We recently connected with Michell Llovet and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Three years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. Professionally, I had reached what many would call the pinnacle: serving as a Student Activities Director and head of the PE Department with 25 years of dedication in Catholic education. I loved my work and the community I served, yet I began to feel that the path was coming to an end. The demands of the job were draining my time, energy, and health. I started gaining weight, my stress levels soared, and my spinal condition combined with arthritis worsened. Ironically, while I had spent years teaching our youth the importance of living a balanced, healthy life, I was no longer embodying that message.

A turning point came during a visit to my neurologist for cervical compression and nerve discomfort. Instead of exploring conservative options like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory measures, I was quickly directed toward surgery—a recommendation that left me baffled, especially since the medications prescribed had already contributed to my weight gain and overall stress.

That moment of clarity forced me to reassess my priorities. Unable to continue with the physical routines of the past, I began with mindfulness practices and gradually transformed my nutrition. I dedicated a “power hour” each morning to nurture my well-being—reading, journaling, and engaging in different forms of exercise. Realizing I needed more, I sought a second opinion from a doctor whose holistic approach resonated with my own beliefs. He advised against further medication, prescribed physical therapy, and recommended yoga. I embraced his guidance wholeheartedly.

This pivot not only changed my physical health but also led me inward during the challenges of the pandemic. I even pursued a yoga certification, marking the beginning of a profound journey of healing and expansion.

I got certified in yoga and began to think, “I want more!” I wanted to show others how to build strength, make meaningful changes, and reclaim their lives as I had mine. I envisioned a space where movement, flow, and mindful practice could intertwine with healing, and where I could hold space for others on their journeys. This was my calling—a lifelong commitment to wellness and transformation. Brainstorming with a few of my closest friends, the idea took shape, and “Mindful Movements for Life” was born.

Now, as a certified yoga instructor and Health Coach, I look back in awe at how far I’ve come. I’ve shed over 90 pounds, sidestepped the looming threat of surgery, and freed myself from the clutches of medications. I even chose to leave behind alcohol, realizing that a nightly wine was a vestige of my old, stressed self. Today, I live aligned with my purpose, flourishing as I guide others toward a balanced, healthier life—one mindful movement at a time.

Michell, 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 Michell Llovet—a yoga instructor and health coach whose transformative journey has reshaped my life’s purpose. Once a seasoned educator in Catholic education, I faced my own challenges with stress, weight gain, and health issues that forced me to reevaluate my approach to well-being. By embracing yoga, mindfulness, and a holistic lifestyle, I reclaimed my vitality—shedding over 90 pounds, avoiding surgery, and releasing old habits that no longer served me. This personal transformation inspired me to create Mindful Movements for Life, a space where I guide others to cultivate strength, balance, and mindful living. Through my health coaching, I offer accountability and motivation, empowering individuals to embark on their own journeys of healing and sustainable change.

I serve others through 1:1 in person private yoga sessions, virtual sessions, health coaching GLP-1 clients and kitchen clean outs.

I like to listen to my clients needs and then show them how they can prioritize self care in their busy worlds.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was in major pain—spinal stenosis was causing occipital neuralgia and compressing the nerves down my arm. I refused to rely on more medication, especially after losing my sister to opioid addiction that year. My body ached and my heart was shattered, yet I knew I had to make a change. Despite working 12-hour days, nights, and weekends, I carved out time for self-care. I managed to work full time, attend physical therapy twice a week, and even make it to a beach yoga session. Every morning before work, I dedicated time to study for my yoga certification, squeezed in a power hour at the gym, and learned everything I could about starting and growing a business—all during the height of the pandemic.

I could have retreated and focused on just one aspect of my life, but I was determined to transform my situation and build a new future. That drive led to the creation of my business, Mindful Movements for Life, and fueled my dream of one day opening a center called HEAL: Helping Everyone Achieve Love. This center will offer yoga, mindfulness, and health coaching, and eventually expand to include psychological services—something I aspire to provide as my daughter graduates in psychology in a few years. Although I haven’t reached that goal yet, I am steadily working toward it.

Now, I am proud of the resilience and strength it took to regain my physical health and nurture my spiritual well-being. I continue to grow my company, expand my clientele, and reach more people with my message. This journey has made me stronger than I ever imagined possible.

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

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned on this journey is unlearning my people-pleasing tendencies. I used to sacrifice my own well-being in an effort to satisfy everyone else, but I’ve since discovered that true service comes from within, balanced by healthy boundaries. Now, I serve others with a mindful awareness of my own needs, ensuring that my care for them doesn’t come at the expense of caring for myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mindfulmovementsforlife.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmovementsforlife?igsh=MXhhdDI2c3M1NHRxdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Photosbymaca