the Kootenay Yoga Festival, which has grown into a vibrant, supportive community that embodies the values of connection, education, and holistic wellness.

What do you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you and your work?

I want people to know that my work is deeply rooted in compassion, humility, and gratitude. I believe in the power of yoga and mindfulness to transform lives, as it did mine. Whether through teaching yoga, organizing the Kootenay Yoga Festival, or guiding others on their wellness journeys, my goal is to create spaces where individuals can connect with their inner selves and each other in meaningful ways. My brand is about authenticity, intention, and the belief that we all have the capacity to heal, grow, and live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us.

Fluid Soul Yoga:

instagram.com/amy.fluidsoul

facebook.com/fluidsoulyoga

Kootenay Yoga Festival: https://www.kootenayyogafestival.com

Kootenay Wellness Foundation: https://www.kootenayyogafestival.com/kootenay-wellness-foundation

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

While training and knowledge are foundational to success in any field, I believe that a few additional qualities are equally crucial for thriving in the world of wellness and holistic health. For me, these include resilience, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Resilience has been vital in my journey. Leaving behind a successful career in London, overcoming personal challenges, and starting anew in a different country required immense inner strength and perseverance. The ability to navigate setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances is essential, especially in fields where success often involves navigating uncertainty and overcoming obstacles.

Authenticity is another key factor. My personal transformation and the journey from a life driven by external validation to one of inner exploration have deeply informed my work. Authenticity allows me to connect genuinely with my clients and community. It’s about being true to oneself and one’s values, which fosters trust and meaningful connections.

A deep sense of purpose is what drives me daily. The work I do through yoga, the Kootenay Yoga Festival, and the Kootenay Wellness Foundation is not just a career; it’s a calling. Having a clear sense of purpose helps me stay motivated and focused on the bigger picture, guiding my actions and decisions. It ensures that I remain aligned with my mission to foster holistic well-being and create transformative spaces for others.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in the wellness and holistic health market has been a journey of authenticity, perseverance, and dedication to my mission. Several key factors have contributed to establishing my reputation:

1. Personal Transformation and Authenticity:
My personal journey—from a high-pressure career in London to a life-altering move to Australia and then Canada—has been a cornerstone in building my reputation. The challenges I faced and overcame, including battling substance use and finding my true purpose through yoga, have given me a deep sense of authenticity. This genuine transformation resonates with others, creating a trust and connection that has been instrumental in establishing my reputation.

2. Commitment to Holistic Well-Being:
My dedication to holistic health and well-being is at the heart of my work. Through my role as a 300-hour yoga teacher, the Founder of the Kootenay Yoga Festival, and the Executive Director of the Kootenay Wellness Foundation, I’ve consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating transformative, inclusive spaces for wellness. This unwavering focus on holistic well-being and barrier-free access to health services has helped me build a reputation as a leader who genuinely cares about the community’s health and empowerment.

3. Building Community and Creating Impactful Events:
The Kootenay Yoga Festival, which I founded and direct, has played a significant role in shaping my reputation. By creating a community-based festival that integrates yoga, wellness, music, and art, I’ve been able to offer an immersive experience that fosters connection, learning, and joy. The success of the festival and its positive impact on the community have enhanced my reputation as someone who can bring people together and create meaningful, lasting experiences.

4. Resilience and Continuous Learning:
The journey to building my reputation has also involved resilience and a commitment to continuous learning. From navigating the challenges of starting anew in a different country to adapting and growing my business, I’ve demonstrated perseverance and adaptability. My ongoing education in business and social media, along with my dedication to personal growth, has helped me stay relevant and respected in the field.

In essence, it’s been a combination of personal authenticity, a deep commitment to holistic health, impactful community-building, and resilience that has helped me build a strong and respected reputation within the wellness market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kootenayyogafestival.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/amy.fluidsoul/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/fluidsoulyoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kootenayyogafestival
• Other: https://www.kootenayyogafestival.com/kootenay-wellness-foundation

Image Credits

Annika Faith

Wies Van Wetten

Lana Swanson