We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Porsh’a Marsh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Porsh’a, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
Meeting my first kids yoga student during the Easter-themed class I held was an unforgettable experience. I remember the rush of excitement and joy as I welcomed the little one, knowing I was about to share the gift of yoga and movement with them. The energy in the room was filled with curiosity and innocence, and it felt magical to be able to introduce yoga in such a playful, creative way. As we moved through poses inspired by spring and Easter, watching their enthusiasm grow made my heart swell with pride. It was in that moment that I knew this was my purpose bringing the joy of yoga to children. It left me feeling incredibly fulfilled, like I was truly making a difference in their lives by nurturing their bodies, minds, and spirits through movement.
Porsh’a, 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?
Hello! I’m Porsh’a, also known as “The Free-Spirited Yogi,” and I’m passionate about sharing the gift of yoga with children. I’ve been a preschool teacher for 15 years, and over time, I began to see how introducing yoga and mindfulness into early childhood education can profoundly benefit kids, both physically and emotionally. That realization led me to pursue training as a kids yoga instructor. Along with being a yoga teacher, I’m also a mother and self-love coach, which adds to my holistic approach in guiding children towards self-awareness, movement, and inner calm.
In my classes, I blend yoga with playful, imaginative storytelling, breathing techniques, and mindfulness exercises designed to engage kids in a fun and creative way. I also focus on self-love and body positivity, empowering children to develop confidence and a healthy relationship with their bodies from an early age. My goal is to help children release stress, build focus, and learn emotional regulation skills, all while having fun.
What sets me apart is my ability to create a nurturing, inclusive space where each child feels seen and celebrated. I understand the developmental needs of young children from my years of teaching preschool, so I tailor my yoga sessions to be age-appropriate, ensuring that every child feels successful and connected.
I’m most proud of the smiles and growth I see in the kids I work with. Watching them progress, not just in their yoga practice but also in their confidence and self-awareness, fills me with gratitude. The main thing I want people to know about my work is that it’s not just about physical movement, it’s about cultivating mindfulness, joy, and self-love in a way that will benefit children for the rest of their lives.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What helped me build my reputation as a kids yoga instructor was a combination of my experience, passion, and unique approach. First, my 15 years as a preschool teacher gave me deep insights into child development, which helped me create classes that are not only fun but also developmentally appropriate and engaging for young children. I’ve always had a natural ability to connect with kids, and I think parents and caregivers saw that right away.
My reputation grew because I don’t just focus on teaching yoga poses, I incorporate mindfulness, self-love, and creative expression, which sets me apart. I make each class an experience that is playful and imaginative while also introducing concepts like emotional regulation and body positivity, which many parents appreciate. Word-of-mouth has also played a big role, with parents sharing how much their children enjoy and benefit from my classes.
Consistency in showing up with energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care has helped too. I ensure that every child in my class feels seen and valued, which builds trust with parents and students. Additionally, hosting themed events like my Easter yoga class , where I shared how yoga can be fun and festive, also helped people see how dedicated I am to creating special, memorable experiences for kids. Finally, social media has been a great tool for sharing my journey, classes, and philosophy, which has helped to build a loyal community.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that illustrates my resilience as a kids yoga instructor took place early in my journey when I was first starting to integrate yoga into my preschool classroom. I was excited to share the benefits of yoga with my students, but the initial response wasn’t what I expected. Many of the children had trouble focusing, and a few didn’t want to participate at all. It felt discouraging because I had envisioned a more seamless experience, where the kids would be engaged and eager to try the new activities I was introducing.
Rather than give up, I realized I needed to adjust my approach. I started breaking the sessions into shorter, more manageable segments, incorporating more games, songs, and stories to capture their attention. I also worked on building a routine so the children knew what to expect each day, which helped them feel more comfortable. Slowly but surely, I started to see progress. The same students who were hesitant at first began to look forward to our yoga sessions. They became more focused, and I saw their confidence and enjoyment grow with each class.
That experience taught me the importance of flexibility and patience, both with myself and the children. It wasn’t always easy, but by staying committed to my purpose and adapting to meet the kids where they were, I was able to create a positive and engaging environment. That moment of resilience pushing through challenges and making adjustments helped shape me into the teacher I am today and reminded me of the power of persistence when it comes to working with children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://freespiritedyogis.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: The_freespirited_yogi