Welcome back to the Brave Space Podcast with your host, Stephany McMillan, owner of Rise and Flow yoga studio. Today's brave guest is Michelle White. She is the owner of Ava’s Arrow, a teacher at Greensboro Day and overall beautiful soul. I like to call us “social media friends.” It is so cool how social media can connect you with like-minded people from all over the world or in this case, locally. Michelle is right here in Greensboro, NC. I love how we have never met in person but we are always encouraging one another and promoting one another when we can. Michelle is a believer, Wife, Mom, Daughter, and jewelry maker. And believe me, when I say, her pieces are unique and gorgeous. They truly are inspiring works of art. She loves life, is tenacious and believes that when you put your heart in what you do it shows- that’s all that matters. Michelle’s passion is education and learning; she aspires to grow and influence by sharing her own story. I can’t wait for you to give today’s episode a listen. And, don't forget to follow Michelle on Instagram: @avas_arrow @giandgiselle Stay brave, friends!

Welcome back to the Brave Space Podcast with your host, Stephany McMillan, owner of Rise and Flow yoga studio. Today's brave guest is Marli Bennett. She is a student and member at Rise and Flow! It amazes me how long Marli has been involved with Rise and Flow and has even invited her family and friends to join us. We are always elated to see Marli’s face in-studio, at events and virtually. Her outlook on yoga is beautiful and a story that many can resonate with. We hope that today’s episode inspires YOU, yes you, to join our Rise and Flow family too. Have you ever asked yourself, why haven’t I tried yoga yet? Or ever wondered what is all of the fuss about? We know that yoga has this appearance that fits with the trends on social media. But, we are here to tell you that yoga is so much more than movement (an asana practice) it really is an embodiment of health and wellness for your overall being. So, here is my challenge for you. If you haven’t tried yoga yet sign up for a class at Rise and Flow or join us for our 2 year studio birthday celebration. Yes, you read that right – 2 years!!! Our boutique studio has been in business for 2 official years. To the #riseandflowfamily thank you. We couldn’t have made it without you. Our mission to promote mindfulness and body agency to all has always been at the forefront of all that we do. Thank you for being a part of our studio family! You are the real MVP. And, today, Marli is the real MVP – may she encourage and inspire you to “yoga” today. Stay brave, friends! www.riseandflowllc.com

Welcome back to the Brave Space Podcast with your host, Stephany McMillan, owner of Rise and Flow yoga studio. Today's brave guest is Stephany herself – a solo episode. We are preparing to celebrate our 2-year studio anniversary in just 1 week and we are over the moon with joy, peace and love. 2 years ago we were fighting through all of the systems to get our unique boutique studio off the ground. Stephany felt ALL of the feels: fear, doubt, excitement, sadness, joy, love, growth, change and so much more! But, guess what? She wouldn’t change ANYTHING! Every single part of her entrepreneurship journey, yoga path and growth were well worth it. Each day she wakes up and gets the opportunity to start anew, to impact her community and to educate someone new about yoga. Her favorite quote from a student to date is, “I never knew how often I hold my breath until a class at Rise and flow!” Can you imagine going through life without knowing the importance of your breath? We love encouraging you to discover your body and to find agency in how you explore your body. All bodies can yoga. You can yoga, friend. Thank you to our #riseandflowfamily near and far for being our biggest supporters. As we celebrate our 2-year anniversary we are also celebrating being voted the #1 yoga studio in Greensboro, NC. We are extremely blessed and can’t wait to see what the next 2 years has in store for us. Until then, join us for our 2 year anniversary celebration and register via the link below. Stay brave, friends! www.riseandflowllc.com

Welcome back to the Brave Space Podcast with your host, Stephany McMillan, owner of Rise and Flow yoga studio. Today's brave guest is Kiesha Battles. Kiesha Battles is a full-time yoga teacher who began practicing Yoga in 2000. Over the past nine years Kiesha has created yoga programs, led yoga retreats, managed the daily operations of a yoga studio, and was recently appointed as Co-Director of the Yoga Retreat for Women of Color. Known to many as the original black girl yoga magic in Charlotte, Kiesha is a humble soul who connects to all beings first at their core. In 2016, after the Keith Lamont Scott shooting, Kiesha bought yoga teachers and studios together from all parts of Charlotte to practice together in marathon style teaching to offer community and reprieve from a city on fire. In honor of her leadership and audacious instincts for embodying yoga, Kiesha was honored and awarded the inaugural Self Care Charlotte Ambassador award. In 2017, Kiesha opened her own studio and yoga school, IAMYOGA. She graduated her first group of yoga teacher and began the first ever yoga teacher training led by women of color in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. In 2019, Kiesha took on the role of Yoga Director at Charlotte Family Yoga Center and most recently joined the Board of Amplify & Activate a local non-profit centered around Yoga, Self-Care and Social Justice. Let's dive into the conversation with Kiesha, and learn more about her course “Yoga Ethics for Transforming Racism” here: https://go.subtleyoga.com/transformation-1 Stay brave, friends!

Welcome back to the Brave Space Podcast with your host, Stephany McMillan, owner of Rise and Flow yoga studio. Today's brave guest is Libby Nicholaou. Libby is a new friend of mine and founder of Setu Yoga Community. Setu represents and advocates for inclusivity in yoga. Their directory of yoga teachers and online studio include people of different nationalities, races, gender identities, body types, and life stories. All are welcome and respected. Let's dive into the conversation with Libby, and check out more from Setu Yoga Community here: https://setu.yoga/ Stay brave, friends!

