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

Macara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Learning how to do aerial for me was more of a mental challenge than anything else. I didn’t learn it on my own, but I took classes at an aerial fitness studio in Akron to start! I started with a few beginner’s classes until I figured out the basic mechanics of inverting, climbing, and untying myself, but once I learned how to spin? – I was hooked!

The skills that were most essential were my determination and my patience. I had a real desire to see the woman in the mirror grow. I wanted to see her get stronger, see her skill increase, see her confidence bloom. I was motivated to see myself get better from the very beginning, and I still am. Through that process, I also fell in love with the woman in the mirror, as she is strong and very capable. This is still an ongoing process, and every season comes with new challenges, but I am committed to seeing that woman in the mirror work through it.

Macara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an aerial fitness and yoga instructor, aerial dance performer, and mental health advocate passionate about the connection between mind, body, and healing. My journey started with a deep love for movement. My love for aerial fitness, yoga, and dance helped me in a time when I wasn’t in the best mental space. Recognizing my growth through these practices eventually led me to explore how movement can be a powerful tool for trauma recovery and emotional well-being. With a background in social work, I’ve shaped my work around culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care.

Through my business, I offer yoga, aerial yoga, sound baths, meditation sessions, and private and corporate wellness sessions. You may also catch me performing at a gig from time to time! My focus is on creating spaces where people, especially those from racially stigmatized and marginalized backgrounds, can move, heal, and feel seen. In my work, I create spaces where people can move with intention, heal on their terms, and use movement as a tool for self-care and empowerment. Movement therapy isn’t just about fitness—it’s about reclaiming agency over one’s body, processing emotions, and finding freedom in expression.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and creating a culture that embraces progress over perfection. I’ve learned through my struggles that staying true to myself, even when it means stepping away from spaces or people that don’t align with my values, is essential. I’m not trying to look like anyone else; I’m just trying to be the best version of myself, and I want my students to be able to experience that same understanding that living authentically is experiencing freedom.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve grown in my ability to show up for myself and my clients. Even on my worst days, I am realizing that showing up to be a part of a community is so important. We may not realize it, but we all need each other, and we do more for each other’s presence than we realize. For those new to my work, I want them to know that healing and growth don’t happen by fitting into someone else’s box. It’s not about finding that perfect aesthetic, It’s about embracing who you are and finding joy in your journey.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As a Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS), my creative journey is centered around providing a space for people to heal in ways that feel natural to them. Sometimes, movement, breathwork, and mindfulness can be just as impactful in managing stress, anxiety, or trauma. My goal is to integrate these approaches into my work, offering clients a supportive environment where they can reconnect with themselves, release tension, and build resilience in a way that aligns with their personal needs. In the future, my goal is to expand this mission by opening my own brick and mortar studio. Having a dedicated space would be the ultimate realization of my vision as it has always been a desire to facilitate and create a space where community can thrive. ,

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A big lesson I had to unlearn was that success in my industry meant fitting into the right spaces, connecting with the right people, and being part of the community, whether or not it truly aligned with me. I used to think that in order to grow as an aerialist, yoga instructor, and performer, I had to be in the mix, show up at the right studios, and network with the right groups. But over time, I realized that forcing myself into spaces where I didn’t feel valued or authentic was draining and not rewarding.

The backstory? I’ve had multiple experiences where I either walked away from a studio or was let go and each time, it pushed me to question my place in this industry. The first time I was let go, I took it personally, like it was a reflection of my worth and who I was as a black woman. I thought maybe if I had presented myself differently or “fit the aesthetic,” I would have stayed. Then, when I later chose to leave another studio because I didn’t agree with their values, I realized that I actually had the power to define my own path. I wasn’t losing anything, I was making space for what was actually meant for me.

Now, I no longer feel the need to force connections or prove myself to anyone. I’m focused on building something real, something that aligns with my values and allows me to be my full self. If a space doesn’t allow that, it’s simply not for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/macaradanielle
• Instagram: Personal: @macaradaniele Business: @ailaaurafitness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macara.hitchcock/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@macara.danielle

Image Credits

@shannonophotos
@inframe.png