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

Paola, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

At 41, I took my first yoga class, never imagining that a simple practice would ignite a transformation that would change my life forever. By 44, I had become a certified yoga teacher. But stepping onto this path was not easy—it required faith, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.

At that time, my husband and I owned a successful European Kitchen and Bath store, but I was the one running it day to day while he focused on his own business as a General Contractor. The store was something we had built together, and it provided us with financial security and a strong sense of accomplishment. I had stability, success, and a clear path ahead of me. But deep inside, something was missing.

Yoga had become my passion, something that lit a fire within me. The more I practiced, the more I felt drawn to it. But pursuing this dream meant walking away from the business I had poured my heart into. It meant leaving behind certainty for something entirely new. It meant giving up financial stability for an unknown future. It was terrifying.

Then came another challenge—sharing my journey on social media. I had always been a private person, hesitant to open up my personal life to strangers. The thought of putting myself out there felt intimidating and uncomfortable. But my friends and cousin urged me to share my story, reminding me that it could inspire others. Their belief in me gave me the courage to push past my fears. I began posting about my struggles, growth, and transformation. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this simple act of vulnerability would open doors I never imagined and create a ripple effect, inspiring countless others to believe in themselves and take charge of their own dreams.

Stepping into the world of teaching yoga came with its own set of fears. Most instructors in my area were in their 20s and 30s, while those closer to my age already had many years of experience. I was starting over in my mid-40s—an outsider, a beginner. Who would take me seriously? Would anyone show up to my classes? The fear of failure was real, but I refused to let it define me. My faith reminded me: Fear not. So, I took the leap.

Slowly, people started reaching out, telling me how my journey encouraged them to take charge of their own health. Some started practicing yoga, others began walking, swimming, or simply believing in themselves again. What started as a deeply personal decision turned into something bigger—a movement that reminded people that reinvention is possible at any age.

Then, just when I thought I was on the path I was meant for, another challenge arrived. At 47, I faced menopause, a life stage that can feel isolating and overwhelming. But instead of hiding the experience, I decided to open up and share about the changes women go through during this time. This vulnerability allowed me to connect with other women who, like me, felt that we are not alone in this journey. Together, we began celebrating the beauty and vibrance that comes with every stage of life. I made it my mission to help women feel beautiful, strong, and vibrant, no matter their age.

During the emotional challenges of peri-menopause, I found solace in my yoga practice and created my own line of yoga mats—each one inscribed with affirmations and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques. NLP is a powerful tool that helps reprogram the mind to transform negative thought patterns into positive beliefs. With these mats, I wanted to create a space where people could not only practice yoga but also reconnect with their own worth. The idea was simple: to lift others up when they felt down, to remind them that they are worthy of love and happiness, even in the toughest moments.

Taking this risk has opened doors I never dreamed of. I’ve been invited to speak on podcasts, appear on national TV, and teach at some of the most prestigious wellness festivals in Europe and across the U.S. But more than any of that, I’ve built a community of people who now believe that it’s never too late to start over.

This journey has taught me that success doesn’t come from staying where it’s safe—it comes from believing in yourself, taking chances, and putting in the work. If I had let fear dictate my choices, I would have never discovered the life waiting for me beyond my doubts.

So, if you’re standing at the edge of a dream, wondering if you should take the leap—do it. Your passion is worth the risk. Your dreams are worth chasing. And no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to begin again.

Paola, 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?

My name is Paola Pietri, I am almost 51 years old—a mother of four, a grandmother of two, a wife, and a housewife. But beyond these roles, I am a woman who dared to take a risk, who refused to believe that age was a limitation, and who transformed her life in a way that now inspires thousands of others to do the same.

My journey into the world of wellness, yoga, and self-empowerment began at 41 when I took my first yoga class. At the time, I was running my own successful business—a European Kitchen and Bath store that my husband and I owned. My husband, a General Contractor, had his own business, and together, we had built a life of stability. But something inside me was calling for more. Yoga ignited a passion in me that I couldn’t ignore. By 44, I made the bold decision to walk away from the security of my business and pursue my calling as a yoga instructor.

