A Non-Linear Path: Building a Career in Yoga

I never planned to teach yoga professionally.

My entry point into teaching wasn’t a calling or a long-term vision—it was curiosity. I was working the front desk at an elite yoga studio in San Diego, La Jolla Yoga Center, and I wanted to understand everything I could about yoga. At night, I would take home the studio’s yoga teacher training manuals, study them, and return them in the morning before anyone noticed.

Eventually, the studio owner, Jeanie Carlstead, found out. Instead of shutting it down, she encouraged me to enroll in the teacher training program. That encouragement changed the course of my work—but not in the way people might expect.

Meeting People Where They Are

Even early on, I was less interested in fitting into the traditional studio model and more interested in how yoga could serve people outside of it.

I’ve always believed you have to meet people where they are in their yoga journey—sometimes literally, at their workplace. Bringing yoga to people, rather than asking them to come to it, removes barriers. Over the years, I’ve seen countless people try and enjoy yoga for the first time simply because it was accessible and relevant to their lives.

That belief shaped everything that followed.

The Reality of the NYC Yoga Grind

When I moved to New York City, I experienced the full intensity of the studio grind. At one point, I was teaching up to 24 classes per week, traveling across multiple boroughs, navigating packed schedules, and managing physical and vocal strain.

I even worked with a voice coach to learn how to preserve my voice across the week—something few people talk about, but many instructors quietly struggle with.

That period taught me discipline, adaptability, and endurance. It also clarified what I didn’t want long-term.

Finding My Lane: Sports, Corporate, and Purpose-Driven Work

Steph visited the Brooklyn Cyclones to teach yoga to the team.

My long-standing love, respect, and interest in sports made the transition into athletic and corporate environments feel natural. I saw a clear need and opportunity—and I pursued it relentlessly.

Working with athletes, sports organizations, and high-performing teams allowed me to teach with purpose. These environments value clarity, intention, and results. They require a grounded presence, quiet confidence, and the ability to adapt quickly.

I enjoy special event projects and working with sports organizations because there’s a shared goal. People show up with intention. The work is focused. The stakes are real.

Over time, I moved away from teaching large volumes of weekly classes and toward working with committed clients—individuals and organizations working toward something specific.

What Experience Actually Looks Like

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—and one I share often with aspiring teachers—is this: experience matters more than visibility.

In many yoga trainings, teachers primarily practice and teach each other—people who are already fit, yoga-minded, and familiar with movement. Real-world teaching looks very different.

Working with a wide range of bodies, ages, injuries, and fitness levels sharpens your skill set. It forces you to research, learn, adapt, and communicate clearly. It teaches you how to keep clients safe, supported, and progressing in a way that actually serves them.

That experience builds credibility. And credibility builds longevity.

Boundaries, Intention, and the Work Now

At this stage of my life, I’m intentional about the opportunities I say yes to. The work has to make sense—for me and for my family.

I protect my time and energy. I choose projects that align with my experience, values, and the level of focus I bring to my teaching now. I no longer chase volume. I value depth, trust, and shared purpose.

That selectivity isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right work, well.

A Note for Aspiring Teachers

If there’s one thing I would say to those asking about this path, it’s this:

Do the work. Get the experience. Work with as many different bodies and ability levels as you can.

Don’t rush to be seen. Learn how to teach people who don’t already love yoga. Learn how to work with injuries. Learn how to explain why you’re doing what you’re doing. That’s where confidence comes from—and where a sustainable career is built.

Today, my work through Yoga 42 reflects everything I’ve learned along the way: purposeful teaching, thoughtful application, and respect for the environments I’m invited into. Whether working with professional athletes, sports organizations, or high-performing teams, my focus remains the same—meeting people where they are, earning trust through experience, and offering practices that support longevity, clarity, and performance.