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

Hi Katherine, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2004, I took a leap of faith that forever changed the course of my personal and career life. Up until then, I had poured myself into the fashion industry, earning my Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design from Syracuse University and working as a Fashion Designer in New York and Miami for nearly a decade. I genuinely believed I would spend the rest of my life in that fast-paced, creative world. But life had other plans.

Everything shifted when I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a condition that causes hyperthyroidism. Suddenly, my body and mind was not the same and I couldn’t ignore it. Battling symptoms of this illness forced me to pause and reassess what truly mattered. Friends and practitioners recommended yoga as a way to ease symptoms, and it was through this practice that I found not only relief but a new calling.

Yoga became my sanctuary. The more I practiced, the more I felt drawn to its healing power – not just for my body but for my mind as well. It was then that I made the next bold decision: to step away from my fashion career and immerse myself in yoga teacher training in Miami, FL. It was a transformative experience, one that connected me to my true self in ways I hadn’t expected.

However, life continued to challenge me. As my husband and I tried to grow our family, we faced seven heartbreaking years of fertility treatments. The emotional and physical toll was immense, but it led us to our two amazing children through the process of adoption – gifts that I now know were meant to be.

Throughout these challenges, I sought out holistic practices like acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and Ayurveda, each of which opened my eyes to the incredible benefits of complementary medicine. It wasn’t long before I felt a deep pull to share this knowledge and serve others facing similar struggles. In 2015, I took another life-changing step by enrolling in Ayurveda College to become an Ayurvedic Practitioner.

This new path has been more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined. Now, I have the honor of guiding women through their own health journeys, offering support, wisdom, and wellness tools that empower them to take control of their health. My journey from Fashion Designer to Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner has shown me that true healing goes beyond the physical; it is a spiritual experience, one that connects us all to something greater.

This is what fuels my purpose every day – helping others find harmony in their bodies, minds, and souls.

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 am honored to share my journey with you. My path to becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Teacher was far from conventional, starting with nearly a decade in the fashion industry after earning a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design from Syracuse University. While I loved the fast-paced, creative world of fashion, everything changed when I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. This health challenge forced me to reassess my priorities, and it was through yoga that I found both healing and a new passion.

Yoga opened the door to holistic wellness, leading me to Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing. After seeing how complementary medicine transformed my own health, I knew I wanted to help others in a similar way. In 2015, I began my studies to become an Ayurvedic Practitioner, and since then, I have been dedicated to guiding clients toward balanced, holistic health.

I offer a variety of services that focus on holistic health, wellness, and spiritual growth. As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, I guide individuals through tailored wellness protocols that include dietary and herbal guidance as well as lifestyle practices designed to support the body’s natural balance. I also incorporate yoga and mindfulness into my practice, helping people create mind-body connections that support their healing. Many of my clients are women who are dealing with many health and life challenges, and I am particularly passionate about supporting them because of my own personal experiences.

What sets me apart is the deeply personal nature of my journey and my genuine empathy for what my clients are going through. I understand the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of health struggles because I’ve lived through them myself. This allows me to offer not only practical tools but also emotional support, creating a safe space for healing. My goal is to empower my clients to take control of their own health, using the holistic wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation to make informed, conscious choices that lead to long-term well-being.

I am most proud of the sense of purpose I feel in my work. Knowing that I can help others transform their health and lives is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s through one-on-one consultations, mentorships, workshops, or wellness retreats, I strive to give my clients the tools they need to feel empowered, balanced, and in tune with their bodies.

If there is one thing I would love potential clients to know about me and my work, it’s that healing is a journey, and it’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. Every person’s path is unique, and I’m here to offer guidance, support, and a personalized approach that respects where you are and helps you move toward where you want to be. This isn’t just about addressing symptoms—it’s about creating sustainable, holistic wellness that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A story that truly highlights my resilience is the 3-year period when I was balancing multiple life-changing responsibilities all at once. I was caring for my two young children, attending Ayurveda College to become a Certified Practitioner, and opening my own yoga and wellness studio—all while my husband was working and frequently traveling.

Each day felt like a juggling act as a mother, student, wife, and business owner. In between, I was building the foundation of my wellness studio – everything from planning classes to creating a nurturing space for the community. Most days were spent completing coursework or preparing for client sessions, all while ensuring I was present for my kids.

There were moments when it felt overwhelming, especially with my husband often away for work, but I relied heavily on the principles of yoga, Ayurveda and my community to keep myself grounded. I learned the importance of being present in each moment and practicing self-compassion. Looking back, that period tested me in ways I hadn’t expected, but it also proved that with determination, support, and mindfulness, we can rise to meet any challenge.

This experience not only shaped my professional journey but also made me a stronger, more resilient person. It deepened my understanding of the balance between career, personal growth, and family, and I now share that wisdom with my clients.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I had to make a significant pivot in my wellness business. Luckily, I had moved to Orlando a few months before, and was already starting to network and find ways to share my work. I had been running my yoga and wellness studio, offering in-person classes, workshops, and consultations. Suddenly, the world changed, and like so many others, I had to adapt quickly. With lockdowns and social distancing in place, I transitioned my entire business online.

I started teaching yoga classes online, offering live sessions and recorded content to keep my community connected. I also began conducting Ayurvedic consultations and wellness coaching through video calls, which required rethinking how to create the same level of personal connection and support remotely. There was a bit of a learning curve with the technology and restructuring the business model, but this pivot allowed me to expand my reach beyond my local community. This part was exciting and rewarding.

This shift in my business taught me the importance of flexibility and creativity in challenging times. It wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to continue supporting my clients during a time when they needed wellness practices the most. This experience not only kept my business thriving during the pandemic but also opened new possibilities for the future of my practice. Even now, my wellness business is mostly online, affording me the opportunity to see clients all over the states and having international students attend my online workshops.

I now run a global Facebook group, Ayurvedic Health for Women, where I share weekly inspiration, wellness tips, live classes, and retreat updates. I have members on that platform from all over the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katicawellness.com
• Instagram: @katicawellness
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katicawellness
• Linkedin: Katherine Yannucci
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ayurvedichealthforwomen

Image Credits

Victor Gonzalez
Douglas J. Yannucci