Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to CHANDRA FOWLER. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi CHANDRA, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic came from both my mother and father. They are both hardworking individuals who paved a path for me and my siblings. My mother worked as a domestic from ages 11-18 and then enlisted in the Marine Corp. My father graduated from Xavier University, in New Orleans, LA as a pharmacist. They left New Orleans after his graduation and started a new life in Columbus, OH. Creating a life in a new place, and being creative on how to make money was essential. My mother had 2 small kids under 2, and convinced the apartment building owner to let her help manage the property. From there, she went into real estate. My father emphasized the importance for all of us to play a sport. We learned the importance of being part of a team early on and always doing your best. This is a sentiment that I try to incorporate in my own business. My studio is the product of collective support and teamwork. I could not have done it without love and energy from my community, and each and everyday I am devoted to showing up and doing my best. My parents have always known how to be a step ahead and use all of their gifts to make magic happen. My father’s father always believed it was so “important to not only have an education but also to be able to work with your hands.” Working hard and finding all the ways you are capable is so important. We all have gifts that we can use and maybe are still uncovering. It’s exciting to know there can be more we can discover within ourselves.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the founder and a teacher at Sanskrit Moon Yoga Center in Hapeville, GA. The studio opened in 2019 as a love letter to my community. I wanted a place where individuals from all walks of life could learn yoga, own their own practice, and do it all with the love of community support. It can be so intimidating finding your tribe and a place to practice yoga, especially if you are new to the practice. Each and everyone of our teachers at Sanskrit Moon Yoga Center are committed to holding space for anyone who wants to learn. We are about inclusion and removing barriers to practice.
There are a few ways we’ve been engaging our community. We held a beautiful Southside Pride Celebration sponsored by lululemon this summer, where Atlanta and surrounding areas came together to celebrate the love of community. We are so proud of how we have found ways to meet our community and expand our classes. We also launched our Prenatal Yoga classes with certified teachers/doulas earlier this year. We are currently offering Yoga en español every Sunday at 5:00pm. We hold a Community Donation based class every 1st Sunday at 4:00pm at Atlanta Utility Works in East Point, GA. All funds go towards a non-profit organization we work with, The Dharma Project. The Dharma Project brings yoga to communities most in need. We are also trying to expand the practice, by having pop up practices with visiting instructors on every Wednesday at 7:00pm. These practices are perfect for beginners, those with limited mobility, and are trauma informed. Wednesdays are our studio’s Rest and Reset Day. We listen to our communities needs and are always open to bring new ways to practice.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Customer Service, Creative Thinking, and being Self-Motivated are the top 3 things that have helped me most throughout my journey.
I would tell someone starting out to be flexible and ready to ebb and flow. Be prepared, have a plan, but know change is inevitable. Always be willing to learn more and show up for yourself each day. As long as you come willing to put forth the effort, try your best, & communicate consistently…you will move forward and grow not only as a human but in your field.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I am so grateful for my practice in overwhelming times. If I am limited on space and time, I can always come to my breath and choose the pranayama practice that I need most. One of my favorites is Alternate Nostril Breathing. Being in nature is such a grounding force. I love taking walks with my dog or even just going outside barefoot to feel the earth underneath my feet. The act of creation grounds me and lately I have rediscovered my love for crafting. I sometimes just need to get it on the page whether I draw, paint or write. Writing in my journal helps me to process my feelings and emotions. This is especially great to do after meditation. I’ve really been enjoying our classes focused on breath, meditation & sound at the studio. We have moving meditations offered virtually Dr. Christa Amasoul, iRest pop ups with Jill Elkin, Empowered Rest practice which includes Nidra with Ebony Molock, & Sound Healing Sessions with Christy Lin are all special treats for me in the studio.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sanskritmoon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanskritmoonyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanskritmoon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandra-fowler-929a2a15/
Image Credits
Evelyn Burttram , Brian Bates Photography, Michelle H., Rowan Fowler