Welcome back to the Brave Space Podcast with your host, Stephany McMillan, owner of Rise and Flow yoga studio. Today's brave guest is Larissa Parson. Larissa is a dear friend of mine and owner of Larissa Parson. She is a movement coach focused on body curiosity, prenatal movement, restore your core and more! During today's podcast episode we have a conversation about physical healing, life should feel good right? Let's dive into the conversation with Larissa, and check out more from Larissa here: https://www.larissaparson.com/ Stay brave, friends!

Welcome back to the Brave Space Podcast with your host, Stephany McMillan, owner of Rise and Flow yoga studio. Today's brave guest is Ashley Mangin. Ashley is a dear friend of mine and owner of My Fair Lady Shoppe- a clothing boutique for ladies with complexities. During today's podcast episode we have a conversation about body positivity and empowering women during quarantine. Life is so much easier when we appreciate ourselves. Let's dive into the conversation with Ashley, and check out more from Ashley here: https://myfairladyshoppe.com/ Stay brave, friends!

Welcome back to the Brave Space podcast with your host Stephany McMillan. I am so thrilled to have you here and can't wait to continue to brave the space that we are in today. In today's episode Stephany and Johnette Walser brave the many resources in our community that can positively impact our physical and mental health. Grab your notebook and be prepared to take notes!  More about Johnette:  Johnette is a yoga and meditation teacher, holistic healer,  and a social worker. She wears many healing hats and is passionate about them all. Johnette is a space holder and circle keeper, gardener and student herbalist. She has exactly 34 indoor plant babies and counting- they bring her joy and create a sense of peace and "groundedness" in her home. Her most recent work is around coordinating and creating healing spaces and connections to healing services in the city of Greensboro, NC. She is an advocate for decolonizing wellness and wellness spaces including the yoga realm. Johnette's work centers Black bodies and the bodies of non-Black people of color. She believes in collective care and liberation; that rest is a form of resistance. Healing is OUR birthright!  You can learn more from Johnette by following her Instagram page: @pause.breathe.connect

Welcome back to the Brave Space podcast, friend, with your host Stephany McMillan. We are happy to have you here and look forward to entering this space bravely together. Today's brave guest is Zitty Zodwa, my friend and community change-maker!  Here's more about Zitty: Zithobile (Zitty) was born in Swaziland, southern Africa, and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina with her family when she was 4 years old. She grew up passionate about authenticity, stories, dance, and leadership, and has worked in a number of sectors including higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, and finance. No matter the role, every position has led her back to those same passions. They now serve as the foundation for Deftable®, LLC. In 2016, Zitty was recognized as one of the Triad Business Journal’s 40 Leaders Under 40, and received a full scholarship to attend Google's Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI) in New York, NY. Her SIYLI experience strengthened her ability to approach inner development and leadership as the convergence of emotional intelligence (EQ), mindfulness, and neuroscience. She has facilitated emotional intelligence workshops for the Salisbury Police Department, authentic leadership workshops for universities, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based institutions, and is an Adjunct Coach with the Center for Creative Leadership, In 2018, Deftable®, LLC partnered alongside Social Designs Consulting and Professional Business Cultures to co-host the annual Bloom Inclusion Seminar (BIS). The 3rd annual BIS will be held on October 3, 2020 in Greensboro, NC. As a freelance writer, Zitty's work has been featured in several publications including O.Henry Magazine, Triad City Beat, Black Business Ink Magazine, and Huffington Post. She has also authored speeches, op-eds, and research-based web content on a variety of topics including leadership, spirituality, and culture. Zitty, or “Dr. Z” as some refer to her, is the host of the Ukuvusa Radio Podcast on Onyx Urban Radio, which airs every Tuesday at 7pmEST. Zitty is a lover of the arts, and has danced with the E. Gwynn Dance Company of NCA&TSU for over 15 years. She is also currently teaching as an adjunct lecturer in the Speech Department at NCA&TSU. Zitty earned her B.S. in Business Management from Guilford College, her M.A. in Communication Studies from UNC-Greensboro, and her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from NC A&T State University. CONTACT: [email protected] WEBSITE: https://www.deftable.com/leadership

Welcome back to the Brave Space podcast with your host Stephany McMillan. Together we brave the tough conversations of life and strife. Today's guest is Kelley Bauer. Kelley is the founder of Offbeat Yoga located in Chesterfield, MO. She started initially started the mobile service to introduce people to the physical and mental benefits of yoga. In April 2019, Kelley took over ownership of Valley Yoga in Chesterfield and added on a physical studio space to Offbeat. Kelley strives to make her classes unique by teaching you about a physical, philosophical, or mental aspect of yoga. She focuses on core strength which has helped her personally cope with occasional pain from scoliosis. Kelley loves teaching everything from vinyasa to restorative. She believes yoga is a journey of self-discovery and encourages you to open your perspective. Thank you for tuning in to the show and if you loved the episode, share this with a friend. And, don't forget to subscribe. Subscribe so, that more people can find us and join our BRAVE SPACE! Keep breathing friends and stay brave.