We recently connected with Mary Beth Harding and have shared our conversation below.

Mary Beth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I’ve been teaching yoga for more than seven years and I could have never imagined where this field would take me when I first started.

As I was completing my 200-hour teacher training I was asked to lead a donation-based early morning class at the studio where I had first started my practice seven years prior. I was eager, but scared, to transition from student to teacher at Steadfast and True Yoga.

I had a background in adult education, so I knew how to teach, but was anxious about how I would be received. Would people show up? Would they enjoy the class? Despite the nerves, there was a deep sense of fulfillment. Over time, those nerves never left but they have shifted, making space for joy and laughter.

At the time, I never thought I would become a full-time yoga teacher, but as I grew as a teacher, I realized it was a true calling. Teaching has brought so many incredible opportunities and connections into my life. Looking back, I’m so happy I started where I did. That first class taught me the importance of showing up and doing the work, even when fear is present. It set the foundation for everything that came after and allowed me to make the decision to transition to teaching full-time in 2023!

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

I’ve been practicing yoga since 2010 after a recommendation from a therapist. I was drawn to yoga initially for its physical benefits, but as I practiced more, I realized how much it offered mentally and emotionally. Yoga became a sanctuary, a space where I could truly connect with myself. Eventually, I decided to take a teacher training course, not necessarily with the goal of teaching full-time but to deepen my own understanding and lead classes in the community.

However, the desire to share this powerful practice with others grew, and before I knew it, I was teaching more and more in studios, at nonprofits, at events, and throughout the country. In 2023 I knew it was time to transition to teaching full-time when my nonprofit career was leading me to turn down teaching opportunities that were more aligned with my energy and joy. I wanted to say “yes” and transitioned to full-time teaching and I am so glad I did.

Today, I offer a variety of classes, workshops, and trainings that focus on all benefits of the practice. I’m passionate about creating safe spaces for people to explore movement and mindfulness in a way that feels accessible. What sets me apart is my focus on personalization and understanding that everyone’s body and mind are unique. I’m most proud of the community I’ve been able to build around this practice, and I want potential clients to know that yoga with me is about more than just shapes — it’s about cultivating a deeper relationship with yourself.

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

One of the toughest moments in my career was losing a longtime position as an executive director of an adult education program during the pandemic. It was a role I was passionate about, had worked hard to achieve at a young age, and I was devastated by the uncertainty caused by this sudden change.

But this experience also taught me an important lesson: nothing is truly secure, and the ability to adapt is crucial. Through yoga, I had already been practicing this idea — that change is the only constant. Yoga gave me the tools to witness and embrace change, and to shift my relationship with it. I used that resilience to pivot, first landing at another nonprofit before deciding to grow my yoga service, leaning into the lessons I had learned on the mat about flexibility, both physical and mental.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Success in a yoga business requires a willingness to try new things, even knowing that not all of them will work. I often tell students that physical flexibility is not required to practice yoga, but a flexible mindset and approach, is key to a yoga business.

It’s also crucial to value your time and expertise appropriately. One thing I’ve learned is the importance of honoring the value of your services and not intentionally undervaluing yours or others’ work. By respecting your own time and worth, you ensure that you respect the efforts of fellow yoga teachers, maintaining the integrity of the service we provide.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marybethhardingyoga.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithmarybeth/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-harding/

Image Credits

Kelly Phipps
Erin Fiebig
Laura Cockman
Sam Angel