We recently connected with Shelly Yang and have shared our conversation below.

Shelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Founded in 2019, Form + Flow was born to serve an underserved community in Long Island City, NYC. Our mission is rooted in cultivating mindfulness and elevating well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Five years ago, LIC was—and still is—a rapidly developing area, attracting young professionals with its sleek, modern buildings. Amidst this growth, We felt there was a gap: a lack of a creative and healthy-centered community where artists, musicians, yogis, and other creative souls could gather, connect, and thrive.

Form + Flow was created to fill this void, offering a sanctuary for those seeking connection, inspiration, and mental well-being. In a world where the pressures of a traditional 9-to-5 lifestyle weigh heavily, the need for mental health support has never been more critical. Form + Flow is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels can explore the transformative power of yoga and wellness.

We have a team of highly experienced yoga teachers and facilitators, each bringing their unique expertise and passion, we offer a diverse range of yoga classes, sound meditation, cacao ceremonies and more. We have built a vibrant and resilient community, empowering individuals to explore their inner selves and delve deep into their heart center and inner voice. Having served thousands of students and navigated the challenges of the COVID period, we now operate two thriving locations in LIC. And our commitment to spreading mindfulness remains unwavering, whether you seek spiritual or physical growth.

Shelly, 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 first job after college was in finance, where the security of a steady paycheck provided comfort, but it came at a cost. Each morning, as I arrived at the office, I couldn’t ignore the growing disconnect between the life I was living and the life I longed for. There was this quiet but persistent ache, a sense that something essential was missing from my days. The vision of a life with deeper meaning and connection seemed out of touch.

4 years later, I made the difficult decision to leave the corporate world behind. I moved to London—a city that was entirely new to me—to study contemporary art, hoping that immersing myself in creativity might fill the void I felt. But even as I started working at art galleries, there was still a lingering emptiness, a whisper in my heart that something was still missing. The questions that had followed me since childhood in China —Who am I? Why are we here?—grew louder, echoing through the quiet moments of my life.

Determined to find answers, I set out on a journey of self-discovery that would take me across continents and deep within myself. When I moved back to Queens, NYC, it was during this time that the vision for Form + Flow began to take shape. I dreamed of creating a community where people could come together, not just to practice yoga, but to connect on a deeper level—to find peace, purpose, and a sense of belonging in a world that often feels disconnected.

As I deepened my practice through yoga teacher trainings in Guatemala and Peru, I finally understood what my soul had been yearning for all along. My true mission was to serve my community, to help them find the same sense of mindfulness and self-discovery that I had been seeking. The creation of Form + Flow was a labor of love, born from my own struggles and triumphs, and it marked a profound step in my journey toward understanding and fulfillment.

Yet, I know that this journey is far from over. The quest for deeper meaning, for connection and peace, is one that we all share, and it continues every day. I believe yoga is more than just a physical practice—it’s a state of being, a way of life that invites us all to explore the depths of who we are and to find comfort in the community we create together.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic was a test of resilience for Form + Flow. Like many small businesses, we were forced to close our doors in March 2020, just 6 months after our grand opening. What should have been a time of growth and excitement quickly turned into a period of uncertainty and fear. I found myself grappling with feelings of loss and helplessness, unsure of how to cover payroll and rent without any government assistance, as our team consisted solely of independent contractors.

During those dark days, I often questioned whether continuing the business was even possible. Despite the odds, I began offering classes online, even though sometimes only one or two students would join. But I kept going, fueled by the hope that somehow, things would turn around.

Then, one day, as I sat down to meditate, something shifted. The overwhelming self-doubt that had plagued me suddenly lifted. It was as if a strong, intuitive voice within me urged me to not give up on this dream that had barely begun. The idea of closing the studio for good now seemed inconceivable.

Not long after that moment of clarity, we reopened our doors, and to my amazement, the community began to grow stronger than ever. We doubled down on our commitment to teaching in an authentic way, pouring everything we had into serving our students.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first started Form + Flow, I had practiced yoga leisurely for a few years, but I wasn’t a certified teacher, nor had I undergone any formal training. Yet, I felt a strong calling to create something meaningful—a mindful community where people could slow down, and find peace amidst the city’s constant rush.

It’s the kind of risk that many would hesitate to take: opening a business in an area where you lack expertise. And while I wouldn’t necessarily advise every entrepreneur to take the same leap, I’ve come to realize that sometimes the greatest lessons come from really trusting yourself and simply starting, even when the path ahead is unclear.

After opening the studio, I immersed myself in yoga study. My passion for this practice deepened with every class I took, and every challenge I faced. My mom often asked why I would leave a high-paying corporate job for something so uncertain, but I knew I had to carve out my own path. The lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that one must have it all figured out before taking the first step or starting a new business. The truth is, if you overthink every detail, you might never begin. So trust your gut intuition, let your heart to lead, and embrace the journey of the unknown.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.formandflow.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/form_and_flow/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/formandflow

Image Credits

Mauricio
Chrissy Connors