Meet Erica Whalen

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Whalen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.

Hi Erica, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

In a way, my purpose found me—somewhere between my first yoga class and realizing how good it felt to just breathe and be present. Yoga helped me feel more alive, more grounded, and honestly, just more me.

I realized that what lights me up is helping others tap into that same joy—whether it’s through movement, stillness, laughter, or simply showing up on their mat. I’m also a big believer in the power of community, and there’s something really special about creating spaces where people can connect, be real, and not take themselves too seriously (we’ve all fallen out of a balance pose, right?).

At the heart of it, my purpose is about helping people feel good in their bodies and at home in themselves—one breath, one class, and one awkward wobble at a time.

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 co-own two yoga studios with my sister Cynthia – one here in Austin, Texas, and the other in New York City. Both are called The Yoga Common, and at the heart of what we do is creating space for people to feel good in their bodies, connect with others, and breathe a little deeper (physically and metaphorically).

What makes it special? Honestly, it’s the people. The community that shows up – whether it’s their first class or their hundredth—is what makes these spaces come alive. We keep things approachable, inclusive, and down-to-earth. You don’t need fancy leggings or to nail a handstand—we’re here for real humans with real lives, just trying to move, feel better, and maybe laugh a little along the way.

We offer a wide range of classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings, and are always finding new ways to support our students. At Yoga Common, it’s not just about movement as exercise – it’s about practicing presence, connecting with yourself and others, and leaving class feeling a little more like you.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that helped me most, and advice for those just starting out:

Resilience. Owning a business (especially in the wellness space) is full of ups, downs, and plot twists you don’t see coming. What’s helped me most is learning to ride the waves without losing my center. My advice: don’t be afraid to mess up, pivot, or start over. You’ll grow more from the hard stuff than the easy wins.

Humility and Curiosity. I’ve learned a lot from other teachers, business owners, and students. Staying open to learning – whether it’s about marketing, leadership, or how to hold better space in a class – has been key. Be willing to ask questions, admit what you don’t know, and seek feedback (even when it’s uncomfortable).

People Skills. At the end of the day, this work is all about connection. Learning how to really listen, communicate clearly, and create meaningful relationships is just as important as any yoga training. If you’re just starting out, focus on building community, not just clientele. The rest will follow.

No matter where you are in your journey, give yourself permission to grow slowly, stay true to your values, and never underestimate the power of simply showing up.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

First, I try to actually notice that I’m overwhelmed – because sometimes I just bulldoze through until I crash. When I catch it early, I pause, take a few deep breaths (the simplest tool, and still the most effective), and ask myself: What’s essential right now? Most of the time, the answer is not “respond to 12 emails and fix everything immediately.”

I’ve learned to zoom out, get quiet, and reconnect to why I’m doing what I’m doing. Sometimes that means stepping away for a walk, calling a friend, or just laying on the floor for five minutes and doing nothing. I also try to give myself permission to not have it all figured out.

My advice? Don’t wait until you’re burnt out to care for yourself. Build in the pauses before you need them. And remember: slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind – it means you’re sustaining yourself for the long haul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yogacommonstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogacommonstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogacommonstudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9193150/admin/dashboard/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-yoga-common-austin