Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gillian St. Clair. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gillian , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents, particularly my mother, instilled in me a sense of strength, steadfastness, and resilience that has profoundly shaped my life and career. She was a traveling minister, and through her, I learned the value of teaching, not just preaching. Watching her, I absorbed the importance of sharing knowledge in a way that connects with people deeply, beyond just the surface.

This summer we lost my mother, but her spirit and strength live on through the lessons she taught us. Her ability to connect and impact others while maintaining her authenticity taught me that true strength lies in being yourself, regardless of where you are or who you’re with.

Her unconditional love of family influenced how I run my classes and interact with my students. I strive to create a space where everyone feels accepted, and where people can be themselves. This has helped me build strong connections in my career as a yoga teacher, where I emphasize the importance of growth, both personal and collective, and the power of resilience—just as my mother demonstrated.

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 started my yoga journey in 1999 after a life of dancing (ballet and contemporary). My asana practice has always been influenced by movement modalities beyond yoga, such as dance, mobility training, and strength work. Over the years, I’ve studied with a variety of teachers and developed a style that blends these different elements into creative, dynamic, and personalized practices.

In 2010, I opened Steadfast & True Yoga in Nashville, TN. My goal was to create a studio based on the values of “right action” and “less distraction” to foster healthy reactions. Over 13 years, the studio became a community hub, offering everything from drop-in classes to 200 and 300-hour teacher trainings. In 2023, I made the difficult decision to close the studio after the building was sold, but this allowed me to pivot and create a more personal and flexible offering.

Today, I teach through The Space at the Station, where I focus on multi-week class series, small group sessions, private lessons, and professional development for yoga teachers. My teaching style is both challenging and comforting, blending creative sequencing, playful curiosity, and deep-rooted traditional yoga practices. I also run Steadfast Yoga School, where I continue to offer 200 and 300-hour yoga teacher training programs.

In addition to my in-person offerings, I provide an On-Demand Membership that allows students to practice yoga anytime, anywhere. This membership includes access to a library of recorded classes, with up to three new practices added each week.

I’m passionate about helping both students and teachers deepen their understanding of yoga, movement, and connection. What sets me apart is my ability to create a space where people can explore yoga in a way that is both deeply traditional and innovative, honoring each student’s unique needs and goals.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation as a yoga teacher is built on authenticity, consistency, and a commitment to personal connection. I’ve always stayed true to my teaching philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of tradition while also incorporating creative elements from dance, mobility, and strength training.

Running Steadfast & True Yoga for 13 years certainly helped establish my reputation, but what really set me apart was my ability to create a community. People know that when they walk into my studio, they are entering a space where they can be themselves, challenge their practice, and feel supported.

Beyond the studio, my passion for teaching other instructors through teacher trainings and professional development workshops has solidified my role as a “teacher’s teacher.” My students and fellow teachers trust me to share knowledge that is grounded in experience but also open to exploration and growth.

I’m proud to be known for my attention to detail, my sense of humor, and my dedication to fostering a safe, welcoming, and growth-oriented environment for everyone I teach.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely. Yoga has given me a platform to connect with people in ways I never imagined. It’s more than just teaching movement—it’s about helping people navigate the transitions and challenges of life with resilience and grace. My journey has been filled with challenges, from the physical demands of teaching to the emotional labor of building and then letting go of a studio, but it has been worth every step.

I wouldn’t change a thing. This profession has allowed me to grow, both as an individual and as a part of a larger community. It has given me the flexibility to evolve, create, and continue doing what I love while maintaining a meaningful connection with my students.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stclairyogaandmovement.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st.clairyogandmovement

Image Credits

Anna Haas
Evan Webb