Meet Samantha Richardson

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

Samantha , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through trials and triumphs of life, transforming pain into purpose and challenges into growth. The passing of my son was a deeply profound moment that reshaped my perspective and led me to seek healing, not just for myself but for others. This experience helped me discover the power of yoga, mindfulness, and holistic wellness as tools to heal my grieving heart and soul. One breath. One movement at a time. That’s my motto now.

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’m Samantha Richardson, from the Bronx. I am a wife, mom of 4, nana , and a dogmom.

My journey is one of transformation and purpose. After a 25-year career in finance, and the tragedy of losing a son , it forever changed the trajectory of my life and awakened my calling to serve others through holistic wellness.

I am the proud owner of S &S Health and Wellness , where I am committed to empowering individuals and communities to heal and thrive through Yoga, Zumbini, mindfulness, meditation , nutrition and holistic practices for all.

What makes my work special is the fact I am living vicariously through my beloved son ( Nunu): to help others,( may he continue to RIEP)🙏🏿. He loved helping people, no matter their background, gender or color. And everybody loved him, especially babies, kids and older adults. (he had a special way about him that people just gravitated to. I am so grateful that he left a part of him behind for me to care for, my grandson, which is now my son all over again:),. In addition to this work being so special to me , with the unwavering love and support I have from my other kids and husband . I am now able to help individuals and communities on a greater level, by creating safe, inclusive spaces where people—especially young people—can explore the transformative power of wellness, using music ,movement , nutrition and mindfulness.
Whether it’s through joyful kids and adult Yoga classes, Zumbini for Schools program, a nutritious wellness drink, or workshops for stress relief. I center my efforts on fostering connection, self-discovery, and healing. One breath , one movement at a time.🙏🏿

What excites me the most is watching people transform, seeing children light up during Yoga / Zumbini play, or adults finding peace through mindfulness.
My work is a blend of my passion, my purpose, and my partnerships with organizations, communities and schools that align with my mission. And , I am grateful every day to share it with the world! If I could help at least one individual or community through the transformative power of yoga and alternative healing …I would consider myself successful in fulfilling my Dharma. Every step I take is guided by the belief that positive change, no matter how small, can ripple outward and create a lasting impact.🦋 Leaving the world in a better place .🙏🏿

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?

Looking back, three qualities were pivotal in my journey: resilience, empathy, and adaptability.
1. Resilience – Life threw challenges my way that tested me deeply, but resilience helped me find strength in pain and turn it into purpose. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace discomfort and let it guide your growth. Challenges can be painful, but they’re also opportunities to learn, reflect, and build inner strength. Cultivate resilience by practicing mindfulness, self-care, and leaning on a supportive community during tough times.
2. Empathy – Understanding the needs and emotions of others has been essential in my work. It allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, whether it’s a child in yoga class or an adult seeking relief from stress. To develop empathy, practice active listening and approach every interaction with curiosity and compassion. Seek to understand others’ experiences without judgment, it will not only strengthen your relationships but also enrich your perspective.
3. Adaptability – Transitioning from a 25-year career in finance to holistic wellness wasn’t easy, but being open to change and learning helped me pivot successfully. My advice is to embrace lifelong learning,( by being a forever student), be willing to start as a beginner, try new things, and continuously grow. Challenges are inevitable, but your ability to adapt will determine how you thrive.

For those starting their journey, remember: your story is your strength. Trust the process, invest in yourself, and don’t be afraid to evolve. Every step, whether easy or hard, is leading you toward your purpose. Stay grounded, stay curious, and always move forward.
One breath. One movement at a time.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been deepening my ability to balance purpose with self-care.

As someone deeply committed to helping others heal and thrive, I’ve often poured so much of myself into my work that I forgot to pause and replenish my own well-being. This past year, I learned that in order to serve others fully, I need to honor my own needs—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

One pivotal shift has been incorporating more intentional rest and mindfulness into my daily routine. I’ve learned to set boundaries, stay grounded and embrace the idea that rest is not a weakness but a necessity. By doing this, I’ve been able to show up with more clarity, energy, and creativity in everything I do, from leading yoga classes to running S & S Health and Wellness alongside my husband.

This growth hasn’t just impacted me, it’s also enhanced my work. I now teach others the importance of self-care as part of their holistic wellness journey, emphasizing that caring for yourself is the foundation of caring for others.

It’s been a transformative year, one that has taught me that balance isn’t something you achieve once; it’s something you cultivate daily with intention and love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ssyoga.me
• Instagram: sandshealthandwellness66

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