We recently connected with Angel Montague and have shared our conversation below.
Angel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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.
After teaching at a few yoga studios for several years, I risked going out on my own. I had an opportunity to sublet a space and work for myself. In order to be my own boss I had to let go of the one yoga studio I always held onto. I had been there for seven years, however, the timing just didn’t work anymore. So, I went for it. It was scary not knowing if I would be able to do it financially. Yet in order to make room for something I had always wanted, I had to let go of something else. It was the best decision I could have made. Yoga instructors who teach for studios unfortunately do not get paid well for the type of work we offer. Not only was I able to do it, it was more lucrative for me even after paying my rent. It’s been over one year now and I haven’t looked back. Things have unfolded in such an organic way that I couldn’t have planned. The owner of the space I was subletting from decided not to renew the lease, so a fellow teacher, Alison Zimmer, and I talked about going in together. We loved the space so much and now we have made it our own. I am the co-creator of The Zen Den HB. We are a wellness facility located in Huntington Beach,CA that provides people a space to create positive physical, mental and energetic changes. We offer a variety of classes, courses and events to help you live a more balanced life.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
A friend invited me to my first yoga class back in 2010. It was a hot yoga class and I had no idea, I actually wore a long sleeve shirt. I kept exchanging glances with my friend giving her the what the heck are we doing here look. I had never sweated so much in my life! I became hooked. I came for the physical benefits and stayed for the spiritual ones. Yoga has completely transformed my life. It has helped me uncover parts of myself that were buried deep within. I experienced a lot of trauma as a child in the forms of physical and emotional abuse. Yoga has helped me heal in ways that I always yearned for and ways that I didn’t even know I needed. It opened the door to other modalities of healing as well. Along the way, I became a certified Reiki Master, a Shamanic practitioner and sound healer. I also dive deep into astrology as a means to guide me through the cycles of life. I teach weekly yoga classes, hold monthly Moon circles, and offer Reiki Certification courses. I also work one on one with individuals for private customized sessions, which can include multiple healing modalities. I help others connect to their own healing. It isn’t always easy work as healing is rarely linear. I aim to empower and inspire others to connect deeply with their true selves, and to let them know they are not alone. It is the work I am most proud to do and to be of service. We are just trying our best with what we know and if I can help a fellow human navigate this space and remind them of the beauty they are, then my purpose is fulfilled.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My business partner, Alison Zimmer, and I had parallel paths that would often intersect. We both worked at the same high school and taught yoga within Orange County for numerous years. We were each on our own path, with our own growing to do. We were each building our own foundations, until the day where our paths completely aligned. As individuals we each have so much to offer, together we have even more. I am grateful to be on this path together and beyond excited for all that has happened and all that is to come.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Alison and I share the belief that when you do things for the right reasons it will work out. It has been so true for our journey. Over and over again. We have essentially done things “backwards” yet we have always been guided by this principle and by something greater than us. It just keeps working out and unfolding as it should. Giving back to our community is also an important part of who we are and our business. Each month we discuss and decide (along with our Conscious Community Coordinator, Ariana Fernandez) where the needs are, what is dear to hearts and how we can make an impact in our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: AngelMontague.com
- Instagram: Angel_Montague_healing
- Facebook: Angel Montague Healing
Image Credits
Steve Nguyen