We recently connected with Maleah Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Maleah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
As a young chef, I discovered early on that working in less-than-perfect kitchens can provide equally valuable lessons to working in 5-star establishments. My first internship was at a 4-star resort in Florida, where the Executive Chef was well-liked, made a substantial income, and lived a cushy life as the members chef. However, after growing up in the restaurant industry and completing college, I sought a change of scenery and took a job at a luxury resort with a members-only kitchen. Despite its opulence, there were simple mistakes being made in the kitchen that irked me, and I frequently vented to my internship director.
To my surprise, he replied, “You will learn more valuable lessons on what not to do than if you had the perfect internship on how to do everything the right way.” Those words had a profound impact on me, and I’ve carried them with me throughout my career. The experience taught me the importance of adaptability, poise, informed decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Despite my intern status, I was able to make positive changes in the kitchen and emerge as a leader.
When I left that position, I felt well-equipped to tackle more advanced dining and continue growing my career. The lessons I learned there have been invaluable and elevated my professional trajectory.
Maleah, 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?
Hello! I’m Maleah. I run a private wellness studio called Inner Spiral Wellness in Boca Raton, FL. My focus is to help clients manage their pain through integrative movements, breathing techniques, self-awareness, and exercise. I also offer yoga classes in the park on Saturday mornings, as well as workshops and yoga teacher training programs throughout the community.
My philosophy towards health is based on the concept of whole-body integration. By only focusing on larger body parts, we may overlook the smaller, but equally important, structures that support us and contribute to persistent aches and pains. By incorporating mobility exercises, we increase the range of motion of individual joints and build a stronger foundation for our favorite physical activities.
When the body functions as a harmonious unit, it makes everyday life easier. No more pain from sitting at a desk, stronger workouts, faster running, and the ability to do the things you love without restriction!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Making a career change can be daunting, but the end result can be incredibly fulfilling. My husband was transferred from his executive chef position in Washington D.C. to South Beach, Miami when I was six months pregnant. This was a major adjustment for us, especially for me as I was the assistant general manager of a popular wine bar in Arlington, VA. Although I loved my job, I was eager to move to Florida and start a new chapter in my life.
Once our daughter was born, we decided it wouldn’t be feasible for me to return to work in the restaurant industry while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. Instead, I found solace in my yoga practice. I discovered a studio that offered childcare twice a day, which allowed me to take 75 minutes for myself and recharge. This time became invaluable to me as a new mother.
My passion for yoga and movement only grew, and I knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday. When the studio offered a 200-hour training program, I knew it was my moment to make the switch. I took the training and never looked back. Although it was scary to leave the only career I had ever known, I applied the skills I learned from the restaurant industry to my new path as a yoga teacher.
A few years later, I took the leap and opened my own private movement studio shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic hit. It has been the greatest reward to see how my clients and I have grown and transformed through our yoga and movement practice.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If given the chance to go back in time, I would still choose movement as my area of expertise. Although I always secretly yearned to study sports medicine, I was not interested in the rigorous academic demands. Instead, I was drawn to the fast-paced lifestyle of working in restaurants. I loved the energy of a busy night, the relationships I formed with both staff and customers, and the flexibility in scheduling that came with the job.
Nothing brings me more satisfaction than witnessing a client regaining their vitality through movement. Whether it’s playing with their children on the floor, enjoying a round of golf, or simply getting back into shape, it’s a privilege to provide them with tools to alleviate their pain, manage their stress, and help them breathe deeply. Knowing that I have a positive impact on people’s self-perception and relationship with the world around them never becomes dull.
If I could go back, I would choose to study sports medicine and explore what could have been a different career path.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maleahwilsonyoga.com
- Instagram: @maleahwilsonmvmt
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/maleah.skwirsk
Image Credits
Teri Roberts Photography