We were lucky to catch up with Sakina Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sakina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.
About 25 years ago I startled actively practicing yoga. I would go to many different studios all over the tri state area. Each time I saw advertisement for a new studio or teacher I would make every effort to visit hoping to find my yoga home.. I hardly saw People of color, I hardly saw any one who resembled my body type. Often I was met with stares and judgment. There were even times when people would move their mats away from mine. It took me a long time to find a place where I felt included and comfortable. I met my first teacher, Sasha who was encouraging, knowledgeable about yoga philosophy. Sasha recommended books and retreats and encouraged me to get my first certification because she believed I had a gift that needed to be shared with as many people as possible. Unfortunately, Sasha’s work visa was not renewed by the new studio owner and she was deported. After my first certification I got the idea to to start my own yoga studio. and BK Buddha was born. The vision of BK Buddha is to provide yoga and wellness to those who would not go into a yoga studio. It is an inclusive business for Everybody and every body. The biggest challenges was traveling with equipment from place to place since I didn’t have a brick and mortar location and I wanted to make my services accessible. Many clients were from marginalized populations so I wasn’t making a ton of money. It wasn’t until I acquired corporate clients with wellness budgets, athletes, social organizations and schools when I realized that I could make a real living doing what I love.
After many years of trainings and certifications and studying I think the main thing I would have done differently was consulted a business coach and applied for small business loans. For any young professionals just starting out I would advise to ask questions, know your worth and know that there will be times when your goals and integrity maybe challenged because of money, but stay the course.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve always been involved in some aspect of sports all my life. Anatomy and exercise science has always been of interest to me and understanding the mind/body connection. I had a difficult pregnancy, yoga and meditation helped me the most. There aren’t many things we can control in life , but our, our life force breath is one thing that can be controlled with discipline.
I am the owner and founder of BK Buddha, a traveling wellness hub for all things mind, body and spirit. I have a Masters of science degree in a Yoga Therapy and have been teaching and practicing many forms of yoga for 25+ years. For the past 8 years I’ve been an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University teaching a course I designed, Yoga Theory and Application which gives undergraduate students yoga and real world fundamentals on and off the mat. I am also the leading meditation instructor for Core by Hyperice, an app when paired with a device tracks the body’s physical response to guided meditations and breath work. I create meditations to help build self -awareness.
I am also certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid, Pre and Post Natal yoga and a Reiki level 2 healer and a Sound Therapist. Mental health advocacy is a top priority in my work. I am taking the Wellness Coach exam in the fall with National Association of Sports Medicine. I have a good number of athletes as clients and mental health crisis is rising among this population.
As a yoga therapist my purpose is to cultivate healing and healing presence and provide tools ( yoga, meditation, mindfulness) while supporting and empowering clients to reach short and long term health goals. The client’s role is to be active in their care and understanding of their own healing abilities. One thing that sets me a part from others in the industry is that I am relatable and I actually care. Wellness is not just a job for me it is my life’s purpose. What I’m most proud of is seeing Clients meet their goals and knowing that I have the skills, knowledge and education to support the mental, emotional and physical needs of Clients.
My background in the Publishing and Marketing has laid the foundation to navigate in the wellness community making yoga and well accessible for every body and Everybody. I am available and I love supporting and mentoring those new to the wellness industry.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The time when I had to pivot was during the pandemic. This was a business and life pivot. Gyms, studios and most of the industry took a hard it. As a professor and teaching virtually, I became burnt out and I couldn’t provide the same physical enthusiasm to my clients virtually. I immediately started making wellness products. I made my own elderberry syrup, teas and meditation mists. Sales during the pandemic were through the roof. This profitable pivot kept me connected to current clients, kept my business afloat and I gained many new clients and I even started consulting.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
I would absolutely choose the same profession. I would have started much sooner though and gotten in on the tech start up side. I imagine if I did I would have navigated the ecommerce part of the pandemic pivot would have run smoother.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bkbuddha.com
- Instagram: @bkbuddha
- Facebook: BK Buddha
Image Credits
Barnabas Crosby (4 images)