We were lucky to catch up with Tylea Powell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tylea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for Y.O.D.A.A., Yoga Openly Diversifies the Art of Ability truly started in 2018 when I attended graduate school at Nova Southeastern University studying Developmental Studies with a concentration in leadership and advocacy and Applied Behavior Analysis. It has been a life long dream for me to have my own business after seeing the struggles of working a 9-5+ job equal to not much pay out or not much to show for. Not only did I want something of my own but I also want to create future generational wealth for my family. During the time I was in school I helped mentor a yoga program for children who were on the Autism Spectrum at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD. I conducted research on alternative medicines, yoga and the correlation it may have with behavior change during my studies. Unfortunately, with my lack of clinical experience I decided to further my research by becoming a certified Registered Behavior Technician and worked with children on the spectrum by providing 1:1 ABA therapy. In conjunction with my new position I had my own yoga practice during a very stressful and physically painful time in my life. A few years prior I had been involved in a car accident that created a tingling and burning sensation shooting through my extremities and mentally I was having a mid life crisis at the age of 27. My body was calling for attention and I knew if I wanted to create a balanced lifestyle for myself I would have to make some changes. Therefore, Y.O.D.A.A. was becoming a real life thought as I enjoyed the ability to create and saw the true benefits yoga had in my life but also saw the potential for providing a service/product that could impact someone else’s lifestyle as well. With the thought of working with individuals who may need a bit more support in addition to my yoga practice promoting a better lifestyle for me physically, mentally and spiritually came the idea that all individuals no matter their ability can benefit from an environment which promote inclusivity, health promotion and potential behavior change/self regulation. In the spring of 2020 at the start of the pandemic I had just moved to Houston, TX just 6 months before, lost my job, had a failed relationship and didn’t know many people in Houston but thought what a better time to start on “my dream”! Although very nervous about stepping my feet into the unknown and not knowing what or how the world would end up during or after the pandemic I moved by faith as I knew that I would be alright. I had something to offer to not only to my city but potentially the world especially during a stressful and unknown time.
Tylea, 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?
My name is Tylea Powell and I am the creator of Y.O.D.A.A., Yoga Openly Diversifies the Art of Ability. Y.O.D.A.A. was created to provide a platform for individuals of all abilities to experience and engage in a community which promote the exploration of inclusion, peace, power, creativity, health, and discovery of one’s abilities. Our mission is to provide a space for those of all abilities to enrich their quality of life through yoga and social interaction. Our values are to allow space for individuality, originality, and health for the mind, body, and spirit. Since starting this platform in 2020 Y.O.D.A.A. has shared health tips, yoga pose facts, self care tips and recipes through our social media accounts. In addition, we have also launched our yoga/athletic apparel line, Rooted Ability which gives our customers apparel that promote comfortability and self confidence through fit, lightweight, seamless and/or tag less clothing which fit most individuals who have sensory needs/discomforts. Tylea also teaches 1:1 and small group yoga classes available through our website, beyodaa.com either virtually or in-person.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building an audience has been one of the most challenging components for us while building Y.O.D.A.A. Currently we are building our audience primarily on social media through Instagram. Initially, Y.O.D.A.A. shared healthy recipes, self care tips and yoga asana poses on the platform. The creator of Y.O.D.A.A., shared posts on her private account but shortly after partnered with a few micro influencers to gain more traffic. During the Rooted Ability apparel line launch our brand was promoted throughout many platforms which helped gain a bigger audience and sales. After recognizing that brand awareness and social media consistency were super important and also a weakness of ours it was determined that we need more support. Therefore, we have gained two part time social media managers to help lead the way. Further partnerships and collabs through social media and in the community are being evaluated for the future.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I didn’t have any books or videos per say that has impacted my entrepreneurial or management thinking style however, I can give credit to my textbooks and years I spent in college. In addition, I had great life experience working and overseeing a team in other capacities. My philosophy is going in open minded, and willing to listen and be adaptable. You never know what life will throw at you (hint hint, the pandemic) so you have to be willing to pivot and work with what you have. In the life of entrepreneurship there will always be unexpected things that come up, things that don’t go as planned and different people you will have to work, partner or learn with. As long as you are sticking to your goal, have clear expectations for you and your team, willing to listen to your gut and/or team, and good communication just know it will be a roller coaster but one worth riding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beyodaa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__yodaa_/?hl=en