Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Pechonis.
Nina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I found yoga when I was 21, it was a last resort and it saved my life. I have a hereditary disorder called Heredity AngioEdema, it’s very rare and most ER doctors don’t know about it or how to treat it. Basically, I swell… my extremities, my lungs, my intestines, my throat, you name it; it can swell. If you can gather it’s life-threatening. In my early 20’s, I developed severe anxiety due to the fear I was constantly swelling, specifically in my throat. It was a blur, I wasn’t sleeping, barely function in my relationships and at work. One night (like many others), I was sitting in my car crying, asking God for help and for rest. At that moment, my phone rang and (not God lol but on behalf of him, lol) my mother called me. She said she had been doing research and thought Yoga would help. I was desperate, so I signed up for a hot yoga class the next day. I didn’t know was to expect, I just knew that I needed to rest. Physically yoga is challenging, it is mentally challenging as well, but the benefits are life-changing. I learned about my body, how it worked, the strength I have to control my breath and what that means for my well being.
I pushed off the call to teach for almost seven years, thinking I was meant to climb the corporate ladder, but I wasn’t fulfilled.
Finally, with my family’s support, I signed up and received my 200hr Hatha Yoga certification. I then went on to receive an additional 100hr advanced vinyasa, Paddleboard Yoga Speciality, and Yogalates certification. Let me be clear that wanting to climb the corporate ladder is not a bad thing, I just realized that after over a decade of trying and succeeding it wasn’t the right thing for me. My faith has shown me through yoga what patience rewards. Patience is hard, contentment is hard, but I stand here today proud of how far I’ve come. In my wildest dreams I would have never imaged I would be here… teaching yoga and helping others. I mean I got to teach 87 7th graders yoga for their year-end celebration; HOW COOL IS THAT! My disorder no longer controls me, others no longer control me and I have a foundation of joy that can weather the storms. Looking to the past doesn’t always serve where we are going, but sometimes we need to in order to see the weaving that was being done in our lives all along to get us to the place we are today. Our Yoga practice teaches us that it is a journey. No perfection, no expectation, just you on your mat. I think that’s a great place to start.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are always challenges, but as time goes on, I’m learning to embrace and enjoy them. Challenges and setbacks are all apart of our testimony. I believe we are here to help each other and share in community and in order to do that we need to experience challenges, come out stronger and share those stories.
Whether it was walking away from a good paying full-time job, to the uncertainty of where I would get my health insurance from have defiantly shaped who I am today. There are days where I feel overwhelmed, like when one of the studios I was teaching at closed abruptly and I was never paid. When things like that happen, it’s normal to second guess your path, but through this whole journey I try every day not to force things and that helps your state of mind. When I stopped forcing, I noticed that I was more open to opportunities and I was also more in tune with myself so if the opportunity didn’t feel right, I felt strong enough to pass.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Seas The Yoga – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My tag line for Seas The Yoga is to Seas The Good – In yourself, in others and in the world.
I’m really proud of the community I am building. My focus is to teach a class where everyone feels included. I’ve been In classes where you feel Unwelcome, not advanced enough and I don’t want that in my classes. The headstand will come (if you want it) and the flexibility is a journey. I want students to know it’s ok if it doesn’t happen today or even this year, the fact that they are showing up for themselves is enough.
Seas The Yoga offers private and group sessions. We are a mobile studio, so we come to you or we agree upon one of our rental options. We off Vinyasa, Hatha, and Paddleboard Yoga! Yes, you can do yoga on a Paddleboard. We also specialize in Yoga for events such as Wedding Day “de-stress before the dress” session with a champagne toast.
What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
Now that I have a business I notice more all of the incredible small businesses our South Florida Community has. I believe any place is a good place for a business, you will have to change the model based on your location, demographics, and competition but I believe if you really have an idea on your heart, it’s better to try it then look back and wish you did. When you’re stressed about completion remind yourself to put yourself in an “abundance” mindset. We too often put yourself in a “scarcity” mindset and that’s not what God has in store for you! You are called to be uniquely you! You are the ONLY one that has your combination of gifts on this planet and I think that’s so cool.
Pricing:
- Paddleboard Yoga $45/pp
- Wedding Yoga starting at $175
- Private Sessions starting at $75
- Office Yoga starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: Seastheyoga@gmail.co
- Phone: 9542498360
- Email: seastheyoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: Seastheyoga
- Facebook: Facebook.com/seastheyoga
Image Credit:
Paddleboard Photos – Mermaid and Me Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
