We recently connected with Dana Andrea Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dana Andrea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
The leap from a secure job to following my passion to teach yoga full-time was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. The uncertainty of starting a new path was daunting. Yet, there was a deep, underlying confidence in the path I had chosen. The transition wasn’t just a career change; it was a profound shift in how I wanted to live and what I wanted to give to the world.
The first client who wasn’t a friend, family, or an acquaintance came through in an unexpectedly full-circle moment. A former colleague from my previous corporate job, aware of my new venture, became an unexpected bridge to my first corporate yoga client. This connection was nothing short of serendipitous, given my recent departure from the corporate world. It felt like a reassurance from the universe, a nod of approval towards the path I had daringly chosen.
Teaching my first corporate yoga class was a surreal experience. Walking back into a corporate setting, not as an employee but in my new role as a yoga instructor, was empowering. I stood before them, not just as someone who had left their world behind but as someone who understood it intimately—the stress, the pace, the high demands. This understanding allowed me to tailor my teaching to meet them where they were, to offer peace and balance amidst their hectic schedules.
Receiving my first payment for teaching was a moment of mixed emotions. While it didn’t validate my love for teaching—that was never in question—it highlighted the tangible need for what I offered. It was a confirmation that my teachings had value not just in the spiritual or personal growth sense but also in the practical, everyday world. It showed me that I could indeed make a living doing what I love, without having to split my attention between my passion and the necessity to earn a living.
That first dollar was more than just a transaction; it was a symbol of possibility, a testament to the idea that following your passion can indeed be the path not just to personal fulfillment but to professional success as well. It marked the beginning of my journey in truly making an impact, one class at a time, in a way that was deeply aligned with who I was and what I believed in.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Dana A. Smith, founder of Spiritual Essence Yoga, and the visionary behind the YES! Yoga Has Curves movement. Raised in New York, I’ve navigated the high-stress environments, carrying a mantra that as a black woman, I must outwork the perceived mediocrity of the majority. My personal and professional journey has been deeply influenced by my experiences and the realization that true happiness and peace come from embracing our authentic selves, not from the validation or expectations of others.
This realization inspired to reach out to other women who were like me, to help them to navigate the stress, unworthiness, and imbalance often felt in a society riddled with racism, misogyny, and intolerance. My teachings quickly extended to a diverse community, all seeking solace, balance, and inner peace amidst a tumultuous world.
As a certified yoga instructor, author, yoga teacher trainer, master life coach, and holistic health practitioner, I’ve dedicated my life to teaching and sharing the transformative power of yoga through Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga®, a style I created. My teaching, influenced by Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Vinyasa, is designed to inspire you to live inspired, fearlessly and empowered. I have had the honor and pleasure of guiding over 500 yoga teachers since 2008 while continuing my journey as a lifelong student.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to inclusivity in yoga, emphasizing that yoga is truly for EVERYbody. This commitment is not just a message but a mission. My goal is to provide a sanctuary for healing and provide holistic health services that address the needs of our minds, bodies and spirits. I am certified (and offer certification in) Thai Yoga Massage, Reiki, Sound Healing and other energy-based modalities.
My most significant pride lies in witnessing the transformative journeys of my students and clients. Seeing them embrace their paths toward peace, self-acceptance, and empowerment fuels my passion and dedication to this work. I want everyone to know that Spiritual Essence Yoga is more than just a yoga studio—it’s a community where every journey is honored, and every individual is welcomed with open arms.
Whether you’re seeking to manage stress, find balance, or embark on a journey of self-discovery, I invite you to explore yoga and wellness with me in-studio or online.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One profound lesson I had to unlearn was the ingrained belief that “as a black woman, I must work ten times harder to match the majority’s mediocrity.” This mantra, deeply rooted in my upbringing in New York and carried through my life in Maryland, was a response to the societal expectations placed on people of color, particularly black women. It was a defensive strategy, a survival mechanism that dictated I must always strive beyond my limits to be seen, valued, and respected.
The backstory to this unlearning began with a moment of clarity following my “big chop”—a pivotal point in my life where I embraced my natural hair and, symbolically, my true self. This act of self-acceptance sparked a realization of how much I had allowed external perceptions and societal pressures to dictate my worth and how I navigated the world. It highlighted the undue stress and unrealistic expectations I placed on myself, often at the expense of my well-being and peace.
This unlearning process wasn’t instantaneous but unfolded as I delved deeper into my yoga and meditation practices. Through these practices, I began to understand the power of self-compassion, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of living authentically. It taught me to value my well-being over societal approval, to find strength in my unique journey, and to embrace the notion that true empowerment comes from within, not from external validation or comparison.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been the power of word of mouth. My passion for helping people shines through in every yoga class, workshop, and personal interaction. This genuine love for what I do and the transformative impact it has on individuals encourages them to share their experiences with others. It’s this organic, heartfelt sharing that has significantly contributed to the growth of our community at Spiritual Essence Yoga.
The foundation of our growth strategy isn’t built on aggressive marketing tactics but on creating meaningful, positive changes in people’s lives. When students feel supported, seen, and valued, they naturally want to share that experience with friends, family, and their wider networks. This ripple effect of personal testimonials and recommendations has been the cornerstone of attracting new clients who are seeking a space where they can explore yoga and wellness in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Moreover, by fostering a community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, we’ve been able to connect with a wide range of individuals looking for a yoga practice that honors their unique journey. Our focus on making yoga accessible to all bodies, coupled with our commitment to holistic wellness, resonates with many who have felt marginalized or overlooked by mainstream wellness narratives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spiritualessenceyoga.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/spiritualessenceyoga
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/spiritualessenceyoga
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/spiritual-essence-yoga