What is patience? Well, you will certainly learn patience when practicing yoga, says Karin. Of course, we all want to put our leg on top of our head; but, nobody is flexible when they first start practicing yoga. . .but, at first, you assume that you cannot do various poses–but, the more you practice–the more you learn that you can in fact do more with your body than you thought you could. Insert Patience. Just like in life, you think of something that you like to be and you be it. Karin inspires you to go further than your self inflicted limits. She experienced an internal calling that led her to resign from her career as a Social Worker for the unknown of being an entrepreneur–becoming a yoga instructor and taking practitioners around the globe on yoga retreats. . . is certainly a big change of pace. Leaving the known for the unknown adventure of following your true path-an internal calling. Many discount this most valuable step; yet, Karin heard the call and followed her passion to teach and to explore the many adventures to be discovered in far distant lands.
When entering the yoga studio there was an immediate sense of calmness and a tranquil aura floating in the air. I must mention here: she made me remove my shoes which fostered a feeling of walking on Holy Grounds. I felt at peace-it stirred my soul-there was complete stillness. Also, there was beautiful & soothing instrumental music floating throughout this semi-darken space. Once the last of the class attendees departed; Karin and I sat down for a familiar chat. . . I wanted to know her story….what led her to yoga after a successful career that offered stability for such a passion as yoga. Often times you see yoga practitioners as being very eccentric; but, not in this case. I found a wonderful and exciting and a spiritually grounded young businesswoman with big aspirations for her future and filled with excitement for tomorrow’s blessings.
QUESTIONS:
Q. What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A. Well, I was a social worker for 10 years at East Central Regional Hospital and so, I really liked it at first when I initially started; I genuinely enjoy helping people. But right when I hit the 10 year mark in my career; I realized I was feeling rather, burned out. Around this time, I also started practicing yoga at home and found great joy within it; I was relaxed and comfortable. The more and more I practiced yoga the more I realized it was something that I wanted to do full-time–to create a business and to teach yoga to others. I genuinely enjoy yoga.
Q. What is your favorite restaurant in Augusta, and what do you love there?
A. I have several: Humanitree House, because its vegan. Red Lobster and Still Caribbean Restaurant
Q. How long have you lived or worked in Augusta?
A. Born and Raised in Augusta. But, I have worked for 12 years in Augusta after returning from college.
Q. Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Augusta? Who would you like to see nominated as a Face of Augusta.
A. Marcus. He makes jewelry with natural stones and copper wire; you can often see him at the Augusta market held on Saturday’s down near the riverwalk. His work is simply, beautiful. He is just creative; he allows you to select your stone of choice and then he turns it into an amazing piece of jewelry. Carlton Clay would be a great person to interview; he has a web series.
Q. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A. Back to Africa; I would like to experience the entire continent.
Q. What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A. BAPS.
Q. What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A. Be yourself. Trust the universe. You must believe that whatever you are wanting to do is going to work; that you’re going to make it. When reaching a dark path; you must trust that there will be a light visible somewhere further down that dark tunnel and you will reach it; knowing, it will all have been worth it.
Q. What is something on your bucket list?
A. I would travel back to Africa; Tanzania is on my bucket list. I just want to travel. I really just want to visit different parts of Africa; it did feel like home because they were so welcoming. When you step off the plane they say: welcome home my sister. Living in Africa is a great thought I often experience. My desire: to see the beauty that the world has to offer.
Q. What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A. Soul, Hip-Hop, Rap and instrumental music is so relaxing.
Q. What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Augusta?
A. That earthy vibe that is currently visible and felt downtown. I like it.
Q. Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Augusta would you have lunch?
A. My pick: Kandi Buriss. It appears that she knows exactly how to make something (businesses) out of the adversity she tends to experience. We would dine at Humanitree House; there is a nice vibe in this place; beautiful artwork.
Q. What is your favorite thing or something unique about Augusta?
A. Its people. The people here are interesting; such diversity. I met an individual involved in the Gay Pride activities; I never thought about attending until I met him (Dave). There are really some nice people in Augusta and sometimes, others do not give them an opportunity based upon their appearance or whatever. Yet, I tend to compare it to a book cover. . . you never know what is inside if you do not open the book.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A. Oh, I see myself, doing about six or more retreats a year, traveling around the world, and continuing to teach people yoga; as I expand my team, they too, would travel and lead on scheduled retreats. Teaching and fostering Self-Care is important to me; helping others to focus on this one area more in their lives. In addition, recruiting other yoga teachers by franchising my brand.
Q. (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A. On the outside, you might encounter happiness upon my face; yet, sometimes, I am not always happy. I want my energy to be as happy as yours. (we understand you have recently suffered the lost of your brother and we extend our condolences to you and your family)
Q. Can you describe the neighborhood you grew up in?
A. I grew up in the Neighborhood called: Pepperridge. We were one of the early families who lived in this new community.
Q. What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A. 1) Husband 2) Kids 3) Parents
Q. If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A.Tiffany Haddish. We would experience much laughter.
Q. If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? {Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny} WHY?
A. Housekeeper
Q. If you could hold on to one memory from your life forever, what would that be?
A. The memory of Anthony, my brother. He died at the age of 33 recently.
Q. Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
A. My Mother. She has taught me to never give up; to always act like a lady and she has always been very supportive.
OUR FINAL QUESTION
Q. IF YOU COULD SHARE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A. To try your absolute best. Never doubt yourself and know you are enough.
Thank you Karin. You made my experience easy and comfortable. To new beginnings. Friends for Life.
