We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Calu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.

Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents did a lot of things right and I am forever grateful for the integrity and perseverance that they taught me. My parents always encouraged me to do the things I was interested in and once I made a commitment to something that I saw it through. This was from interviewing for student council in elementary all the way up to changing my major in college. My parents are some of my biggest supporters even if they don’t always agree with the choice. I can remember telling them during my freshman year of college that I wanted to go to Africa over the summer, spend fourteen days with a group volunteering and sightseeing. They were nervous for me, but they supported my dream, doing whatever they could to help me raise the funds to go.

They also raised me to be self-sufficient, to have a solid moral compass, to be kind, and that my reputation is all I have in this world. Both my parents worked extremely hard to provide for my family, and they set the example that with hard work, planning, and determination almost anything was achievable. My mom took me on vacations every spring break as reward for continuing to do well in school and sports, being able to learn how to navigate, explore other cultures, and learn proper travel etiquette only instilled further this well rounded experience that has shaped me into the young woman I am today.

Of course it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but even through trials and tribulations I never saw my parents give up. They were honest about the hard times, they were human, not perfect. They love me and do their best to this day to support me in my endeavors, and that’s all I could ask from them.

Erica, 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?

Owning and operating a yoga studio is definitely not a new idea by any means, and it wasn’t always what I envisioned for myself. Since I was a little girl I knew I enjoyed helping people and making them feel better when upset or struggling. I moved out to Ypsilanti in 2016 to attend Eastern Michigan University, I graduated in August of 2020 with my bachelors degree in Social Work. I had plans of joining the PeaceCorps and being stationed in Africa for two years but due to the pandemic, those dreams were put on pause. Continuing to work, and figure out what I wanted to do next, the summer of 2021 I spent a lot of time doing yoga in the park with my now mentor, Curtis Wallace. At the end of the summer I decided to apply for a scholarship with aUM Yoga Studio in Ann Arbor, and upon receiving it, I had no desire to be an instructor but just to understand yoga better. After obtaining my certification and teaching some classes for fun with my friends, getting their feedback, and encouragement from my mentor, I trusted that I may have a place in this ever growing field.

I understood from the beginning to be successful in any already established market- you have to find your edge in. For myself & my business, Abundantly Elevated, my edge is the simple fact I am extremely comfortable being myself, and because of that, I create a space for people to be comfortable being themselves. My target audience is the unconventional, those who may never even give a thought to yoga and holistic wellness. I invite all walks of life to step onto their mats even if it’s simple laying and listening to my voice. I use guided meditation throughout my practice to help those who are not used to mindfulness begin to practice, and leave with the tools to apply it in real life situations. I aim to make my classes a safe haven, to come as you are, imperfect, struggling, and heavy- to release the world and find a moment of peace. I enjoy collaborating with local businesses to offer a different sense of yoga, such as Beer Garden Thursday’s at Unity Vibrations where participants’ tickets include their choice of Kombucha to enjoy during or after yoga. Lastly I knew there was a powerful potential with plant medicine and the mindfulness of yoga. I have collaborated with a few cannabis businesses to appeal to different populations of clients. Likewise with the Entheogenic Plants Policy in Washtenaw county I look forward to expanding the types of experiences offered. Combining plant medicine with yoga to enrich the empowerment of self healing.

Furthermore beyond my main sector of yoga sessions, I also offer some holistic wellness products to help empower the body to feel good! My main product, elderberry infused sea-moss gel is ethically sourced and carefully crafted to maximize the benefits. Sea-moss is form of algae that is extremely beneficial to help improve immunity within the body, partnering this with the immune boosting elderberries ensures to put an extra pep in your step! Used for a range of things such as upper respiratory detox, allergy relief, fatigue, and can also used topically as mask to rehydrate the skin and hair! I source the sea-moss itself from Jamaica, and the elderberries from Nigeria to ensure fair trade and ethical gatherings- where your product ingredients come from is equally as important as its quality.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients has been word of mouth and utilizing the meta marketing tools on Facebook and Instagram. I was hesitant at first to start paying for ads, but after having four new guests after paying twenty dollars for a ten day ad I realized it was a great way to reach new audience. I still like to leave flyers at local businesses from time to time but I’ve come to appreciate the ways we can use internet and social media to reach new means of advertising!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I would say mainly that my friends and family who know me personally, sharing my information, bringing friends, and in general supporting me has helped build my reputation. My friends know my heart, my mission and goals to help people so having fostered that reputation with them, and them themselves having similar reputations in their markets has open doors. Including them sharing my flyers, posts, bringing friends or networking for me through their own source of opportunity has given me a huge leg up as to “why Abundantly Elevated yoga” versus any other studio. I would say my reputation in the yoga market is extremely authentic. I am not perfect nor do I try to be, and by owning my imperfections I believe it gives the comfortability for people to come as they are, to remind them that is a yoga practice and not a yoga perfect.

Contact Info:

• Website: abundantlyelevated.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlyelevated/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbundantlyElevated/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-calu-4b86b5252/

Image Credits
Rachel Jewell – RJewell Photography