Meet Michelle Cook

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

Michelle , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose on my path from the daily grind of General Motors, where I worked manual labor on the assembly line, to becoming a yoga studio owner and teacher was a journey of incredible transformation that resonates with the everyday challenges many of us face. In the midst of building cars, and the toll factory life took on my body, a growing sense of mental & physical restlessness took root. All while raising a blended family of 7, I felt stuck & uninspired in my job. I’ve also had struggles with my mental health adding an extra layer of complexity to my journey.

Amidst this whirlwind, yoga became my sanctuary. The personal power I discovered on the mat was a shining light to the dullness of the assembly line. Each yoga pose felt like a small victory, not just physically but mentally too. It was during these moments that I realized my purpose extended beyond the automotive world – I wanted to share this transformative practice with others who, like me, were searching for solace amidst life’s demands.

Leaving behind the security of General Motors was very difficult & one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made. My passion for yoga and a desire to make a positive impact brought me forward. The transition wasn’t easy; it required learning and adapting to new skills. Trainings, growth, learning to be “just me” faults and all & building self confidence.

Now, as I stand in my very own yoga studio, welcoming students seeking community, strength & a safe space to practice. I knew I had discovered my true calling. The journey was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that, despite life’s challenges, finding purpose is possible, at any age in life, even for those of us who walk the less-traveled path.

 

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?

Embarking on being a studio owner / instructor, as my second career path, I’ve had many doubts if I was doing the right thing. Leaving my first career, going into the “unknown”. It was all I knew, I had worked in the same industry for almost 20 years. But I knew I had to do something “more” something meaningful. When passion takes over it all just becomes “Easy” & “Natural” when I’m finally doing something I truly love. I’ve also embraced the role of a facilitator for a supportive and uplifting environment to create “Our happy place”
The connections formed here are powerful, as individuals come together to share their journey, support one another, form friendships, and experience the beauty of transformation. It makes everything worth it!

The most amazing aspect of being a yoga teacher is in those moments of personal growth I witness within our community. Guiding students through their practice, at their own pace, doing what feels right for them, watching them overcome challenges, and witnessing the sense of calm they carry off the mat is a privilege I’ll never take for granted. After all, at the entrance of our studio there is a sign above the door “come as you are” & as you walk out a sign that says “leave even better”

At Ignite Yoga, our motto “Ignite your mind, body & soul” serves as the driving force behind everything we do. As both a yoga teacher and the proud owner of this small business, the journey has been nothing short of transformational. Witnessing the positive impact that yoga has on our students’ lives has not only motivated me professionally but also deepened my sense of purpose. Each day, I’m reminded that Ignite Yoga isn’t just a studio; it’s a sanctuary where individuals find a safe space, a hOMe and a deeper connection to themselves.

Behind our logo: The significance of our logo, featuring the bodhi tree, captures the essence of our studio. Just as the bodhi tree represents enlightenment and awakening, the nature of life & the symbol for renewal and transformation. Our studio is a space where individuals ignite their own sense of enlightenment – not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. The tree’s roots symbolize our connection to the earth, and the branches reaching skyward mirror our commitment to growth and self-discovery.

What we are currently working on!

We are thrilled to announce that Ignite Yoga is approaching its first year in business on September 10th! Reflecting on this incredible year, I’m filled with so much gratitude for the opportunity to share the practice of yoga with our dedicated & supportive cOMmunity. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey – from our dedicated students to the passionate instructors who bring their expertise to the mat every day. This year has surpassed our wildest dreams, as we’ve seen students thrive, build meaningful connections, and experience personal growth. It’s been an incredible year, one that reminds us that dreams can indeed come true, no matter what you have been through or where you are in your life. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that the power of yoga lies not just in the poses, but in the bonds we create and the transformations we go through together.

Here’s to many more years of igniting minds, bodies, and souls on this beautiful path of wellness and growth!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey as a yoga teacher and owner of a small business, three qualities that stood out as profoundly impactful were passion, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The passion and drive to succeed provided the fuel needed to overcome challenges and propel me forward. Embracing the ups and downs of the journey with resilience was key; every setback was an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Additionally, the dedication to making continuous improvements, no matter how small, played a crucial role in refining my teaching skills and enhancing the studio experience for students. For those embarking on a similar path, my advice would be to nurture your passion, foster resilience in the face of obstacles, a willingness to learn many new things and consistently seek ways to refine and enhance your business. Embrace each step of the journey as an opportunity to evolve and improve, and remember that even the smallest steps can contribute to significant growth over time.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

Finding a balance between focusing on strengths and improving areas of weakness is an important approach that can influence the success of a yoga teacher and studio owner. In my view, it’s important to leverage your strengths while also making all efforts to improve weaker areas, but the key lies in prioritizing strategic growth that aligns with your overall vision.

Embracing your strengths allows you to stand out and deliver exceptional value to your students. Your unique strengths create a distinct brand identity and can attract a loyal following. However, the road to success is not solely paved with strengths. By addressing areas of weakness, you demonstrate you are human like everyone else bite strive for commitment to personal and professional growth. working towards a well-rounded skill set can also make you more adaptable to changing circumstances and open up new avenues for growth.

Building a TEAM that can reinforce my weaknesses is also extremely important finding strengths in other teachers to fill in weaknesses I have myself.

Focusing on strengths can set you apart, while improving weaker areas ensures your growth is well-rounded and sustainable. Prioritizing strengths to create a unique brand, but not shying away from addressing areas of weakness that could hinder your journey. No one is perfect, and I for sure am not either. Ultimately, striking the right balance is important in any business.

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Image Credits
Photos by Ignite Yoga

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