1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a business owner, wife, and mom of two girls. I have always been passionate about wellness and decided to make it full time by opening 2 Spa/Medspas in Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota called Sirius Day Spas. I’m all about mind, body, and beauty – to be the best we can be in life. We moved to LWR 4 years ago to be closer to my parents and haven’t looked back. We absolutely love it here!

2. Have you done other styles of Yoga other than Thavma Yoga?

I have done yoga before (mainly through mainstream gyms) but have never been as excited or involved as I have been with Thavma.

3. What made you decide to take your first Thavma Class?

When I lived in NYC, I tried hot yoga for the first time. I loved the way it made me feel, and when I heard about Thavma, I had to check it out.

4. What made you choose Thavma Yoga as a Studio?

Definitely word of mouth and mutual friends, and I also saw Marina featured in a magazine wearing Debbie Dannheiser Threads (whom I love), so I definitely wanted to support her!

5. What was your first Thavma yoga experience like?

Incredible, uplifting – everything I thought it would be.

6. What makes you come back?

So many reasons. Mental health has got to be the top of my list. It is the only class I can take where literally I am in the moment from start to finish. My mind doesn’t wander about what’s going on in everyday life. It is truly about mind and body. I also love that my practice improves with every class I take. I remember from the beginning when I wasn’t able to do basic things, and now to see how far I have come with my balance and poses is incredible.

7. How long have you been practicing?

Besides my short stint in NYC, I would say 2 years, pretty much exclusively with Thavma.

8. What changes have you seen since you began the practice?

Flexibility, Balance, Confidence and Body shape. I’m addicted.

9. Where have you seen that it helps you?

My confidence. I am actually a writer for Sarasota Manatee Mom, and I wrote a story about how confidence helped me continue to push forward personally and professionally during this difficult year of the pandemic. I was able to (virtually and in-person) continue to work on myself (mentally and physically). Yoga provides the motivation to think clearly and be focused, which we all so desperately need this year (and always).

10. What is your favorite pose?

Standing Bow – I’m determined to one day be able to pull my leg with both hands. It is such an elegant and beautiful pose.

11. What is your least favorite pose?

Rabbit. I can’t explain it but this is the least one I look forward to.

12. What do you like most about Thavma Yoga?

Community, Education, and Grace. I feel like I stand up taller, feel better, and am happier after every class.

13. Tell us anything else interesting that you feel you have gained or learned since starting Thavma Yoga.

I never thought I was a Yogi. I have always been into heavy cardio, high energy sports like half marathons, swimming, cycling, and never thought I had the patience for yoga. I have tried regular yoga in the past and honestly didn’t really have much interest.

With Thavma, the intensity was like a 180. I embrace the pouring sweat as a badge of honor hahaha. It is so much fun, and I know it is so great for my mind and body. I always look forward to the next class and never think of it as a workout. I have completely dropped running, cycling, etc., as I have all I could ever need or want with hot yoga – mentally and physically.