We’re looking forward to introducing you to Heather Artman. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Heather, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity is the most important. Intelligence and energy are valuable qualities, but without integrity they can be misused or misdirected. Integrity creates the foundation of trust, and I believe trust is what makes relationships and communities successful. With integrity, you know decisions are being made honestly and for the right reasons. Energy and intelligence can always be developed or channeled, but integrity is non-negotiable.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Las Olas Yoga, a community-centered, non-heated yoga studio in downtown Fort Lauderdale. What makes us unique is our focus on accessibility and connection—we’ve created a space where students of all levels can feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Beyond daily classes, we offer teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats that help people deepen their practice both on and off the mat. My passion has always been building community. Currently, I’m most inspired by finding creative ways to connect with our students beyond the mat—whether that’s through mindful events, collaborations, or simply sharing a cup of tea together after class.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and now needs to be released is my tendency to say yes to everyone. For a long time, people-pleasing helped me feel connected and useful, but I’ve realized it often came at the expense of my own boundaries and well-being. I’m learning that saying no when needed isn’t selfish—it creates space for more authentic connections and for me to show up fully and with my own integrity.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me resilience, compassion, and humility in ways that success never could. When everything is going well, it’s easy to overlook the deeper lessons. But through difficult moments, we experience growth. Through suffering, I’ve learned how strong I really am, how to hold space for others in their struggles, and how to appreciate even the smallest joys. In yoga, we have a practice called santosha—contentment with where we are. Success can be affirming, but suffering has taught me to live in santosha because everything is temporary, the good and the bad. Suffering has grounding me in gratitude and has taught me to embrace life exactly as it is in each moment.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is that yoga has the power to help people live more loving and present lives. Because of that, I’ve dedicated myself to sharing yoga in ways that are accessible and meaningful, creating spaces where people can discover awareness, compassion, and connection. When I moved to Fort Lauderdale, I missed the sense of community that yoga had given me elsewhere—most studios in South Florida were focused on hot yoga and the physical aspect of yoga, and I wanted a space that felt welcoming for everyone and where I could share the true and healing aspects of yoga beyond the physical practice. That vision became Las Olas Yoga: a non-heated, community-centered studio where students of all levels feel supported. For me, yoga is about so much more than movement—it’s about cultivating compassion, connection, and authenticity in daily life. I believe that when people practice presence, they bring more love into their families, communities, and the world. That ripple effect is what keeps me inspired and committed. Even if it takes a lifetime, I’ll continue this work, because the impact of presence and love ripples far beyond the yoga mat.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel I am now living what I was born to do—my dharma. In yoga, dharma means our true calling or purpose, the work that aligns with who we are at the deepest level. For 25 years I worked as a systems project management consultant, and while I loved the work, it wasn’t ultimately my dharma. Yoga has given me the clarity to step into my true purpose, which is creating spaces for connection, presence, and love through teaching and community. Living in alignment with my dharma feels both grounding and expansive, and I know this is the work I was meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lasolas.yoga
- Instagram: lasolasyogastudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lasolasyoga
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/las-olas-yoga-fort-lauderdale-2?osq=las+olas+yoga
Image Credits
Rachel Farrah Photography
