We were lucky to catch up with Shayne Cerebe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shayne, appreciate you joining us today. 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?

Reflecting on my journey, the pivotal risk I took was signing up for my 200-hour yoga teacher training, an endeavor that served as a catalyst for profound personal and professional growth.

Two years into college, I found myself at a physical, mental, and emotional low. As a former competitive swimmer, the transition to college life had taken a toll on my health, leading to weight gain and various physical issues. Recognizing the need for a gentler form of exercise, I stumbled upon an Instagram account featuring yoga inversions, sparking my curiosity.

Throughout that summer, I taught myself handstands, igniting a newfound interest in yoga. Despite never having taken a yoga class, I took the bold step of enrolling in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program near my college campus. At the time, I couldn’t even name a single yoga pose, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

This decision marked a turning point in my life. Through the training, I not only learned the physical aspects of yoga but also discovered the power of breath in regulating my body, mind, and emotions. The experience also equipped me with invaluable skills in public speaking, leadership, and group management, fostering a significant boost in self-confidence.

The risk I took opened doors to personal and professional opportunities. Eager to immerse myself in the yoga community, I spent a summer in San Francisco, surrounded by like-minded individuals. This, too, was a risk, but one that further fueled my growth. Even amid the challenges of the pandemic, I moved to a new city after graduating in 2020, taking risk after risk, confident in my ability to pivot and persevere.

At 25, I have successfully launched my own business, offering online and in-person training, health and wellness events, all while steadily increasing my income. The key to this journey has been self-efficacy—believing in myself and cultivating the courage to act even when faced with fear. I have come to understand that courage emerges when hope outweighs fear, and by embracing challenges, I have grown exponentially.

Looking back, I am astounded at the transformation from the person I used to be to the person I am today. The realization that the best version of ourselves already exists within us is profound, but it requires creating environments that allow that version to shine. Through falling, failing, and embracing risks, I’ve unlocked my true potential and continue to do so, knowing that the journey of self-discovery is ongoing.

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’m Shayne, a 25-year-old residing in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. My journey into the realm of health and wellness has been both dynamic and fulfilling, shaped by my roles as a yoga teacher, fitness instructor, personal trainer, holistic nutrition counselor, and proud small business owner.

For the past three years, I’ve immersed myself in the Austin health and wellness scene, contributing to the community in various ways. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my expertise through classes at multiple studios and gyms, where I emphasize the significance of proper alignment and breath in every session. As a self-proclaimed “handstand queen,” I bring an element of playfulness and challenge to my classes and private training sessions.

My commitment extends beyond the studio, as I actively promote local and non-local wellness brands through my social media channels. I’ve also had the honor of publishing content for Austin Fit Magazine, showcasing my passion for spreading the message of holistic well-being.

In my multifaceted role, I offer weekly classes in Austin, provide in-person or online 1:1 training sessions, and host wellness events. One of the key pillars of my approach is delving into the “why” behind my clients’ goals. By helping them understand the deeper purpose driving their journey, I empower them to stay motivated and connected to their objectives even when faced with challenges.

What sets me apart is my dedication to education. I aim not just to guide my clients through their fitness and wellness journeys but to equip them with the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate their paths independently. As our work concludes, my clients feel confident and well-prepared to continue their wellness journey, knowing that I am only a text away if they ever need support or guidance.

I take immense pride in the community we’ve built together and the transformations I’ve witnessed. Whether you join me for a class, a training session, or a wellness event, my goal is to provide an experience that goes beyond the physical, fostering a holistic approach to health that lasts a lifetime.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The journey through adulthood has been a series of pivots for me, a constant dance with change and adaptation. Especially for those of us who graduated or started our young adult lives between 2020-2022, pivoting has become not just a choice but a necessity, a skill we’ve honed in the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic.

My post-graduate move to Austin in 2020 marked the beginning of a chapter defined by resilience and flexibility. The fitness industry faced its share of disruptions, leading me to explore diverse opportunities to sustain myself. At times, this meant venturing into non-fitness related jobs.

Being forward-thinking has always been a guiding principle in my life. I make decisions with the intention of setting my future self up for success. Even when my employment temporarily veered away from fitness, each role served a unique purpose, pushing me forward rather than backward or laterally. From working in retail to secure discounts on clothes I desired to taking on nanny roles to balance income while building my own business, I embraced these experiences for the lessons they offered.

In my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of grit. It’s not about waiting for the world to do the work; it’s about taking deliberate action. My roles may have shifted, but my commitment to growth remained unwavering. I’ve encountered individuals who wait for change, but success, I believe, demands an active pursuit.

Today, as my passions continue to evolve and grow, I find myself in a constant state of reflection. Who am I? What is my why? What do I want from this life, and are my actions aligned with my aspirations? These questions fuel my openness to shifting constantly, recognizing that change is not a setback but a catalyst for progress.

My favorite mantra remains: roll with the punches and gain momentum. Having a baseline plan is essential, but the real strength lies in being ready to pivot repeatedly. Life’s twists and turns are inevitable, and it’s the ability to adapt, coupled with a resilient mindset, that propels us forward.

In this ever-changing landscape, I’ve learned to not just navigate but thrive by embracing the shifts and staying true to the essence of who I am and aspire to be.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team, especially in a close-knit environment like a small yoga studio, requires a delicate balance between fostering a family-like atmosphere and ensuring the well-being of employees. My time at a small yoga studio in Austin during 2020-2021 reinforced the crucial lesson that the foundation of a successful business is taking care of your employees first and foremost.

In many small studios, there’s a unique camaraderie that adds to the overall experience. However, challenges often arise when ownership, whether by venture capitalists or otherwise, overlooks the employee experience. The lesson echoed by my most valuable mentors, bosses, and friends is clear: prioritizing ethics, morals, appropriate pay, benefits, and genuine care for your team is non-negotiable.

During my time at the studio, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of neglecting employee well-being. Members and employees fraternized without consequences, communication was lacking, and the team was underpaid. In addition to these issues, I personally faced unfair treatment due to a personal vendetta by my boss. Despite my efforts to stand up for myself and the team, I was terminated while the source of the problem remained. The aftermath revealed a studio plagued by challenges such as sexual harassment, dissatisfied members and employees, and overall workplace drama.

Reflecting on this experience, I am resolute in my belief that businesses thrive when employees are treated with respect and care. I have since moved on to work for bosses who value and support me, reinforcing the idea that it is entirely possible to manage a business successfully and ethically by putting employees first.

Taking care of the individuals who constitute the core of the business is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. Happy and fulfilled employees contribute significantly to the overall success of the business. The lesson from my past experiences remains clear: a business that prioritizes its team’s well-being creates an environment where everyone involved thrives.

In conclusion, ethical and considerate leadership not only improves team morale but also fosters a work environment where individuals can grow, thrive, and contribute to the collective success of the business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shaynecerebe_