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

Alright, Natasha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

At Lost Lotus Yoga, we take great pride in our commitment to diverge from the industry standard and create a truly unique and inclusive yoga experience. One of the key aspects that sets us apart is our dedication to honoring all yoga styles and practices intuitively, without rigid adherence to a single methodology.

In a world that often emphasizes conformity, we celebrate individuality and uniqueness. Our studio is a sanctuary for misfits, rebels, and free spirits who may feel marginalized or overlooked elsewhere.We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and accepted exactly as they are, regardless of their background, experience level, or body type. Our studio is a safe space for individuals to explore and connect with their highest, most authentic selves, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

We are a Safe Space for Any Creative Body to Find their Brilliance & Bloom Wildly Without Judgment.

Natasha, 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 Natasha, a Canadian-born yogi who found her calling in Houston after a life-altering car accident in 2014 left me with a broken neck. Yoga became my guiding light, igniting my purpose, passion, and positivity.

My yoga flows reflect a blend of contemporary energy and deep respect for yoga’s ancient roots. I honed my craft through immersive experiences in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and a remote ashram in the Himalayas of Nepal, completing my 300-hour training (RYT-500) steeped in Eastern philosophies.

Beyond the mat, I’m an avid traveler, always seeking diverse and culturally rich experiences that inspire and inform my teaching. Whether savoring local cuisines or immersing myself in new environments, my zest for life extends far beyond the confines of a yoga studio.

As a yoga teacher, my mission is simple: to share joy, energy, and profound understanding with my students. My classes offer a sanctuary for authentic self-expression, encouraging each individual to embark on their unique journey of growth and self-discovery. For me, teaching yoga is a celebration of life, love, and the beautiful journey of becoming.

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

The car accident in 2014 was a pivotal moment in my life, not just because of the physical injuries I sustained but also because of the profound lessons it taught me about resilience and responsibility.

In the aftermath of the accident, as I focused on healing my physical body, I began to realize the mental and emotional challenges that had been lying dormant within me. It was a period of deep introspection and soul-searching, during which I realized that there was a significant amount of darkness I had been avoiding – including struggles with an eating disorder and unaddressed generational traumas.

Ultimately, overcoming these obstacles has made me stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient than I ever thought possible. It’s a journey that continues to unfold, reminding me of the power of resilience and the importance of taking responsibility for my own happiness and well-being.

Sharing my journey openly has inadvertently created a safe space for others to open up and heal. By being transparent about my struggles, I’ve invited others to do the same, fostering a community of support and understanding. It’s a reminder of the power of vulnerability and the healing that comes from sharing our stories authentically.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an engaged audience on social media has been an organic journey for me, centered around authenticity, connection, and genuine interaction.

When I first started sharing my journey as a yoga teacher on social media, I focused on creating content that truly resonated with me and reflected my values and personality. Whether it was sharing insights from my own practice, snippets of my classes, or moments of inspiration from my travels, I made sure that every post authentically represented who I am and what I stand for.

Community has always been at the heart of my social media presence. I made a conscious effort to engage with my followers, responding to comments, messages, and questions with genuine care and attention. I saw social media not just as a platform to broadcast my own voice, but as a space for meaningful dialogue and connection with like-minded individuals.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay true to yourself and your passions. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your content, and always prioritize authenticity over perfection. Engage with your audience genuinely, listening to their feedback and building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. And remember, building a strong community takes time and patience, so stay consistent, stay authentic, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lostlotusyoga.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/natashgetslost
• Other: IG: lostlotusyoga