We were lucky to catch up with Julie Afsahi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I was a public school teacher before opening my yoga studio and sound healing business. That job taught me invaluable lessons, and I will always be indebted to the teens and families I worked with and taught. I learned to be resilient because I spent so much time with young people who had already experienced significant challenges and still were able to find joy and laughter in life. I learned to balance a million different tasks and still hold a safe space for young people to learn and grow. I also learned to teach, which is a skill I’ve used immensely in yoga and sound healing in regards to sharing these ancient practices with others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Julie Afsahi. I am a chronic illness warrior who opened a yoga studio and co-wrote “Seasons of Sound” to help others find greater wellness and peace in their lives. My journey into this industry began with a relentless desire to create safe, loving spaces where people can experience deeper relaxation and connection with themselves.

I own and operate one of the largest yoga studios in the Austin, Texas area. At Soul Strong Yoga, we are passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone and fostering a strong sense of community. Our offerings include a variety of yoga styles, sound healing sessions, and specialized workshops.

One of my personal obsessions is sound healing, particularly gong therapy. This passion led me to co-write “Seasons of Sound” with my dear friend, Jessica Cross. Our book guides readers through the transformative power of sound, helping them find balance and harmony in their lives.

What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and our holistic approach to wellness. We strive to support our clients not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

I am most proud of the community we have built at Soul Strong Yoga. Seeing our clients grow, heal, and connect with themselves and others brings me immense joy and greater meaning. For anyone considering joining us, I want you to know that our space is one of acceptance, support, and transformation. We are here to guide you on your journey to greater wellness and peace.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’m still working on unlearning chronic perfectionism. The older and wiser I become, the more I realize that perfectionism is a huge hindrance to creativity. I could not have published a book or opened a yoga studio with my previous obsession with perfectionism. Heck, I couldn’t be a parent or a friend. Perfectionism stifles growth, creativity, and risk-taking. I’m so thankful that I started to reevaluate my relationship with perfectionism, and I’m so much better without it!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

From 2012 to 2017, I battled an undiagnosed illness that left me often bedridden with breathing difficulties and chronic vertigo. Many doctors dismissed my symptoms as a mental health issue rather than a physical one. Despite knowing they were wrong, the lack of proper diagnosis and treatment was incredibly challenging. For five years, I faced constant questioning of my sanity and was given minimal medical help.

Finally, I was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease. With this diagnosis, I began to regain my mobility and strength through yoga, meditation, and proper medical treatment, including regular antibody infusion treatments. My body will never be the same as before the disease, but these practices have allowed me to continue having a rich and meaningful experience on this planet with my loving family and friends.

I never take a moment for granted—having had close calls with death, I am profoundly grateful to be here. This journey has taught me the true meaning of resilience, and I am committed to living fully and appreciating every moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soulstrongyoga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulstrongyoga/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/soulstrongyoga
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-afsahi/
• Twitter: https://x.com/soulstrongyoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulstrongyoga
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soul-strong-yoga-round-rock?osq=soul+strong+yoga
• Other: My book website is seasonsofsoundbook.com