Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Polynin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Angela , appreciate you joining us today. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
I had student dealing with chronic stress and anxiety. They had a lot of trouble quieting their mind and often felt overwhelmed by daily life. I encouraged them to approach their practice with self-compassion instead of perfectionism—emphasizing that yoga isn’t about pushing your body to its limits or achieving the “perfect” pose, but about connecting with your breath, being present, and listening to your body. The advice was simple: “Just be present in your body with no expectations”
Over time, the student began to practice more mindfully, focusing on their breath and letting go of the need to achieve a certain outcome in each class. The result was profound: the student reported feeling more grounded, less stressed, and more connected to themselves. They learned that yoga wasn’t a performance but a tool for healing and self-acceptance.
The real benefit was a shift in perspective—not only on the mat but also in how they approached challenges off the mat. By practicing gentleness and patience with themselves, they were able to ease their anxiety and stress in their daily life.
Angela , 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?
Veterans and Pets Yoga is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through free yoga classes and pairing veterans with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). Our mission is to provide a holistic approach to healing, addressing both the physical and emotional well-being of veterans.
Founded with the goal of creating a space where veterans feel seen, safe, and accepted, we combine the healing power of yoga with the unconditional love of animals. This dual-purpose initiative not only supports veterans but also gives animals in need a second chance.
We recognized that many veterans may feel hesitant in traditional yoga settings, so we made some of our offerings more approachable by integrating animals, which help break down barriers, provide companionship, and create a calming atmosphere. By blending mindful movement with the presence of animals, we offer a supportive space where veterans can relax and begin their healing journey.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I initially met my business partner Diana Mot (Co-Founder & Vice President of VNP) at the yoga studio where I completed my first 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). Our connection was immediate, and we quickly became close friends. United by a shared passion, we dedicated ourselves to co-founding Vets and Pets Yoga. Our journey has been truly rewarding, as we share similar approaches to business and possess a strong work ethic, which has made navigating this new dimension of our relationship seamless.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
I personally contributed the initial capital from my personal savings to launch Vets and Pets Yoga.
Since then, the growth has been gradual. Today, we are funded through the generosity of our donors and the success of our fundraising events.
We are a newer nonprofit and will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary in February, so any donations no matter the size are greatly needed and appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vetsandpetsyoga.org
- Instagram: @vetsandpetsyoga
- Facebook: vetsnpetsyoga
