We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mishell Vale Elliston a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mishell Vale, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
I opened a yoga studio in 2006 in Arizona. There were no Ashtanga studios in the Valley. I grew and thrived in my studio, expanded my business, and eventually sold it in 2013. I realized I didn’t need the brick-and-mortar establishment to make it. I took more courses and received additional National Certifications, and I grew my business to be more than just yoga. I now offer Personal Training, Meditation, Yoga Certifications, Life Coaching, Wellness, and Health Coaching both in-person and virtual. I truly believe we create our limitations personally and professionally. I am always looking for and learning new concepts to fitness and wellness. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and the risks involved in opening your own business. The rewards outweigh the stress. If you love what you do, it never seems like work. I coach individuals who want to start their businesses, and I share my knowledge and share the struggles. In the end, we are all here to be of service. I hope this article helps someone go after what they want to do. If you don’t know how to begin, call me.
Mishell Vale, 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?
When I was 5-year-old, I was jumping rope with a neighborhood friend, and I fell and hit my head on the concrete driveway. My mother rushed me in her car to John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix. I was later transferred to the Barrow Neurological Institute, where, after months of physical therapy, doctors declared that I would never speak nor walk again. By the age of 10, I had become an attraction at symposiums conducted by the Barrow Neurological Institute. I was asked to skip or play hopscotch on stage in front of an audience of physicians to illustrate my progress. Through the continual repetition of simple tasks, I essentially had rewired my brain around the injury, a result supported by subsequent brain scans. Doctors dubbed me “the miracle child.” Nearly all physical functioning had returned, except in my left wrist, hand, and foot. Some loss of fine motor skills remained, though my lingering disability did not keep me from trying new things, including softball and tennis, later Triathlons and Marathons. I went on to earn her 500+-hour yoga teacher certification through Advanced Yoga Sciences in San Francisco, CA. I was a board member of the Arizona Yoga Association and the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and I completed Ayurveda therapy training through the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. I believe anyone can reap the benefits of yoga and exercise. My clients range from athletes to people with paraplegia, from teens to seniors. My advice to beginners is simple: start slow, do what you can, and trust that you will steadily improve with every session. Set your intention, create your desire, and the skies the limit.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I returned to AZ in 2001, a few days before 9/11. I lived in San Francisco for several years and worked in Branding for one of the largest Worldwide branding firms managing Corporate Identities. I moved back to Arizona to buy a house and reconnect with family. To my surprise, the advertising and branding industry was very different from what I was used to. I tried it, I worked for some smaller studios, but I was not satisfied. I had to make a change to reinvent myself. I had to change my career path altogether if I would reside in Arizona. I practiced Yoga for many years in San Francisco and decided to get certified. I went from earning a much higher income in the Bay Area to folding towels at a gym (to learn how to run one). I knew I wanted to open a yoga studio, but I had no idea what was involved. I asked questions, I watched, and I did my research. Talk about a humbling experience. I loved every minute of it. It’s incredible how much you can downsize when you love what you do. I started with Yoga and now do so much more. You never know where your path will take you. I suggest; first, you find your passion, and the rest will come. Watch for the signs.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building up your social media is challenging. I worked harder on my LinkedIn than the others but quickly learned they are all critical. Costumers have many sources to view your content, and it can be time-consuming. Carve out the time to be consistent or hire someone savvy in the areas you need – a local business, perhaps!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eightlimfit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightlimfit/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishellv/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightlimFit
Image Credits
Mishell Elliston