Inspiring Conversations with Amy Stephens of Yoga Amy LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Stephens.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
In 1996, I was working at a Healthcare Interior Design Build firm in St. Louis, MO. I was stressed out in my first job out of college and didn’t understand “normal working hours.” I was the second full-time employee for this mom-and-pop design company, and the amount of projects I had my hands on was crazy! A friend had just moved to St. Louis and was looking for a yoga class to decompress from her job, so we went to this yoga studio together, and I was the idiot who was giggling the entire class. I now understand (27 years later and after many pieces of training and much self-awareness) that I was releasing stress. Being flexible was not the issue; finding muscles was, and what a journey that was. I have owned 2 studios, and when the global pandemic occurred, I took my business online and continue to this day. I have over 25 years of experience and work with clients who don’t feel comfortable in a group setting, so I do quite a bit of personal training for those who can’t move much, from a physical disability, overweight, or more introverted. When working with someone 1:1, the amount of results at a faster rate is amazing to witness.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yoga has been a passion of mine since 1996, and I have always taught one or two classes over the decades and had “real jobs” in between owning a studio. Owning a yoga studio is not profitable; if I could teach for free all the time, I absolutely would because the results I see are freaking amazing! Many of my clients have had past experiences of trauma and trauma, and creating a safe environment for them is always my goal. However, having the overhead and needing a dedicated space to work with my clients to feel safe was something I had to give up. Working with female business owners and digital nomads now allows them to be in an environment that is safe and supportive on their self-awareness journey. Some of my clients need the extra hand-holding and accountability, and we create a plan. Others join me for the Zoom group class and enjoy doing the movements with others; even though everyone is muted, a community is still being created.

I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Yoga Amy LLC?
I have been teaching yoga since 1998 and have always been called “Yoga Amy,” so I made that my business name in 2004. Teaching yoga for me is more than just the physical postures. I incorporate the energetic side of things, tapping into emotions and creating a safe environment for my clients in another state or country to feel safe while working with me. I am known for putting people to sleep. (LOL) The meditations I offer are amazing, and I have pre-recorded offerings along with live classes or private work together. I am a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, and Advanced Crystal Master. I combine all my knowledge about shadow work, being playful, and rewiring the brain to laugh more and release the ick (aka trauma) stored in the body for so long. I love sharing, teaching, and listening.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
No two clients are the same. No two bodies are the same. Whatever has occurred in your past, it is OK to acknowledge it and set it free. Forgiveness is OK, but it doesn’t mean you need to speak to someone who has hurt you. It is phenomenal to gain the power of laughter back in your life and to shine out from your heart. To find your voice and to set boundaries. We, as women, are often told not to have a voice; I encourage my clients to see what makes their voices be heard from a space of compassion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yogaamy.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.amystephens
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamystephens
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamystephens/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theamystephens
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yoga-amy-scottsdale-5
• Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amystephens