Today, we’d like to introduce you to Yaneilys (Yanee) Amador.
Hi Yaneilys, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey illustrates the transformative power of dedication as a first-generation Cuban-American struggling with self-esteem and evolving into a confident yoga instructor and wellness entrepreneur. My name is Yaneilys (Yanee) Amador, and after confronting early challenges with body image, I found my calling through yoga and meditation at the age of twenty.
The self-awareness and confidence I developed on the mat led me to become a Yoga instructor, impacting lives across all ages. I committed to a plant-based lifestyle in 2020, overcame emotional binge-eating, and have since lost 35 pounds.
In June 2023, I started managing Guided Stretch, a holistic wellness center in Fort Lauderdale, and founded my online nutrition coaching business, YaNeed Wellness. My mission is to inspire others towards sustainable self-improvement, encouraging a healthy lifestyle focused on self-love, plant-based nutrition, and mindful movement without fixating on weight.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am now has been tough, filled with detours and bumps, but it’s these very challenges that have shaped me into who I am today, for which I’m profoundly grateful. Growing up in a family without a history in higher education or business, and without the advantages of wealth, instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance. I witnessed my older sister’s drug addiction spiral out of control and tear my family apart.
Navigating life largely on my own, especially since my parents never learned English, has taught me resilience from a young age. Combating the unrealistic beauty standards that flood social media and coming to terms with my heritage was a battle that impacted my self-esteem and led to emotional eating and self-harm.
My recent start-over at age 27, after ending a nearly decade-long relationship, has pushed me to prioritize my mental health and well-being, refusing to compromise my peace or settle for mediocrity. Embracing entrepreneurship, particularly as a Hispanic woman, introduced a unique set of hurdles.
Thankfully, the mentorship and support I’ve received from friends and colleagues along the way have been invaluable. This leap of faith into creating my own business and working for myself required a courage I didn’t know I had. I strive for a life that not only meets my own aspirations but also lays down a path for others to follow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a compassionate stretch expert at Guided Stretch: Balance & Recovery, located in Fort Lauderdale, my focus lies on specialized recovery therapies and stretching techniques designed to enhance the physical well-being of individuals, especially those over the age of 50.
Our services are dedicated to relieving chronic joint pain, improving flexibility, balance, and stability, and aiding in the recovery from minor injuries. Guided Stretch integrates innovative biohacking technologies, including compression therapy, red-light therapy, and percussion massages with the ancient healing modality of cupping therapy.
Through my personal business, YaNeed Wellness, I address the internal aspects of health, focusing on nutrition and weight management. I work closely with clients to develop better eating habits, identify emotional eating triggers, and utilize affirmations to enhance self-confidence, encouraging small, consistent steps toward significant health improvements.
My focus is on helping busy people seamlessly integrate plant-based meals into their hectic lives to promote a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. My strategy emphasizes the nutritional value and benefits of whole, plant-based foods, steering clear of traditional dieting pitfalls like calorie counting or obsessing over weight.
What fills me with pride is witnessing the tangible progress of those I work with – be it through physical recovery at Guided Stretch or through achieving personal health goals with YaNeed Wellness. I encourage others to cultivate a healthier relationship with food, achieve greater mobility in their daily life, and find joy in a life free from chronic pain.
My own marathon running accomplishment is a testament to the effectiveness of combining physical activity with proper nutrition, consistency, and recovery practices, serving as motivation for others. Known for my positivity and contagious laughter, I strive to make every interaction at both Guided Stretch and YaNeed Wellness uplifting, spreading love and joy, and deeply impacting the lives of others.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
In my journey, both personally and professionally, I’ve found incredible guidance and inspiration from a blend of mentors, literature, and digital content. My mentor, Christine Lewis, stands at the forefront of my sources of inspiration.
Her Spoken Word Yoga classes and her journal, “365 Mindful Moments,” are vital tools that keep me grounded and passionate about life. Additionally, daily affirmations play a crucial role in setting the tone for my day. Some of my favorites include works by Bob Baker, Deepak Chopra, and Esther Hicks.
The book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear has been transformative, teaching me the value of clarity in my actions and the effectiveness of “habit stacking” for boosting productivity in both work and personal goals. Brené Brown’s books and talks on courage and embracing individuality have also helped me immensely. Many of Deepak Chopra’s books have been a constant reminder of the inner power each of us holds to manifest and shape our desired life.
Lastly, TED talks have been an exceptional resource for honing my communication skills, offering a wide range of insights and perspectives from thoughtful leaders around the world. Each of these resources has contributed to my growth, helping me navigate challenges with resilience and maintain a focus on continuous self-improvement.
Pricing:
- Nutrition Jumpstart- 6-Week Transformation: $297
- Nourish & Flourish- 90 Days to Wellness: $697
- One-Hour Guided Stretch Session: $100
- 2-Hour Total Body Recovery Package: $250
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yaneedwellness.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yaneedwellness
- Other: www.guidedstretch.com
