Today we’d like to introduce you to Mya Fillingham.
Hi Mya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been a roller coaster since 2020. I had lost loved ones, lost my job, broken relationships, heartaches, learning to grieve, trials and huge changes that impacted my life when I became an aunt-caretaker for my Niece Havilah, who was born at 26 weeks old, with health complications, and whom she had lost her mother during the pandemic, my dear niece thrived through it all. She is a fighter through it all, and that is how I came up with the name “Thrive Yoga,” thriving through the challenges in life, growing, and being stronger in each step of the way.
In 2020, when I unrolled my yoga mat for the first time, I was skeptical about what yoga could do for me. The first couple times I tried it, I was in the gym and always thought at first yoga was boring. I realized that yoga was something special – it allowed me to tap into a flow state that was both calming and energizing at the same time. Rumi once said, ‘Respond to every call that excites your spirit,’ and yoga was calling me in a way that I couldn’t ignore. Through my practice, I’ve learned that yoga isn’t just about the physical poses but about the mental and emotional transformations that occur when you’re fully present in your body. It’s taught me to let go of the past, quiet the inner critic, and trust in my own strength and resilience. Yoga has become my daily reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and find peace within myself. As I step off my mat, I carry that sense of calm and clarity with me into the rest of my day, and I know that I’m better equipped to handle
2 years ago today, I taught my practicum class and graduated from a 200-hour yoga teacher training. I never in my wildest dreams believed I could teach yoga. I didn’t believe it the very first time I stepped on a yoga mat. I wanted to learn everything I could about all of it. I did believe in the stories I told myself about how I wasn’t smart enough, athletic enough, or flexible enough. I believed I couldn’t speak in front of people or say anything relevant if I did. I believed taking care of my family meant I couldn’t do work that I found inspiring. I believed my introverted nature was a liability. I believed I couldn’t find the balance between being too much for some and not enough for others.
For most of my life, I believed these things.
Yet, here I am a year later. I’ve created my own yoga business with “Thrive Yoga,” with hosting yoga events at different settings to so many different groups of people. I’m still humbled every time I step onto the mat and in awe of the practice that guides people home to themselves. I hope each of you can find that thing that inspires, empowers, and transforms you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With a deep understanding of marketing, you can turn your yoga career from barely surviving to thriving. That is why I call my business “Thrive Yoga” it is never smooth sailing. You will hit bumps. curveball, hills, and detours along the way. It is all part of life, thriving through the obstacles or challenges. You will always learn from your experiences along the way and allow to give yourself grace. As a yoga instructor/business owner, it is highly likely that I will spend very little time in one location. In fact, a typical day in the life of an instructor will be moving from venue to venue for classes or events. Of course, this means that you will face the challenge of managing your business while on the move. I have learn to balance it all out so that I do not lose my purpose of passion in teaching.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I believe there is a spring of well-being inside ALL of us. I am passionate in helping others. I strive to share the holistic approach with others to practice in their daily lives. I believe in staying balanced through the mind-body experience as a whole & to help you tune back into it. As a yoga instructor and business owner of Thrive Yoga, my craft as an artist is creating yoga sequences that flow with an intentional, enjoyable, and fun playlist for a relaxing yoga experience. I bring the yoga experience to you. Thrive Yoga pops up to your local coffee shops, at your workplace, (corporate) school, pool, house, backyards, venues, and bachelorette parties as well as other events. Join me on my journey to deeper explore life experiences, my inner self, the practice of mindfulness, and the fascinating connection between the practice of yoga and everyday life.
What makes you happy?
One of the things that makes me happy is fulfilling my purpose which is teaching yoga and practicing gratitude. My passion is to help empower people fulfill their joy and peace within. Happiness lies in accepting the truth of our life and living it most gracefully by enjoying every moment of life. There will be some moments created that will make us feel happy. We love and like to live our life by doing the things that make us happy or reside with ones that make our lives a happier one.
Contact Info:
- Website: thriveyogamya.com
- Instagram: @thriveyoga_mya
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mya-fillingham
Image Credits
Lyndsey Baldwin
PJ Watson
