Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Hernandez
Hi Angela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was living in Toronto during the pandemic, working in the hospitality industry, when everything shut down. With more time on my hands, I dove into spiritual books that kept mentioning the benefits of yoga and meditation for the body, mind, and spirit. I got curious and decided to try a yoga class on YouTube and something just clicked for me!
I found a 30 day yoga challenge with 10 minute classes, and by the time I finished, I knew I wanted yoga to be a part of my life. I kept practicing at home with free YouTube classes and read more about yoga and meditation. Since everything was closed, I learned from different online teachers and started memorizing the classes to practice teaching in front of the mirror.
After a few months, I invited a couple of friends over to teach them a class. I moved my furniture around and decorated my living room to create a cozy studio vibe. They loved it and encouraged me to keep going! I found a beautiful park with an amazing view of the city and put up a little sign that said “Free Yoga, Saturdays at 10 AM.”
At first, it was just a few friends, but word got out, and our community grew quickly. Soon, I was teaching around 60 to 80 people every weekend! That inspired me to get my official certification, and I became a Yoga Instructor in 2021.
In 2022, I made the move to Miami. Before landing a job, I decided to take my 300-hour certification, which is a more advanced training. My first training was online, so I wanted to dive in fully this time. I traveled to Guatemala for just over a month, deepening my spiritual practice while exploring the beautiful landscape.
When I got back to Miami, I wanted to build a community here too. I started at Margaret Pace Park in Edgewater, but parking was a hassle, and the distance was tough. That’s when I found a spot at Collins Avenue and 88th Street. I love the number 8 and it felt like a sign! I’ve been teaching classes every Saturday at 8 AM for over a year now, and our community keeps growing.
I also go back to Toronto every summer and host classes in the same park, where we now get over 200 people showing up! I’m all about creating community and making yoga accessible to everyone especially those who think it’s just for the rich or super flexible. Yoga is a way of living and a healing practice that helps people reconnect with their true selves, and I want to share that with as many people as possible!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, here are a few of the struggles I have encountered along the way:
– In the beginning, when I started practicing yoga at home during the pandemic, I was completely on my own. With no in-person classes available, it was tough to stay motivated and committed. There were times when I felt lost, unsure if I was doing the poses correctly or if I was even making progress.
– When I first decided to teach my friends, I was nervous! Standing in front of people, even friends, felt intimidating. I worried about whether I would be good enough and if they would enjoy the class. But their positive feedback helped build my confidence, and I realized that teaching could be a rewarding experience.
– Teaching outdoors means dealing with unpredictable weather. There were days when it rained or was too hot, and I had to adapt on the fly. I learned to be flexible, not just in my practice but in how I organized classes.
– Building a community took time. At first, only a handful of people showed up, and I had to keep reminding myself to be patient. I learned the importance of engaging with my students and creating a welcoming atmosphere to encourage more people to join.
Through these challenges, I grew not only as a yoga instructor but also as a person. Each obstacle has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. The journey keeps going and I am open to more learning and improvement on the way!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a yoga and meditation instructor focused on making yoga accessible and inclusive for everyone, no matter their background or experience level. I’m known for creating a friendly, welcoming environment in my classes and for building strong community connections.
I like to focus on modifications and encourage everyone to listen to their bodies. Having gone from self-taught to certified, I really understand the challenges beginners face, and I want everyone to feel comfortable and supported on their yoga journey.
What I’m most proud of is the amazing community I’ve built in both Miami and Toronto. It’s incredible to see people come together, support each other, and grow through yoga.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to experience what I offer is to attend my yoga classes! Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, everyone is welcome. I teach every saturday at 8am at the beach of Collins Avenue and 88 Street and on Sundays I teach Sunrise Yoga at 1st Street Lifeguard Tower, Miami Beach at 7am.
My classes are donation based, any contribution is welcomed to support our community to keep the classes alive! and if you enjoy my classes, sharing your experience with friends or on social media really helps grow our community.
Contact Info:
