We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Monk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

I spoke Soulfish Events into existence back in 2019 during a transformative yoga retreat in Costa Rica. That moment was the spark; a deep calling to create soulful gatherings that blend movement, music, and meaningful community. Since then, I’ve had to evolve in so many ways, growing from a simple vision into a full-fledged practice that hosts retreats, events, and experiences rooted in flow and connection.

The early days were both thrilling and challenging (so many tears!). Starting my own pop-up experience business meant learning to wear many hats ; from event planning and marketing to financial management and community building. Finding the right balance between honoring my creative spirit and managing the practical demands of running a business was a key step. Setting up my business wasn’t just about the physical space or logistics, but also about cultivating resilience and trust in my vision.

If I could do anything differently, I’d say I’d have sought more mentorship earlier on and invested sooner in systems to streamline operations, so I could spend more time on what I love: serving my community and leading experiences that inspire transformation.

For any young professional thinking about starting their own similar business, my advice is to listen closely to your inner calling and be patient with your process. Build your foundation step-by-step, surround yourself with supportive mentors, and remember that evolution is part of the journey — your business will grow as you do.

Laura, 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?

My name is Laura Monk, and I’m the founder of Soulfish Events and Flowstate with Laura. I’ve spent over a decade creating experiences that invite people to reconnect with themselves through movement, music, nature, and intentional community. My journey into this work was rooted in a personal search for confidence and clarity. In 2014, while working at a production company, I found myself needing to speak up in meetings and lead in front of others. I didn’t feel grounded in my voice, so I enrolled in a yoga teacher training—not necessarily to teach, but to build confidence and find my voice. That training opened a door I never expected and completely shifted the direction of my life.

In 2019, I was on a yoga retreat in Costa Rica surrounded by conscious entrepreneurs and creatives. It was there that I first spoke the words “Soulfish Events” out loud. That simple act of naming the vision changed everything. I believe so deeply in the power of environment—that when we surround ourselves with people who are driven, inspired, and expansive, we begin to shift as well. That retreat planted the seed, and since then, I’ve been building a brand that curates transformative experiences rooted in movement, connection, and intention.

My offerings include yoga and movement classes, immersive retreats, wellness activations, creative workshops, and mentorship programs for new teachers and space holders. Whether it’s a yoga class under the stars, a desert retreat, a guided breathwork and sound journey, or a deep dive into somatic practices, my work is designed to help people return to presence, rediscover their spark, and step back into alignment.

In 2023, I was honored to be selected as a lululemon Ambassador for their UTC location. Since then, I’ve continued to partner with them and other local leaders to offer collaborative community events and activations that bring people together in meaningful ways. It’s part of my mission to create spaces that feel alive, inclusive, and full of purpose.

What sets me apart is the blend of grounded leadership and soulful space-holding I bring to each offering. With a background in production, design, and sales, I approach my work with professionalism and creativity. But at the core, it’s always about authenticity, heart, and creating a container for real transformation.

I’m most proud of the community that has grown around Soulfish. It’s a vibrant, curious, and connected group of humans who are each on their own journey of expansion. For anyone new to this work, I want you to know that Soulfish is more than a brand—it’s an invitation to come home to yourself, to move with purpose, and to find flow in the wild rhythm of life.

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

What has helped me build my reputation in a very saturated wellness and creative community is staying true to who I am and showing up consistently with intention. I’ve learned that I cannot please everyone, and that trying to do so only pulls me away from my purpose. Instead of diluting my voice to fit into every space, I choose to lean into my niche—creating grounded, soulful experiences for people who are seeking real connection, movement, and presence.

I don’t follow trends just to stay relevant. I trust my intuition. I ask myself why I’m creating something and who it’s really for. That inner compass helps me stay aligned, even when the noise around me gets loud. I remind myself often that no one can duplicate my energy or the way I hold space. That mindset helps me stay rooted and confident, even in a crowded field.

I’ve also noticed how much exclusivity can show up in this industry. Whether it’s subtle or overt, it creates barriers that don’t need to exist. I actively strive to offer spaces that feel welcoming, inclusive, and down-to-earth—where people can show up as they are. That sense of belonging is at the core of everything I create.

My reputation has been built not by trying to be everything to everyone, but by staying authentic, evolving with purpose, and creating experiences that resonate on a soul level. That’s what keeps people coming back and what makes the work meaningful for me.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been consistency—offering the same experience or a similar one over time so people begin to associate me and my brand with something specific, memorable, and meaningful. When you create something that truly resonates, repeating and evolving it not only helps you grow as a facilitator, but it also builds trust, recognition, and excitement within your community.

A great example of this is Yoga on the Sea, which is heading into its 15th installment with our annual SoulStoked summer party on September 7th. What started as a creative blend of yoga, music, and the ocean has turned into a signature experience that people look forward to year after year. My favorite part of this event is how much fun everyone has. There’s something so powerful about watching people who came alone end up laughing, chatting, and making new friends on the boat. That energy carries forward and helps grow the event organically through word of mouth and genuine connection.

It’s not just about the yoga or the setting—it’s about how people feel when they’re part of something that invites both joy and belonging. These shared experiences help build community and naturally create a sense of momentum and visibility.

By continuing to offer experiences that are aligned, joyful, and inclusive, I’ve been able to grow a loyal and engaged community that keeps coming back—and brings others along with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulfishevents.com
• Instagram: @soulfishevents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulfishevents
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soulfishmonk/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flowstatewithlaura
• Other: https://www.flowstatewithlaura.com/

Image Credits

Rachel Frank, Kristina Millican Photography, Lia Cappello/Cali James Productions