Becoming a Yoga Instructor & Merging Fashion with Wellness

Yoga wasn’t my first choice. Back in 2013, I started with Pilates. It was my way of getting back into regular exercise, and for two years, it felt amazing—blending strength and stretching into a routine that brought balance to my body. The controlled movements, the focus on core strength, and the sense of discipline it instilled in me were incredibly fulfilling. Every session left me feeling stronger, more centered, and eager for the next. I believed I had found the perfect fitness routine.

Then, a CrossFit coach changed everything. We became friends, and he introduced me to the high-intensity world of CrossFit. It was exhilarating, pushing my limits in a way I had never experienced before. The rush of completing a tough workout, the camaraderie of the community, and the constant challenge of improving my performance kept me hooked. But there was one piece of advice he gave me that I didn’t expect to be life-changing: “For better flexibility and a stronger core, you should practice yoga.”

At the time, I thought yoga was just meditation, something passive and slow. It seemed too gentle, too different from the fast-paced, sweat-dripping workouts I had come to love. But curiosity led me to an Iyengar yoga class in 2015. To be honest, it felt boring at first. Holding poses for long durations, focusing on alignment—it was nothing like the intensity of CrossFit. I struggled with the patience it required, feeling an internal resistance to slowing down. Yet, something inside me urged me to continue.

As I attended more classes, I noticed a shift—I began to connect with my breath, my posture, and my movements in a way I never had before. The discipline I had developed through Pilates and CrossFit now had a new outlet, one that was less about physical exertion and more about internal awareness. With each passing week, I realized that yoga wasn’t just about flexibility; it was about building a stronger connection with my body. I started to pay more attention to how my muscles engaged in different poses, how breath control affected my stamina, and how my posture influenced my overall well-being. I wasn’t just working out—I was developing mindfulness, patience, and a deep sense of awareness.

Another thing I noticed was how yoga impacted my mental state. It wasn’t just about stretching and strength; it was about being present. In CrossFit, my focus was always on the next rep, the next lift, the next goal. Yoga, on the other hand, taught me to be in the moment. As my body adapted to the movements, my mind began to follow. Stress levels dropped, my focus improved, and I found myself embracing a newfound calmness. It was an awakening of both body and mind. The tension I had carried for years, both physically and emotionally, started to dissipate. My thoughts became clearer, my reactions more measured, and I developed a sense of ease that extended far beyond the yoga mat.

As I continued my journey, I began reading more about yoga philosophy. The ancient teachings of yoga fascinated me, making me realize it was more than just a physical discipline. The connection between mind, body, and breath was transformative, and I wanted to explore it further. The eight limbs of yoga, the concept of balance in all aspects of life, and the idea that true strength comes from within became guiding principles for me. It was no longer just about the poses or the practice—it was about integrating these lessons into my daily life.

With every class, I pushed past my own limitations, discovering new strengths and challenging old habits. My instructor guided me through different variations of poses, showing me how to listen to my body and respect its needs. It wasn’t about forcing a pose but about allowing my body to grow into it naturally. This lesson extended beyond yoga, changing the way I approached challenges in life. I began to embrace patience and resilience, understanding that growth takes time and forcing things only leads to resistance.

Over time, I began noticing small but significant improvements in my daily life. My posture improved, I had fewer aches and pains, and my sleep quality became better. More importantly, I felt a deep sense of peace and balance within myself that I had never experienced before. I found myself breathing deeper, reacting more calmly to stress, and moving through life with a newfound grace. What started as a simple suggestion from a friend had transformed into a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth.

Iyengar was just the beginning. As my curiosity deepened, I discovered a different style—Ashtanga. It was more dynamic, offering both strength and flexibility, blending the control of Iyengar with the flow of movement. My schedule soon revolved around yoga, attending five classes a week, sometimes even squeezing in extra sessions. My life transformed—yoga became my main form of exercise, and I couldn’t imagine a day without it. The physical challenges kept me engaged, while the deeper connection with my breath and body continued to grow.

I began inviting friends and colleagues to classes, eager for them to experience the same benefits. The beauty of yoga wasn’t about achieving the perfect pose; it was about how it made me feel—mentally and physically refreshed. Even my diet changed as I became more in tune with my body’s needs. I found myself eating healthier, craving more nourishing foods, and feeling more energized throughout the day. Yoga didn’t just transform my workouts; it reshaped my entire lifestyle.

By the time I moved to the U.S. in 2022, yoga became my anchor. Adjusting to a new country was overwhelming, but yoga provided consistency and comfort. I found a studio offering Iyengar, Ashtanga-Vinyasa, and even Hot Yoga—a style I had never tried before. Experimenting with different forms kept my passion alive, making my transition to a new culture smoother. Yoga was more than just a practice—it became my safe space, a way to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Yoga was no longer just a passion; it was a calling. In 2023, I took the leap and enrolled in a yoga teacher training program at one of the oldest studios in the Bay Area. It was Vinyasa-based, different from Iyengar, but the experience was invaluable. I built deep connections, enhanced my knowledge of anatomy, and gained insight into meditation and mindfulness. This journey expanded my understanding of yoga beyond physical practice—it became a holistic way of living.

During my training, I discovered that yoga is not just about movement—it’s about self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Learning about the mechanics of the body, the importance of breathwork, and the power of stillness gave me a newfound appreciation for the practice. I deepened my meditation practice, experimented with different breathing techniques, and explored restorative yoga to balance the intensity of my Vinyasa sessions.

Now, I’m blending my expertise in fashion and yoga to help people achieve balance both in their appearance and their well-being. Just as style enhances confidence, a healthy lifestyle transforms life. Whether it’s through personal styling or guiding someone through their first yoga session, my goal is to inspire holistic wellness.

Yoga has taught me that beauty is not just about how you look—it’s about how you feel. A well-fitted outfit can make you feel confident, but a well-balanced lifestyle can make you feel truly radiant. My mission is to help people cultivate both.

If you’re interested in a personalized yoga session tailored to your needs, book a consultation with me today : Consult with Shima

Let’s embark on a journey to self-discovery, one breath at a time.