We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nykole Of YogiKole LLC. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nykole below.

Alright, Nykole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Wow. Creating my own business was definitely a journey in & of itself, and it really fed into establishing my own yoga practice.

So I used to practice movement & meditation almost unknowingly — just doing what felt right to me physically & mentally. I then started to put forth that practice onto others by helping them stretch or guiding them intuitively — just feeding my natural urge to serve others. It wasn’t until I started helping other people when I realized I was gifted. And I say that as humbly as possible! But their feedback, their words, their hype! They really gassed me into taking the steps to getting certified and creating a business. I wouldn’t have had the courage to establish YK LLC if I kept my passions to myself. And the journey really forced me to navigate through the waves of self-love, self-confidence, and self-worth. That being said, for those of you who are passionate about anything, I encourage you to share that passion with others. You never know what you’ll end up creating, and how much you’ll be uplifted.

Nykole, 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?

I am definitely NOT your typical yoga teacher. My mission as a yogi is to maximize one’s functional potential & human experience — both mentally & physically. Because of this, my services extend past the usual group yoga classes. I actually try to stay away from teaching groups because I much more prefer tailoring to an individual’s experience. That’s part of what sets me apart from other yoga teachers as my most requested service is a Guided Stretch. In this, I have a client wherever they’re most comfortable — I usually bring my stretch table, but I also accommodate clients who need to stay on a chair or recliner. Simply put, I do all the work and place them into yoga poses & stretches. This allows me to help them explore & maximize their mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. 100% of my clients post-session feel looser, taller, or generally relaxed. Often an added bonus: I help release stagnant energy & emotions — especially in the shoulders & hips. I’ve had some clients have AMAZING emotional releases, and I am most proud after these types of sessions. Ultimately, however, I can only meet clients as far as they’re ready to go. My work takes work — it takes awareness, openness, & vulnerability. But this is also what it takes to reach your fullest potential.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Somewhere/somehow while growing up, I developed this mentality that growth is linear — where if you picture a graph, it’s just a straight diagonal line progressing upwards. I’ve had to deviate from this mindset. Establishing my yoga practice continues to be a daily journey. And my practice looks different each day. My flexibility is different each day. My physical strength is different each day. My emotional stance is different each day. Some days I feel like I can do the impossible, and other days my practice is simply dedicating myself to rest & recovery. I used to really be hard on myself when I felt like I wasn’t making enough progress or reaching financial/client quotas I set for myself.
As I built on my mental health, and with the support of my family/friends/peers, it became easier to pivot when things weren’t going my way. (the biggest shoutout to my man, who’s literally forced me to tackle things I thought I couldn’t do.)
As I continue on this [non-linear] journey, I will say I learn more & more about myself each day — and it’s become so much easier standing in my values, protecting my health, and prioritizing what feeds my peace. I’ve become okay with knowing that growth is NOT linear, but to appreciate the journey that’s been meant for me to take.

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

In my personal opinion, the most effective trait you can have as a yogi is a passion for health — physical health, mental health, the health of your community, etc. If you aren’t driven by a passion for health, it’s hard to determine what type of outcome or change you’re looking to empower.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yogawithkole.com/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogikole/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogikolellc

Image Credits
Ken Lorentz LLC