We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emma Faria a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emma, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
My reason why, started with a promise.
In 2021, after moving to New York City for my first year of college at age 16; it wasn’t long until I was clinically diagnosed with depression and social anxiety. Months of panic attacks, anxiety that would not allow me to leave my house, heart monitors to track my heart rates and a near death experience- were the breaking point to a healing tool that forever changed my life. After trying psychologists and everything in the books, my last resort- a yoga class over zoom (since going outside caused overhwhelm) it was September 17 2021 the day that I found a practice that allow me to heal myself inside then out. An hour long class that allow me to tap into my breath and find what was going on in the world inside. After 9 months of weekly practice, yoga did not only become a routine but a lifestyle inside and out. I stop medication, my anxiety was regulated, the panic attacks gone. I found a way to heal myself from the inside out, no more bandages to cover up the wound. I learnt these 3 lessons that forever changed my life:
1. there is no light at the end of the tunnel, it is your light that guides you out.
2. you learn how to breath, you control your breath you fully change your life.
3. peace starts with you, then translates every where else.
After a near death experience and hitting another breaking point, I remembered praying “if I can get out of this, I promise to show others how to do it” and so I did. May 2022, I decided to get my teacher certification” at age 17 I became the youngest yoga teacher here in Miami as Mimi Yogas lead instructor on her online platform.
Now, I dedicate my life to teaching college students as myself and others to heal themselves through conscious moment, breath and self love!
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?
Throughout my life, one phrase has remained ingrained in my mind: “Echa Pa Lante,” which translates as “keep going” or, in other words, to continue striving toward your goal regardless of the circumstances.
I am a dedicated and forward-thinking psychology student looking to transition from academia to the dynamic realms of marketing, communications, and brand strategy. I am a Junior at the University of Miami studying Psychology and Communications.
I am passionate about creating heart to heart connections, fostering meaningful partnerships, and enabling sustainable growth for both businesses and creators. I have a profound understanding of human behavior, strong leadership and management skills, and significant experiences in media and communications.
As a Psychology student and certified yoga instructor, I am on an inspiring journey to explore the profound connection between mental health and holistic well-being. My academic pursuits have equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities of the mind, while my yoga certification has empowered me to channel this knowledge into transformative practices for both myself and others.
I have created “HEART TO HEART MOVEMENT” a series of wellness driven events, which aim to empower individuals to embrace their mental well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, community, and self improvement through conscious movement and mind-body alignment.
I began practicing yoga in the toughest moment of my life, while it started as a distraction to get away from my problems it wasn’t long until I saw my practice allowed me to CREATE and BE the peace that i felt was always missing from my life. After seeing all the benefits my practice brought to me, I dedicate my life to helping others do the same for themselves.
I am always eager to meet new people, and build HEART to HEART connections with my students. My classes are all-inclusive, whether you are coming for physical change or a spiritual connection or just a distraction it will always be “your yoga.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
the more you give, the more you get! – Let your first thought be “what can I do for them” instead of “what can they do for me?”
We are a mirrors, you and your team are a reflection of each other.
It’s not a matter of shouting, it’s a matter of making yourself heard (seek attention effectively and passively).
You lead by being an example, not by leading.
do everything with LOVE. when you move from love, love will follow.
LISTEN to your team.
Be one with the team. A leader knows that you are only as good as your team.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
“Don’t show off” since an early age is something you feel guilty for. Fast forward to now, I am completely against this mentality.
Show the world who you are.
Speak your truth.
Voice your story.
The right people will want to listen.
“if you dont see it, no one will” was the best advice I received from my grandma before her passing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmyfariaproud/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-faria-proud-259391246/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmyliciouusss