Afro Yoga

What does the path to becoming a yoga teacher look like? What should you consider as an existing teacher when thinking about building a wellness business? All this and a lot more in this video where @drftsaleem interviews me about my yoga teaching journey. Note: Decolonize Your Teaching Mentorship Program has reopened, apply for the mentorship program here. I'll also be co-facilitating on my first official YTT at iyaKIN led by an amazing Black woman named Biola. Learn more about the YTT here.

The realities of starting a business and stepping into the unfamiliar can be very intimidating. In this talk Nicole Carter, Mental Health Therapist of over 20 years (on ig: @msnicole_c) gives us scientific background and understanding of what is happening in our nervous system as we begin to step outside the comfort zone. We talk about building familiarity with entrepreneurship, dreaming big and stepping out on faith to manifest the things we really want in life. Y'all enjoy this one and remember that it's okay to go slow and start small.

Reframing investment as a wholistic practice is what @undonebypaige did so eloquently and beautifully in this episode of our Black Business series. Paige shares with us her story and what led her to becoming a yoga teacher and building a wellness brand that has deep purpose, vision and unwavering commitment to creating real impact. Paige is also an alumni of the Decolonize Your Teaching Mentorship Program, an immersive 8-week experience for wellness professionals who want to build a brand that has real impact and monetize in ways that are authentic and in service to community. Apply here to join the Round 10 cohort by March 31st.

A guarantee that your whole life will be gathered with this single episode. Youmie speaks so beautifully and passionately to growing up in Haiti and moving to the U.S. where she unfolded her understanding of both lack and abundance. Now a successful entrepreneur with a company called Flex-n-Fly that bridges the gap between travel and wellness, we talk about the mindset, education and belief it takes to be a business owner today. Don't miss this episode. Connect with Youmie here and if you're interested the Decolonize Your Teaching Mentorship Program, apply here.

Note: Somehow this episode only recorded halfway through from our IG live, catch the full conversation here. How Megan went from being a yoga teacher to a successful full-time wellness entrepreneur designing brands and websites in 2 years. This is a real, raw conversation on what it takes to build a business, knowing when to pivot and the importance of investing in mentors who can shorten the learning curve and set you up for success. I hope y'all enjoy this one and holla at @wellwithnoel if you're in the wellness space looking for brand and web design. Apply for my Decolonize Your Teaching Mentorship Program here.

In part 1 of this new series on Black Business Kirsten breaks down how to carve your own path, transform your mindset, tap into your value and build your business as you center community. Kirsten @in_her_voices gathered our whole lives in this conversation as a Black woman who is retired and serving the most overlooked communities while making yoga accessible to the people with her work as President of @yogamovesus. Learn more about the Decolonize Your Teaching Mentorship Program here.

Kemetic yoga is making waves and so are Black yoga teachers and teachers of color. We have realized that we have to be our own leaders and our own healers. ⁠A new wave of wellness is sweeping through as culture-driven yoga teachers are becoming astute entrepreneurs to build something that creates change.⁠ ⁠ In this episode I talk more in depth about what's needed to build from a yoga teacher to a wellness entrepreneur, how I got started and the steps I took as well as how I organize my time and schedule to efficiently work. Some things to look out for: Decolonize Your Teaching Mentorship Program, Round 10 Black Yoga Retreat, October 13-17, 2022 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

It's been fascinating to see how many people all of sudden feel so connected to yoga when they never did before. I've had people tell me they saw flashes of Egypt, of their ancestors and just generally felt so in tune with the practice.⁠ ⁠ Realizing and remembering our connection to wellness as part of our bloodline, lineage and legacy are inherently healing for us — this is one the missing links as we bridge the gap to knowledge of self and embody who we've always been.⁠ ⁠ We hope you enjoyed this discussion and you can practice Kemetic Yoga with me on the online studio and at our virtual donation based classes.

In this episode of the BHM series Johnika continues her interview into my experience and approach to Black wellness and Kemetic yoga. In this chat we discuss the importance of researching outside of social media, finding like minded people, connecting to our roots and as such slowly revolutionizing our lives and standing more firmly in our power, individually and collectively. We hope you enjoyed this discussion! Check out afroyoga.org for more ways to connect!

Our Black Wellness series kicks off discussing my journey to becoming a Basu (Kemetic Yoga Instructor), the importance of reclaiming wellness, when and how to practice yoga and some additional context around the art of teaching a great yoga class, especially for teachers of color. Huge thanks to Johnika @pursesuitandtravel for her amazing questions and insights as a fellow Basu.

In our final episode of the season we dive into meditation, knowledge of self and becoming the alchemist. A huge thank you to our amazing guest @didiermponte of @madebylightandwater and of course my incredible co-host @msnicole_c. We thank you, we love you and appreciate you so much for being with us this season. Peace! Find more about Didier's work https://www.lightandwater.org/

In this episode we have some technical difficulties but plenty of dope gems as we discuss: Moving beyond your environment. Exploring who you are with curiosity. Finding your passion. Unfolding your own path to wellness. Give thanks to my lovely co-host @msnicole_c and our guest @nhaystings an amazing entrepreneur doing great things in Sacramento.

In this episode Nicole and I take a moment to recap on the first half of the season. Nicole shares some full moon rituals and we get into a beautiful conversation themed around the evolution of Black men, returning to Self and standing in our power. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we talk about the power of finding yourself through travel, experiencing boundlessness and freedom — especially through the mental and structural limitations of being Black in America. This conversation was an entire bag of gems with my amazing co-host @msnicole_c and our guest @ashton.ragsdale who dropped major insight on how travel changed his perspective on life and on himself. Find Ashton's bookclub here.

In this episode @msnicole_c and I talk with @thespiritualhomie who drops major game in how to live an intentionally created and joy-filled life. He shares his story and how hip-hop music inspired him and gave him wisdom to overcome adversity in his environment. This one is full of gems!

In this episode we interview my dad, T Franklin, @fatsfranklin where he shares a wealth of life experiences including growing up a military brat, enlisting in the Air Force himself and how the foundation of who he is developed from it. From traveling all over the world, to dealing with racial stress and trauma in America, to developing his self-care, healing practices and financial literacy to find a sense of wellbeing. We hope you enjoy this candid episode!

In episode 2 we talk with @amir_yogiathlete founder of @yogiathlete who takes us through his wellness journey of self-discovery. He talks about growing up in South Los Angeles, finding yoga, healing trauma through the practice and transforming into his true self. We hope you enjoy this amazing conversation filled with gems!

Nicole and I kick off season 3 of the Afro Yoga Podcast with an incredible discussion about love with our LA homie, Stephan Houston. Stephan shares intimately about his experience as a Black man working in the prison system, taking a leap of faith to start his plant-based catering business and the journey of embodying love. We share tips on how to practice self-love, the importance of being true to who you are strengthening your sense of self. This was an epic episode we hope you enjoy and share! Find Stephan Houston on Instagram at @plateofhue

A special conversation today with Owl Rare, who shares with us some intimate details of their life and the journey to wellness, increasing representation and access for LGBTQ. Connect and support their amazing work below: Imani Yoga: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/qtpocyoga/imani-faith-yoga/community Podcast: QTPOC Talks https://open.spotify.com/show/5cpYgLHbpD45rc2qUtPES0?si=_oh3gqigRcufUzZ7sALp9g Instagram: @owlrare

An incredible conversation with Jennifer, a yoga teacher of color out of Marseille, France. Born and raised in a the island of Guadalupe she moves to Paris in her early twenties and has a cerebral stroke at 23 years old. Accidentally discovering yoga, it transforms her life and she becomes a yoga teacher. Noticing the lack of wellness resources and experiences for Black people and African immigrants in Marseille, she became passionate about building an inclusive and diverse community. Listen in for this powerful conversation.

In this episode we speak with @vibrantlifecollectivebyval who shared with us some beautiful insight and wisdom on the Chakra system and how we can use it as a blueprint to align with our Highest Self. Val also shares her journey from running ragged in her 9-5 to becoming a yoga teacher and how her decision changed her life. Bonus: Tips on choosing the right yoga teacher training, how a commitment to therapy has been transformational for Angie and how to live from a place of love. We hope you enjoy this joy filled episode.

From her immigrant upbringing, to growing up in the hustle and bustle of New York City to yoga becoming a huge catalyst for following her dreams — in this episode Alexa shares with us a rich story of her journey to finding herself. We talked about the cutthroat wellness studio culture in NYC, the cultural divides in the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and how it all plays a role for accessibility and participation in yoga.

From being born and raised in Dakar to college at Spelman to the impact she’s having in her community back home, Rugi gave us some amazing insight into her wellness journey as an African Black woman. We spoke about yoga as self-improvement practice on and off the mat, where it intersects with Islam, the embodiment of yoga in its African origins and the power of that representation. It was an honor to speak with Rugi as we shared our passion and love for the practice of yoga. Find Rugi on IG @rugiyatujournal

In this episode of our live podcast Kaylaa shares with us a very intimate journey to finding herself after moving 2,000 miles away from home to pursue a career as a doctor. From her experience of being a Black woman in Cuba to being open to new ways of healing in the midst of so much change, she highlights the importance of meeting yourself where YOU are. Find Kaylaa on IG: @thepeoplesmd

In this episode with Melody Sylvain, yoga instructor, behavioral health expert and mental health advocate, we talk about the importance or normalizing the discussion of addressing mental well-being while seeking wellness. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

In this episode Sade Bruce brings such humility, power and grace to a conversation about redefining success, choosing happiness and handling adversity as a Black woman in a white centered wellness industry and country.

In this episode we talk to Ruthie Zerai about her journey to knowing herself after a serious burnout and deciding to take a year sabbatical. Her experience of burnout, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation got her curious about mental health and led her to lean into wellness. She also speaks about finding her individual identity as a child of Eritrean immigrant parents. This was an INCREDIBLE conversation y’all, find her at @ruthiezerai on Instagram.

Today we kick off Season II of The Afro Yoga Podcast with @chloesm16 coming to us live from London.⁠ ⁠ The goal of this series is to highlight the state of Black wellness while celebrating our unique and varied experiences around the world as Black people.⁠ In this episode, Chloe shares with us some of her experiences working at a meditation studio in London and her views on the missing representation and participation in wellness.⁠

Our final part of this special series wraps up with Caroline Collins of @solfloyoga. We talked about the importance of representation in wellness spaces, carving our own lanes, merging our passions to serve our communities and generational healing. I even shed a few tears at the end realizing the impact this work has on US, our families and our communities. Enjoy the listen.

Megan from @wellwithnoel joins us in this episode to talk about her journey into yoga from a flight attendant who experienced a lot of anxiety traveling. She speaks on her black led yoga teacher training in Oakland and how the Decolonize Your Teaching mentorship program gave her the business tools and skills necessary to build her business. She now sells wellness products and serves her community through online yoga classes and more. We hope you enjoy part 3 of the series.

Shakeelah Sutton from D.C. graces us with her wisdom, insight and reflections in part 2 of our series. She speaks about discovering yoga as a tool that helped her deal with the discomfort of her autoimmune disease and how it ignited her passion to share the power of yoga with others. She also speaks about breaking free of generational trauma and teaching yoga to kids in the school system. This episode is loaded with gems, enjoy the listen.

In this special 4 part series we talk with London Lucille, a graduate of our Decolonize Your Teaching Mentorship Program on her journey towards entrepreneurship. London shares with us her experience of defending yoga teachers of color, getting fired from a yoga studio for speaking up and how growing her business ethically and with service at the center has made all the difference. This was a powerful discussion, we hope you enjoy it.