It was a risk—a huge one. I was stepping into a completely new career, in an industry where most yoga teachers were in their 20s and 30s, and those my age had already accumulated years of experience. I was starting fresh, as an outsider. But I refused to let fear or age define my journey. I embraced the uncertainty, took a leap of faith, and went all in.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work unique is that I don’t just teach yoga—I help people rewrite their own stories. I work with all ages, but my passion lies in empowering people over 40—primarily women—who feel like time has passed them by, who believe they are too old to start something new, or who doubt that they can feel their best again.

I help both men and women rediscover their strength, reconnect with their bodies, and prioritize their well-being—not just for aesthetics, but for longevity, vitality, and self-love. I remind them that taking care of themselves isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. We spend so much of our lives caring for others, but in order to do that fully, we must first take care of ourselves. Through yoga, movement, and mindfulness, I help people embrace the truth that their age is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity for growth, reinvention, and empowerment.

For women, I place special focus on supporting them through the changes that come with menopause. I know firsthand the struggles—weight gain, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings. Society often makes women feel invisible at this stage, as if their best years are behind them. But I refuse to accept that narrative. Menopause is not the end—it is a new beginning. My mission is to help women feel strong, beautiful, and comfortable in their bodies during this time, to embrace every phase of life with confidence, grace, and self-love.

Making it a Movement—Not Just a Practice
What started as my personal journey has now become a movement. Through my social media handle @Yogafter40 (on all platforms), I share my experiences, struggles, and triumphs to inspire others to embrace their own journeys. In the beginning, sharing my story online was a challenge—I was always a private person. But my friends and my cousin, who is like a sister to me, encouraged me to open up. They reminded me that my story could inspire others.

So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and began sharing everything—my fears, my wins, my transformation. That decision changed everything. I started connecting with thousands of people who felt seen, heard, and motivated to take control of their own health and dreams. Today, my online community is filled with people who have started their own fitness journeys, not just through yoga but through walking, swimming, going to the gym—whatever movement feels right for them.

This isn’t just about me. This is about showing the world that we are never too old, too late, or too far gone to become the best versions of ourselves.

Expanding My Mission: A Supplement Line Designed for Thriving at Every Age
As I continued my journey, I faced another transformation—menopause. At 47, I entered this stage of life and quickly realized how little open conversation there was about it. Women go through profound changes—physically, emotionally, and mentally—yet many suffer in silence, unsure of how to navigate this new phase. At the same time, I recognized that men also face challenges as they age, from changes in metabolism to joint and bone health. I knew I had to do something to support both men and women in this stage of life.

That’s why I am now working on my own supplement line—a collection designed specifically for both men and women over 40. These supplements are formulated to support weight management, improve joint and bone health, and help with hormonal balance, energy levels, and overall well-being. For women, they also address menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and skin hydration issues, while for men, they focus on muscle support, metabolism, and vitality.

As we age, our bodies change, but that doesn’t mean we have to slow down or accept discomfort as the norm. My supplement line is crafted to help individuals feel strong, energized, and balanced, so they can continue living vibrant and fulfilling lives.

This isn’t just about supplements—it’s about empowering both men and women to take control of their health, feel their best, and embrace every stage of life with confidence. My goal is to give people the tools they need to thrive, not just age.

What I Am Most Proud Of
I am proud of the risks I took, the fear I overcame, and the movement I have built. I am proud that my journey has led me to speak on podcasts, national TV, and teach at some of the most prestigious wellness festivals in Europe and the U.S.. More than anything, I am proud of the community I have created—a space where people, especially those over 40, feel empowered to embrace their bodies, their health, and their dreams.

If there is one thing I want people to take away from my journey, it’s this:

✨ You are never too old to start over.
✨ You are never too late to chase your dreams.
✨ You are worthy of feeling strong, confident, and alive.

This is my mission, my passion, and my purpose—to show others that no matter what stage of life they are in, they can still thrive.

Join me on this journey. Let’s break barriers, redefine aging, and show the world that life truly begins when we decide to live it fully.

