An Inspired Chat with Siva Taswell-Woods

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Siva Taswell-Woods. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Siva, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Something that’s often misunderstood about my yoga business is the idea that yoga has to look or feel a certain way. Many people assume it’s only for those who are flexible or experienced. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. My classes are designed for real people to unwind, breathe, and reconnect, not only with themselves but also with others.

My approach is all about making yoga welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. It’s not about perfecting or mastering poses. It’s about feeling good in your body, fostering mental clarity, and creating moments of peace that carry into everyday life. Through experiences like Sip and Stretch and my gentle yoga classes—restorative, chair, or yin—I strive to create spaces where people feel supported, empowered, and inspired to nurture their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Siva Kali, and I’m the founder of Siva Kali LLC, operating as Devoted to Serve Wellness. My passion is helping others, particularly in the areas of mental health awareness and holistic well-being. At the heart of my work is a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, empowering individuals to care for themselves through self-reflection, mindfulness, and movement.

I truly believe in yoga’s ability to promote healing and inner peace. As a Registered Yoga Instructor through the Yoga Alliance, I specialize in gentle practices such as yin yoga, restorative yoga, chair yoga, and trauma-informed yoga. Each style incorporates calming breathwork and slow, flowing sequences designed to meet people exactly where they are.

One of my signature offerings, Sip and Stretch by Siva Kali, blends yoga, mindfulness, and social connection into a mobile wellness experience that is both fun and rejuvenating. Whether you join a session in my yoga space, in your home, or within community or organizational settings, my goal is to make yoga approachable, meaningful, and accessible for everyone.

I’m also thrilled to share that my sister circle and I are preparing for our 3rd Annual EmpowerMe Wellness Retreat. Our journey began with retreats in Fredericksburg and San Marcos, TX, and next year we’ll gather in the peaceful coastal town of Rockport, TX, from September 24–26, 2026. This retreat is designed to give women a chance to Relax, Relate, and Revive, stepping away from daily stress, connecting with themselves and others, and embracing moments of reflection and renewal by the ocean.

Each retreat reflects the heart of my mission with Devoted to Serve Wellness: creating inclusive and accessible spaces where individuals can nurture their well-being, foster meaningful connections, and leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and empowered. Registration is open, and I look forward to welcoming women to this transformative experience. For more information, contact [email protected]

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work were my maternal grandparents and my mother. Although my grandparents have passed, their resilience and dedication continue to inspire me. They immigrated from Panama to New York and overcame significant challenges, and my mother, who also immigrated from Panama, carried that same determination, rising to supervisory roles while raising three children on her own.

Their example instilled in me the importance of hard work, integrity, and leading with a servant’s heart. I carry their lessons with me every day, striving to honor their sacrifices by making the most of every opportunity and contributing positively to those around me.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the defining challenges in my life have included being bullied as a child for being different, moving between states and living overseas, which made it difficult to form lasting friendships. experiencing my first college’s loss of accreditation, and spending nearly ten years discovering my true passion for helping others. This journey led me to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, become a licensed clinical social worker, and ultimately work as a mental health therapist.

Later, I faced personal challenges such as being diagnosed with alopecia, fertility struggles, a miscarriage, and navigating two divorces, one of which occurred during the pandemic. Amid these difficulties, the brightest moments were the birth of my nephew, who is like a son to me, and the birth of my daughter. They are truly the light of my life and are now amazing young adults. In my career, I persevered through yoga school while managing a frozen shoulder, transitioned to virtual classes during studio closures, and continually adapted to evolving trends and preferences in yoga styles.

Through it all, my healing has come from a combination of faith, prayer, therapy, and the support of loved ones, along with practices that nurture both my mind and body, particularly yoga, which has been a constant source of strength. My resilience has been essential. I can honestly say, #ButGod, I don’t look like what I’ve been through! My faith, self-care, and the love and encouragement of others have carried me through, helping me grow stronger, more empowered, and deeply committed to serving and uplifting those around me.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
A belief I used to hold tightly was that being constantly busy and multitasking was a sign of productivity and success. I thought the more I did, the more I was accomplishing. Over time, I realized this mindset was naive. It prevented me from being fully present and from caring for myself both mentally and physically. Now, I prioritize slowing down, being intentional, and creating space for self-care. I’ve learned that true productivity and fulfillment comes not from doing everything at once, but from being fully present in each moment and honoring my own well-being.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes, I absolutely feel that I’m doing what I was born to do. My purpose is all about serving others, whether through my yoga business, educating college students, working as a mental health therapist, mentoring young adults, or volunteering in the community. Each of these roles provides me with the opportunity to support, guide, and empower individuals on their own personal journeys. I feel truly grateful that my work reflects my calling, rather than just following what I was told to do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: devotetoservewellness
• Facebook: Devoted to Serve Wellness
• Other: Learn more / connect with me online: linktr.ee/devotedtoservewellness

  Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Steven Jones