Our Mental Health Therapist and co-host Nicole Carter spoke beautifully and warmly to how we can tend to our mental wellness. From how our brain is naturally wired, to bringing unison between the mind and heart to interrupting our innate stress response — this episode is FULL with gems on self-love. In addition, we discussed the parallels to how we can use what we experience in our yoga practice in our everyday lives. Enjoy the episode!

An unexpected turn of events when Nicole takes a long moment to celebrate Angie and IG live goes crazy in support of it. True community building at it's finest. In a second turn of events, the conversation cuts short as Angie's iPhone charger decides to not let her be great and stops working. Although the conversation got cut short, it was a worthy and beautiful listen.

In this episode of the Decolonize Your Teaching series, Angie and Nicole talk about the importance of a visual brand identity. They touch on colors, fonts and imagery as the foundation to your brand and how to convey that authentically to connect with your audience. Note: Apologies for the background noise, I wasn't in my usual location.

For part 2 of our Decolonize Your Teaching series, Angie and Nicole talk about how to decipher between thoughts and intuition. We also talk about how to observe the clues that help us take action towards our vision. Finally, we talk about how to balance business decisions between intuition and analytics. Enjoy the episode and pre-register for our online yoga studio to practice yoga with Angie!

Part 1 of our Decolonize Your Teaching series is a jam packed episode where Angie speaks about the power of getting clear about your vision. From identifying the challenges and distractions to living in our purpose to developing the confidence to walk firmly on our path, Angie infuses this podcast with inspiration. With our co-host Nicole out for this episode, Angie does a live 1-1 consultation with a young black woman and helps her sort through her ideas and create a strategy to promote her work. Truly a gem of show.

Angie and Nicole get into the various types of yoga styles, their benefits and who they're good for. Learn what type of yoga is for you and why your first class or experience shouldn't be your last. For experienced yogis, get a refresher of the styles that are out there and lean into the type that best fits your mood and energy. You can join us live for this podcast every Wednesday on IG live at 10A PST @afroyogabyangie.

A guided beach meditation by Angie and discussion with Nicole on how to positively impact our nervous system. We also get into the benefits of meditation and Kemetic yoga. Every Weds we record this podcast on IG Live at 10A PST. @afroyogabyangie

In this episode Angie and Nicole talk about the importance of genuine invitation and representation in the wellness space. We also talk about the ways yoga studios culturally appropriate and turn a blind eye to diversity and representation. Tune in here and catch us every Wednesday in IG live at 10A PST. @afroyogabyangie

In this episode Angie and Nicole talk about the basics of yoga and how critical they are to people of color. We touch on the power of the breath, how it affects the nervous system and the unique benefits of Kemetic (Egyptian) Yoga as a scientific approach to wellness. To watch the podcast live, join us on instagram every Wednesday at 10A PST @afroyogabyangie.

In this episode Angie and Nicole dive into the true meaning of surrender and the many ways we experience it. Sharing stories about surfing, lessons learned on co-parenting and much more. We record our podcast live every Weds 10A on IG @afroyogabyangie

In this episode Nicole and Angie talk about realizing your personal power and divine nature through self-study, observation and curiosity. Join the live podcast on Instagram, Wednesdays at 10A PST, @afroyogabyangie.

A conversation about truthfulness and being authentic to ourselves. We discuss clues that signal you may not be living in your truth and offer tips to overcome them.

A deep discussion about the yogic principle asteya, or non-stealing. Angie and Nicole discuss ways to step into your purpose and find harmony between being and doing.

In this episode, Nicole and Angie talk about the yogic principle Brahmacharya, which means non-excess. We talk about the importance of clarity, focus and discipline as a path to growth. Taking inventory of the areas where we are in excess to shift to better decision making and right use of energy.

A candid conversation about being enough. Angie and Nicole talk about the comparison game, managing the desire for more, gratitude and being a vibrational match to your vision.