Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Zupancic.
Suzanne embarked on her journey to yoga in 2008 in search of her “off switch”. After 25 years in retail management all she knew how to do was be “on”. Yoga had a profound effect on her life both physically and emotionally. She felt compelled to harness this new vitality, this sense of wellness, and share the power with others. In 2017, she took a leap of faith and opened Unwind Yoga in the heart of downtown Phoenix Arizona on Historic Grand Avenue.
She trained with Yogacharya Eric Walrabenstein at Yoga Pura (Phoenix) and is currently an E-RYT500 and YACEP with Yoga Alliance. She is also a Certified Yin Yoga Teacher and Yoga Nidra Facilitator, Certified Reiki Therapist, Certified Essential Oil Specialist, as well as a Certified Katherine Roberts’ Yoga For Golfers Instructor and FXP Hula Hoop Fitness Trainer. As a YACEP, Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, she teaches, trains, and provides continuing education credits for other yoga teachers. Her classes focus on alignment with a profound (or not so profound) intention, a little humor, and a lot of realism.
As the author of YES: Your Empowered Self ® workshops & training modules, she incorporates the sister science of Ayurveda and the power of Améo essential oils into her practice for an overall sense of well-being. She is also a published author; contributing to 365 Life Shifts & 365 Moments of Grace (https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile).
She offers support & loyalty in the hopes that others may come to realize their own strength.
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?
Actually, so far so good (knock on wood)! No major hurdles as of yet. We are working a lot behind the scenes to promote, teaching extra classes here and there to get the word out, trying to stay connected with students via social media & email marketing, and participating in as many events as we can get to!!! Of course the beginning is a struggle with any business. You hate to admit that you prepared for an amazing class and no one showed up, but it happens. And it happens more than once! So it can be discouraging if you let it be. Try something new and see if it sticks. If not, don’t be afraid to let it go and move on to the next thing. Just because I love HoopYasa doesn’t mean my students will (but thankfully they do!) Each studio has their own vibe and their own way of Being – you have to find yours. What makes You unique? What do You offer and to whom? You can’t be everything to everybody, so find your unique place in it all. There is a yoga for everybody. (and yes, that is purposefully two words 😉 You just have to keep your head up, keep your eye on the goal, and keep on keepin’ on. It is a practice in the other seven limbs of yoga for sure!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We believe that yoga is for every body and that you do yoga because you aren’t flexible! That yoga is also intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. Everyone can enjoy yoga and reap its lifelong benefits as a way of life. Our classes are designed to meet you where you are – whether that means it’s your first yoga class or your millionth! Our teachers will assist you with making adjustments and utilizing props to make any pose accessible for anybody. Really. Now, come on in. Don’t be shy. You have found your place.
We believe that yoga is more than just an exercise, it is a way of life. This is your home studio where you simply come as you are, you learn, you have fun, you stretch, you work, you make friends, you relax, you breathe, and you just BE. You step inside to leave the outside, both physically and mentally. It is a place to stop all of the “doing” that we do all day long. To give yourself a break from all of the thinking.
We believe that your life is happening NOW! We all waste so much time re-hashing the past and dreaming about the future, but what happens to our now? To life? Life is only happening now. The past is a memory and the future is a figment of your imagination. Now, come on in, get on your mat, and be present. Connect to your body, to the earth, to your breath, and notice. Notice how you are. How are You?
We believe in the ancient practice and philosophy of yoga. That the definition of yoga is to still the fluctuations of the mind. Not to improve your backside. (Although, if that happens… bonus!) We invite you to learn about all eight limbs of yoga and how they can help you find more happiness in your life. To learn about meditation, the yamas & niyamas, the chakras, Ayurveda, the meridians in the body… oh there is so much to share with you! And you thought it was all about perfecting your downward dog?
We believe in the power of essential oils. We also believe your power resides within you. And you can reclaim it through yoga and essential oils. (Pssst… they’re more than just a pretty smell.)
We believe that the most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with your Self. So, get to know your Self. Nurture your relationship with your Self. Reconnect with your Self. It is time. It is time to find your fire, to ignite your power, and to truly love your Self. Y.E.S!
What were you like growing up?
As a child I was not into sports or music, but I was interested in all kinds of dance and movement, even cheer. Although my mother will tell you I spent more time rearranging my peers onstage than actually dancing – that type A personality shining through at only four years old! Having the opportunity to travel created a sense of discovery and wonder; I wanted to be a flight attendant when I grew up. Clothing & color was fascinating to me and I spent hours selecting outfits and accessories at night before I went to bed for the next school day. Alas, I went to college for Fashion Merchandising & Business Administration and began a 25+ year career in retail. Starting out in Store Management, General Management, District & Regional positions, before landing in a corporate office as a Visual Merchandising Manager over 65+ stores. Everyone thought my job was so glamorous but truthfully… I schlepped for a living! Schlepping to store openings from Portland to Naples, unloading trucks on the beach in Atlantic City and schlepping pallets up to the third floor, prepping for fashion shows and schlepping all the product to New York to corral 20 child models with minds of their own, and schlepping product to meetings in Boston and setting up presentations to executives, and on and on. I was the queen of keeping all of the balls in the air. I was even stranded on 9/11 in Chicago schlepping merchandise and mannequins between four stores preparing for investor meetings! Enter Yoga. Phew.
Pricing:
- Monthly Unlimited Membership $78
- Drop-In Class $14
- Discounts for Students & Seniors, and Teachers, Troops, Police & Fire
Contact Info:
- Address: 1023 Grand Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85007 - Website: www.unwindyogaaz.com
- Phone: 602-538-5301
- Email: info@unwindyogaaz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unwindyogaaz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unwindyogaaz/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/unwind-yoga-phoenix
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix 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.
