Meet Lindsey Escaja

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsey Escaja. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lindsey, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience. It’s a word that often gets thrown around, but for me, it’s not just a trait; it’s a legacy. My resilience stems from a life lived with no regrets, a gift handed down to me by the most incredible woman I have ever known—my mother.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have a childhood with minimal problems. That idyllic world shifted dramatically when I was eight. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she met me and my sister, who was eleven, right where we were. She explained what was happening in terms we could understand, preparing us for her surgery with a gentle honesty that belied the gravity of her condition.

When her cancer returned during our high school years and later while I was in college, she continued to meet us at our level. Each time, she explained her condition with the same clarity and courage, ensuring we understood without overwhelming us. The final time, she told us she loved us but that her body was telling her it was time to stop the surgeries, to stop being cut open. The strength it took for her to say those words has stayed with me almost ten years after her passing.

This was the woman who, despite chemo, radiation, or surgery, would be up at the crack of dawn making breakfast—eggs, bacon, and strong coffee for my dad. My sister and I ran around, blissfully unaware of the extent of her struggles. She allowed us to live our lives fully, shielding us from the harsh realities she faced. She never let on if she was a nervous wreck. Instead, she took me to my softball, basketball, volleyball, and dance practices. She hit the treadmill to keep her petite figure, even when exhaustion must have weighed heavily on her. She continued working at the bank and doing hair until her hands simply couldn’t manage anymore.

Her smile was ever-present when we walked into the room. She was the last to go to bed and the first one up, a tireless beacon of strength and love. Growing up, and even now in my early thirties, I thought I was tough. But I know I’ll never be as tough as she was, enduring a battle that lasted sixteen years.

Doctors told her she wouldn’t walk again, but they didn’t know the determined Italian woman they were dealing with. She proved them wrong, taking whatever life dished out with unwavering resolve. It’s her example that not only makes her my hero but also fuels my resilience. I don’t let anything bring me down. I allow myself to feel emotions, but I continue living by the example she set—living like I’m dying, with no regrets.

Her legacy is my strength, and through her, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships but about living fully and fiercely in the face of them.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a multifaceted professional who refuses to be confined to a single box. With a Bachelor’s in Corporate Finance and an MBA in Marketing, I have leveraged my skills to create a dynamic career that encompasses multiple passions and talents. After surviving an active shooting incident while working in corporate America, I realized life was too short to merely live to work. This profound experience led me to become a yoga instructor, and within a year, I left my full-time job to open a yoga boutique, Empower Yoga Boutique, dedicated to helping those suffering from PTSD, human trafficking survivors, women veterans, and the general public.

Although COVID-19 brought significant challenges and forced me to adapt, it also opened new doors. I am now a full-time writer, contributing to publications such as 614Magazine, The Scout Guide in Columbus, Harness Magazine, OhioHealth, and the University of Cincinnati. Writing allows my creativity to flow through my fingertips, enabling me to tell stories and connect with diverse audiences.

I cherish the freedom of working for myself, meeting new people, witnessing my yoga students’ progress, and sharing my passion through writing. Stepping away from corporate America was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It liberated me from the competitive, often toxic environment where women try to hold you back or take your job out of jealousy. Instead, I strive to uplift and shine a light on minority women, proving that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

My journey has been about embracing versatility, breaking free from limitations, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams relentlessly. And if this is something that speaks to you, I’d love to see you at a future event, work with you on 1:1 (in person and zoom options available) or just meet you for coffee to learn more about you!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are adaptability, resilience, and creativity.

Adaptability: Being able to pivot and adjust to new circumstances has been crucial, especially when COVID hit and I had to rethink my entire business model. The ability to adapt means embracing change and seeing it as an opportunity rather than a setback. For those early in their journey, I’d recommend constantly challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Take on new roles, learn new skills, and always be open to feedback. The more flexible you become, the more opportunities you’ll be able to seize.

Resilience: Surviving an active shooting and facing numerous challenges along the way taught me the importance of resilience. I had to survive losing my mother and sister, ending an engagement, having my ex steal my money due to a gambling addiction, miscarriages, and more. But I never let any of it bring me down; instead, it was fuel that lit my fire. It’s about bouncing back from adversity stronger than before. To develop resilience, start by building a strong support network. Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you. Additionally, practice self-care and mindfulness to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Remember, setbacks are a part of the journey, not the end of it.

Creativity: My transition from corporate finance to yoga instruction and then to writing has shown me the power of creativity. It’s about thinking outside the box and finding unique solutions to problems. To foster creativity, allow yourself to explore different interests and hobbies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes—they’re often the best learning experiences. Also, seek inspiration from diverse sources, whether it’s art, literature, or nature.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace a growth mindset. Believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. Stay curious, keep learning, and never stop evolving. These qualities will not only help you navigate your journey but also make it a fulfilling and enriching one.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle or challenge I am currently facing is the struggle with imposter syndrome, particularly as a curvy, Hispanic woman who doesn’t fit the typical image of a yoga instructor. It’s challenging to feel confident in a field where the predominant image often doesn’t reflect my own.

To overcome this, I rely on several tools and strategies. Firstly, I focus on self-affirmation and positive self-talk. I remind myself of my achievements and the unique perspective I bring to the yoga community. I also draw strength from my diverse background and experiences, which allow me to connect with a wider range of students who might also feel underrepresented.

Additionally, I seek support from a network of like-minded individuals and mentors who understand and validate my journey. This community provides encouragement and helps me stay grounded. I also continuously educate myself, not just in yoga, but in self-improvement and mental health, so I can better serve my students and myself.

Another critical approach is embracing my individuality. I highlight my journey, my body, and my heritage in my classes and content, showing that yoga is for everyone, regardless of shape, size, or background. This authenticity not only helps me combat imposter syndrome but also inspires others who might feel out of place in the yoga world.

Finally, I practice mindfulness and meditation to stay centered and resilient. These practices help me manage stress and maintain a positive outlook, allowing me to tackle challenges head-on.

While the journey isn’t always easy, these strategies help me navigate the obstacles and continue thriving in my multifaceted career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslindseyveronica/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/always_on_the_flow/