Find me on all platforms at @Yogafter40, and let’s create this movement together.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The journey to resilience in my life wasn’t an easy one, but it’s been one of the most rewarding. At 44, I made a decision that many would consider a leap of faith: I walked away from my own successful business to pursue my true passion—yoga. The stability I had worked so hard to build, the certainty of running my own business, all of that was left behind in search of something more fulfilling. But deep inside, I knew it was the right choice, even though the uncertainty was overwhelming. There were fears of failure, doubts about whether I could truly succeed, but I chose to keep going, trusting that my heart’s desire to help others was worth the risk.

However, life had more tests in store for me. Along the way, I faced physical setbacks that would challenge my body and mind. A torn rotator cuff, a torn ACL in my left knee—injuries that could have stopped me in my tracks. But instead of giving up, I chose to see them as an opportunity to grow even stronger. I worked through the pain, adapted my practice, and found new ways to heal. The road wasn’t easy, and recovery wasn’t linear, but each step forward, no matter how small, brought me closer to my goal.

Even now, I continue to face challenges with my body. I still struggle with pain in my right shoulder, and there are yoga poses I can no longer do as effortlessly as before. Some days, it’s frustrating. Yet, I’ve come to realize that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, no matter what. It’s about adapting, learning from each experience, and finding strength in the process of rebuilding. I’m not practicing yoga in the same way I did years ago, but the lessons I’ve learned along the way are priceless.

Resilience, for me, isn’t just about bouncing back after hardship—it’s about embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. It’s about honoring my body where it is today, learning to love and appreciate it no matter the limitations, and understanding that the path to strength isn’t always straightforward. I’ve proven to myself time and time again that I am capable of more than I thought, and that every setback is simply another chapter in my story of rising, again and again. I hope my journey inspires others to do the same—to keep moving forward, to keep dreaming, and to keep showing up, no matter what challenges life throws your way.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe that mindset is everything. It’s the foundation that holds everything else together. When you have the right mindset, you can face any obstacle, overcome any challenge, and push through moments of doubt with unwavering confidence.

Believing in yourself is crucial. No one else can believe in you until you believe in yourself first. And when you place your trust in the one and true God, the strength you receive is immeasurable. There’s a power that comes from knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be, and that you are capable of achieving everything you set out to do, no matter the challenges. Mindset over doubt is about silencing the negative voices and replacing them with self-belief and hope. It’s about choosing to rise, even when everything in you feels like giving up.

This belief in mindset is so powerful to me that it inspired me to create my own line of Mindset over Doubt merchandise. For years, this mantra has been a personal source of strength in my life, reminding me that no matter the odds, I have the ability to keep pushing forward. And now, I want to share that message with others. I created this merchandise as a daily reminder to anyone who wears it or sees it that they, too, have the power to overcome. Whether it’s a sweatshirt or a t-shirt, each piece serves as a small but powerful token to inspire faith over fear and belief over doubt.

For me, mindset over doubt is not just a phrase—it’s been a core belief in my life for as long as I can remember. It’s a daily practice, a way of life. When doubt creeps in, I choose to rise above it with faith—faith in myself, faith in the process, and ultimately, faith in God. I firmly believe that when we align ourselves with a greater purpose and trust that we are being guided, there’s nothing we cannot overcome.

I want everyone to understand that mindset over doubt isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life, a reminder that we have the strength to conquer anything, even when the road is tough. My hope is that my merchandise will help others carry that message with them every day, in every step of their journey, as a constant reminder of the power they hold within themselves to achieve their dreams. When you choose mindset over doubt, you open the door to limitless possibilities, and I truly believe that can transform lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bonfire.com%2Fstore%2Feverstrong40%2F%3Futm_source%3Dinstagram%26utm_medium%3Dstore_page_share%26utm_campaign%3Deverstrong40%26utm_content%3Ddefault%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZbq_pT2U3_BbLWFHLtfYOe4sTvX2RMF3Vbu-QQp9ouyfjA1558YhuPWgA_aem_r6ae1Z6BHUgPBP3bXCCbHQ&e=AT0K4BPNr21G7JXcEcR7MEqz4X2dP6qpFWrKZbgBnOazdKaG5TS1lwhu0wbWBPq5nCT96S4Qw9GTKK2rdt9goemJRMf-PvFrIAkpVUN3QIzRLiO7f7Lbqw
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/yogafter40
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfZ4X3RaIfaSjAl84aw0-sw

Image Credits

Erikdavid_lifestyle