Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Gorstein.
Hi Shelby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began practicing yoga in 2015 while attending Florida State University. I immediately fell in love and would rarely miss a day of practice. With a college budget, YouTube was my teacher and my bedroom was my studio. The clothes I wore didn’t matter. I sought no flashy poses. Showing up was all that mattered. Showing up to my hand-me-down mat that had no grip or cushion or fancy brand attached. But a mat that supported me in all the ways that I needed it to. I never took videos of my practice. I never practiced in front of a mirror. It was true magic. It was a true being. Journaling during and after practice was a typical urge. I became aware of the blessing it is to be alive in this world and moving in this body. I knew Yoga would be part of my life forever and I knew that I would be better off because of it.
Once I graduated from FSU, I began working as a recruiter. Not long after starting a desk job, there was a deeper desire within me. I craved more fulfillment. I craved purpose. In 2019, I completed my yoga teacher training, becoming a 200-hour RYT.
Then one day I struck up a conversation with a woman I practiced next to in a group class, and, as fate would have it, she happened to be a new studio owner looking for teachers. I was in the right place at the right time. I began teaching once a week while still working at my desk job. In July of 2020, I was laid off. A pandemic was in full swing. But you know what? I never panicked. There was a sense of knowing inside of me that gave me the assurance I needed to pursue a passion. My entire life was flipped… right side up, in a way. Sometimes the universe pushes us out of the places we don’t belong when we won’t do it ourselves. I now hold an additional certification in Yin Yoga and teach full time. When I look back on my journal, it tells me the story of the life I wanted. The life I now have. I believe that what we focus on becomes our reality.
Two years into building my business, I now have weekly private clients, sold-out workshops, donation classes in the park, and so much more fulfillment. Beyond teaching yoga, I also make Mala jewelry that I sell at Coco Market, as well as take on freelance writing work. I am so grateful to be walking this path, and I hope to meet you here on it. My approach to teaching harmonizes effort and ease on and off the mat. I believe everyone is invited to yoga, no matter their age, background, or goals. I embody an unwavering excitement for the never-ending possibilities in the lifelong yoga practice and am honored to share it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s always been worth it. When I first started up my own classes, sometimes no one would show up. Sometimes I would rent a space to host a class and have so few people show up, that I would end up losing money. There was imposter syndrome. There were tears. There was comparison. But there was also the knowledge that the only way for me to succeed was to keep going when others might give up. So… that’s what I did. Recently, I accepted an opportunity to go live and work at a surf and yoga retreat center in Nicaragua, and after a turn of events, I am no longer going. Sometimes these redirections and transitions can be rocky, but it’s actually been full of beautiful lessons. I am so grateful to have a community where I am seen, valued, and loved right where I am. There is nothing to seek in going far away when you know the magic lies wherever you are.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Yoga teacher, Mala jewelry maker, and writer. I am known for guiding yogis through strong vinyasa sequences with dynamic transitions that feel fluid in the body. My style of teaching and practicing is very flowy, syncing together movements like a dance.
I also teach gentle classes, chair yoga for older adults, and kids’ yoga.
My goal is to ensure everyone in my classes feels seen and worthy. I like to cultivate a sense of belonging among my community members. The humans who come to my classes inspire me every day.
I believe my welcoming energy sets me apart, as well as my humor. I keep things approachable and make jokes while maintaining reverence for the practice and its philosophy.
Growing up, I was always crafty and artistic. After years away from making jewelry, I decided to get back into it with spiritual Mala jewelry. All of my Malas are handmade with love and intention. They’re each composed of 108 beads, plus the larger guru bead in the center. For each piece, I select stones and allow an intention to come through me that aligns with the essence of the stones I’m working with. I then repeat the intention as I string each bead, infusing the product with positive energy. These necklaces can be worn as stunning accessories, as well as aid in meditation and mantra practices.
I also write poetry, mostly for fun. Writing poetry has been an incredible creative outlet for me for years. I often read my poems at the end of Shavasana in my yoga classes, as well. I am also a freelance writer for a variety of topics and businesses. My degree is in writing, so I use it where I can among my jack of all trade’s nature!
I am most proud of my resilience. I have the ability to redirect with conviction when faced with curveballs. Any time I have lost an opportunity or stepped away from one myself, I have trail blazed ahead with vigor. I stay ambitious, determined, and trusting. A healthy balance of trusting the universe along with trusting my own capability has carried me far and will continue to do so.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think taking risks is necessary. It’s often on the brink of discomfort where evolution lies! In early 2021 I took a risk leaving one of my teaching jobs. I wanted to start up my own donation outdoor class, but I was so nervous because I barely had a following. I knew, though, that this was the way to build it. I left that facility on amicable terms- the owner was actually extremely supportive of me starting my own venture and wished me great success. It took a long time to grow the class, though. And there were times no one showed up at all. Now I have a solid group of yogis who join me every Sunday morning for class!
Pricing:
- Private Yoga session $100
- FlowStrong Drop in $15
- Mala necklaces $40-$72
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shelbygyoga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbygyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbygyoga
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY8vSMbiWMViNGrjWJDam4g
- Other: https://g.page/r/CSYq4iRWsbjSEAI/review
Image Credits
Dustin Miles
Devyn Russell
John Fitch
Louis Prado
Shelby Gorstein
