Meet Karina Catellani

We recently connected with Karina Catellani and have shared our conversation below.

Hi KARINA, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

My journey toward starting Treelance Yoga was fueled by a combination of passion, vision, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. My deep love for yoga and its transformative power became the cornerstone. As a yoga teacher, I witnessed how yoga could bring balance and peace to people’s lives, and I wanted this experience to reach even more individuals.

Living in diverse and inspiring places like Patagonia (Argentina), Singapore, and Miami (USA), I always valued the freedom to explore the world. The idea of blending my passion for yoga with the ability to work from anywhere was a powerful motivator. Starting an online business felt like the perfect way to marry my love for yoga with my desire for flexibility and independence.

But it wasn’t just about creating a business—it was about filling a gap I saw in the market. I noticed that yoga apparel and accessories often lacked the deeper meaning that yoga embodies. I wanted to create products that were not only appealing and functional but also infused with mindfulness and a genuine connection to the practice of yoga. This vision gave me the courage to take the leap.

Moreover, I was driven by the desire to empower other women and create a family-oriented business. I wanted to build a brand that was more than just about selling products—it was about fostering a community of individuals who value mindfulness and a balanced lifestyle. This purpose gave me the confidence to take risks and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

An essential part of my journey was the unwavering confidence and support of my husband, parents, sisters, other close family members, and friends. Their belief in my vision and their encouragement provided me with the strength and reassurance I needed to take bold steps forward.

Starting Treelance Yoga was also about making quality yoga gear accessible. I wanted to ensure that my products were premium yet affordable, made with care and consideration for the environment. This commitment to quality and my passion gave me the resilience to push through obstacles and continue growing the business.

In essence, my ability to take risks was rooted in my love for yoga, my vision for a more connected and mindful community, the support of my loved ones, and my desire for freedom and flexibility. These motivations helped me overcome the fear of starting something new and continue to drive me as I expand Treelance Yoga.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Karina, the Founder and CEO of Treelance Yoga, a brand deeply rooted in my passion for yoga and mindfulness. I’m also a certified yoga instructor with over 500 hours of training, a PR and marketing expert, and a proud mom of my 7-month-old son, Liam. Originally from Argentina, I’ve had the privilege of blend my rich cultural heritage with the diverse experiences of living in various parts of the world, South America, Asia, and Miami (USA), where I currently reside with my husband, who is from Spain.

Treelance Yoga is a Latina woman-owned, family-run business that offers yoga-inspired apparel and accessories. My brand is unique because it’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating a lifestyle that embodies the principles of yoga—mindfulness, balance, and a deep connection to oneself and the environment.

What excites me most about Treelance Yoga is the commitment to originality in a world that in a way it’s becoming increasingly homogenized. I find inspiration from traveling to some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth. I used these experiences to craft products that make people feel empowered, motivated, and at peace. Each item I create a new product I made with love and care, using soft organic cotton that is extra comfortable and environmentally friendly. Treelance designs are unique and practical, perfect for your yoga, pilates, dance, and barre, as well as for everyday wear.

Treelance Yoga is committed to making premium, affordable products accessible to everyone. I believe everyone deserves to lead a fulfilling life, and that’s why my products are designed to encourage mindfulness and spread positive vibrations. I aspire to help improve work/life balance by promoting practices like yoga and meditation, which can alleviate the stress of modern life while fostering respect for each other and the environment.

I remain focused on staying true to these values and expanding Treelance product offerings to support our community in their wellness journeys. I am excited to bring more meaningful products to market, such as handmade-from-scratch yoga journals made in Patagonia, all while staying connected to my roots and the spirit of yoga.

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?

Reflecting on my journey with Treelance Yoga, there are three key qualities and skills that were most impactful: my passion for yoga, resilience in the face of challenges, and a commitment to creativity and originality.

Passion for Yoga: My deep love for yoga has always been at the heart of everything I do. This passion inspired me to start Treelance Yoga and to continue growing and improving my brand. For anyone early in their journey, I would advise them to find what truly excites them and let that passion guide their decisions. When you genuinely care about what you’re doing, it reflects in your work and becomes a powerful motivator to keep going during tough times.

Resilience: Starting and growing a business is not without its challenges. Resilience has been crucial in overcoming obstacles and staying focused on my goals. This quality has allowed me to navigate setbacks and adapt to changes without losing sight of my vision. For those starting now, it’s important to develop a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with supportive people, like my family and friends who believed in me, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Resilience is built through experience, so be patient and persistent.

Commitment to Creativity and Originality: Treelance Yoga products are not just about function; they’re designed to carry a meaning, such as yoga tanks with prints like ‘Compassion,’ ‘Freedom,’ ‘The Phases of the Moon,’ and more. For others looking to stand out, I recommend embracing your unique perspective and finding ways to infuse creativity into your work. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Your originality will set you apart and resonate with your audience.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

My biggest challenge at the moment is balancing my role as a new mom while running Treelance Yoga. My son, Liam, is my top priority, a dream come true, and as any parent knows, babies grow so fast that every moment is precious. I want to be there for every milestone, he brings me daily happiness and strength. Working from home allows me to be present for him, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

To manage this, I’ve learned the importance of being well-prepared before the baby arrives. Ensuring that the business was set up as efficiently as possible—inventory in stock, platforms connected, advertising optimized—makes it easier to focus on both my work and my son. This preparation has been crucial in helping me balance the demands of running a business while being fully present for Liam, who brought so much light and teachings to my life.

My advice is to prioritize and plan ahead. Streamline and automate your business systems where possible, so you’re not constantly pulled in multiple directions. However, I understand that sometimes life doesn’t allow perfect preparation, especially with complicated pregnancies or other unforeseen circumstances. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether from family, friends, or professional services. Getting your business ready for this big change and having support to ease your workload can make it easier.

It’s also essential to be realistic about what you can achieve in a day, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Remember, your well-being is crucial for both your business and your family. Do what you can, but prioritize being present and enjoying your time with your baby, these early moments are fleeting and irreplaceable.
The bond you build during this time has a lasting impact on you and your child. Prioritizing these moments whenever you can will strengthen your connection and contribute to your overall well-being and happiness. When you’re fully present, you savor the joy of these early experiences, which can enhance your mental and emotional resilience, benefiting your personal life and long-term career.

With the help of family and qualified professionals, you will soon be able to focus on your business again—perhaps with fewer hours. I am now resolving business matters more efficiently and spending most of my time with my son. I am doing my best to be present, and kind to myself—body and mind—and I am confident I will manage being a mom and an entrepreneur better every day.

I always like to have this question in my mind:
Remember When You Wanted What You Now Have?
And I feel so grateful!

Namaste,
Karina

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