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

Anabelle , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was choosing not to be afraid of change. I’ve always been willing to pivot, to move, to start over.

The first time I left my “big girl job,” I was teaching 5th grade. My husband and I relocated to Texas, and I remember how scary that felt. I had so many questions, so many unknowns. But I didn’t let fear stop me. I left anyway, and I found another teaching job in Texas that was even better.

Then came an even bigger decision—pausing and eventually stepping away from my teaching career after having kids. That one was hard. I worried about losing income, about fulfillment, about everything that comes with such a big life change. But again, I chose to move forward.

I left to pursue sharing my love for wellness and holding space for others full time.

And that decision changed everything. It’s allowed me to work with incredible people and organizations, travel in ways I never imagined, and support others in making life-changing decisions for their health. It’s also allowed me to show up as a light for other women.

Looking back, it’s worked out beautifully. And I’m so grateful for every skill, every lesson, and every leap of faith along the way.

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

My goal was never to build a wellness brand. My goal was to feel better in my body.

My prayers were to heal my body from burnout, trauma, and inflammation that showed up as endometriosis, fibroids, and infertility. I remember sitting in my backyard in Texas, soaking up the sun after long days of teaching middle school math. After doing deep research on my conditions, I learned about the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and fibroids—and like many of the things I was navigating, I was in fact deficient.

I digress.

I would sit in my backyard every day, praying for healing. In just a few short years, my body, the one I had known all my life, went from thriving to surviving. Taking a yoga class felt impossible. Everyday tasks became difficult. I went from taking no medications to having cabinets full, spending my evenings reading about the latest health trends that promised healing for people like me.

During this journey, I learned a lot about the healthcare system. And how it’s not always in favor of women, let alone Black women. I learned how to advocate for myself. I learned how to ask better questions. I began exploring healing foods and practices that supported my body in ways some prescriptions could not.

Sleep was one of my biggest challenges. I was prescribed different things to help, including melatonin, but none of it worked for me.

What did work… was slowing down.

Prayer. Scripture. Breath.

I memorized Psalm 23. Every night, I would lay my head on my pillow. on my back, and take 10 deep, intentional breaths. That simple practice shifted everything. It calmed my mind, helped me fall asleep faster, and allowed me to stay asleep through the night.

My husband quickly picked up the habit too. So every evening, we would lay there together—reciting Psalm 23, breathing deeply, and finding peace in those quiet moments. That season changed me.

It led me into the wellness world, not from a place of trend, but from lived experience. I’ve lived it. I’ve experienced it from both sides. And I felt called to share the many ways we can care for our bodies in a more intentional and supportive way.
Then the pandemic forced us all to slow down, and I leaned in even deeper. I became certified in yoga and began sharing my journey—little by little. What started as small, honest moments resonated with many, and that community has now grown to over 150k women.

What I’m most proud of is my resilience during some of my most challenging years. I never gave up on myself. I was told by numerous doctors that I would never have children, and today I have two beautiful kids. I feel strong in my body again, and most days feel like I am living a life I once prayed for.

It’s not easy but I don’t take it for granted.

My path has always been different. The things I once felt hesitant to share, being an immigrant, coming here as a refugee, working at McDonald’s, are now the things I’m most proud of. I know it was in those experiences that my character was built. They’ve shaped how I lead, how I connect, and how I hold space for others. Those experiences are woven into everything I do.
Today, my work blends mindfulness and movement, rooted in the belief that healing is not a destination, but a sacred returning. Through Faithful Breath, I create gentle yet powerful spaces that honor our God-given breath and the wisdom of our bodies. In these spaces, we breathe deeply, move intentionally, and show up as we are.

While a large part of my community is women, my work extends beyond that. I also support youth, using mindfulness and movement as tools for emotional regulation and self-awareness. I believe what we learn early in life carries with us into adulthood. In this season, I’m honored to support local elementary students while continuing to guide women around the world through my app and in-person experiences.

At the heart of it all, my mission is simple: to help people return to themselves.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was sticking to the plan. As an entrepreneur, I actually encourage trying new things and starting over until it feels right. It’s okay to release the original plan—to dismiss it or reshape it.

We have the freedom to do things in a way that feels most aligned with us.

I say this because I once thought I wanted to teach in a studio. I quickly realized it wasn’t the best setting for me, and that I thrive with flexibility and freedom.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Other than training, what is most helpful for succeeding in my field is showing up authentically—leading from my own experiences, honoring where I am, and trusting that being real will always resonate more than trying to be perfect.

I’ve learned that people don’t connect to perfection, they connect to honesty. The moments where I’ve shared openly, whether it’s about healing, growth, or even uncertainty, are the moments that have created the deepest impact.

Authenticity also means allowing myself to evolve. Not feeling tied to a version of who I once was, and giving myself permission to pivot, grow, and explore new directions as I learn more about myself.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about what I teach. It’s about how I show up. And I’ve found that when I show up fully as myself, the right people, the right opportunities, and the right impact naturally follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brownyogigirl.com/
• Instagram: @browoyogigirl
• Youtube: @browoyogigirl
• Other: My movement app https://brownyogigirl.com/myapp