We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Stewart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I believe that some of us are inherently unique. No matter how hard we try to conform, we simply don’t fit in. Unfortunately, society ingrains in us from the very beginning that not fitting in is wrong. We are taught to fall in line, follow the norm, and avoid standing out.
But when I say we are “different,” I’m comparing ourselves to the norm. In truth, I don’t consider us different; I believe we are meant to be distinctive. Each of us possesses a special uniqueness that serves as our strength and gift to share with others.
I have known since childhood that I was perceived as different. I was born and raised in a small, narrow-minded town in southern Sweden, where standing out was not an option if you wanted acceptance and community inclusion. I faced difficulties with other children, and my friends’ parents didn’t want me playing with their kids. Throughout my schooling, several teachers made it clear that they didn’t appreciate me. Even relatives questioned me. Regardless of the group setting, I remained an outsider.
It’s important to note that I was not a “bad” kid. I excelled in school and rarely got into trouble. Although my teenage years were incredibly challenging, as they are for most, the disapproval, criticism, and exclusion from others only compounded the difficulties. Nonetheless, I caused no more trouble than any “normal” teenager would.
Here’s the remarkable thing: I never made much effort to conform. I always valued being true to myself, and it was crucial to me that I had the freedom to express myself authentically. So I did. I am immensely grateful and proud that I did because it set the standard for the rest of my life.
By always embracing my uniqueness and being okay with it (even loving it), I learned to be brave. My bravery fueled my determination, which in turn propelled me to take action. And those actions led me to the places I wanted to go.
It empowered me to leave my 9-5 job and become a full-time yoga teacher, pursuing my passion.
It enabled me to travel the world.
It allowed me to marry my husband.
It motivated me to move to the United States and embark on an entirely new chapter of my life.
I won’t claim it’s always easy. Life comes with its struggles, but that’s part of the journey for everyone.
I didn’t come from a place of wealth, not even remotely. Yet, I have crafted a life that surpasses mere monetary wealth: I earn a living from my passion, I have the opportunity to explore beautiful places, I am not bound by obligations, and I have the freedom to come and go as I please. I have control over my own time. I reside in various countries, constantly gaining invaluable knowledge through my experiences that no amount of money could buy. And thanks to my history of being considered “odd,” “different,” or “unlike others,” I approach it all with humility. That makes an indescribable difference unless you have experienced it yourself.
So, please, if you find yourself struggling as the only person in the room, I understand the challenges you face. I know your struggle. And I also know that what may appear as a burden to you is, in fact, your very superpower that can guide you toward the life of your dreams, if you allow it.
You are not the only one in the room.
You are THE one in the room.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Victoria Carp Stewart, and I am a fiesty little Swede who relocated to San Diego, CA in 2022 to embark on a new chapter of my life with my husband, Aaron, and our two beloved cats, Gaston and Rozzo.
Yoga is my passion, my anchor, and my calling. It is my means of giving back to the community, to life, and to the world, and I’m damn good at it due to my unwavering dedication to this wonderful practice.
I teach a variety of yoga classes and workshops, both to individuals and aspiring yoga instructors. Additionally, I have developed my own online app, Hellcats Yoga, which allows people to practice with me virtually. However, my true strength lies in teaching in person. I am particularly passionate about teaching strong, dynamic classes that inspire students to explore the edges of their comfort zones, without ever pushing them beyond. Furthermore, I manage a Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program, where I provide guidance and support to fellow yoga instructors as they strive for excellence in their careers.
Conducting yoga teacher trainings and hosting retreats in breathtaking locations around the world is another aspect of my work.
I recently became a proud permanent resident of the United States, so at this point I am in the process of establishing my business, Hellcats Yoga, in this country. I have been granted the honor of teaching at the upcoming California Worldfest festival on July 13-16, and I am thrilled to start teaching at various studios here in San Diego. Moreover, I am eager to travel across this beautiful country, spreading my yoga practice and teachings far and wide.
Connect with me on social media:
Instagram: @thisishellcat
Facebook: /Hellcatsyoga
YouTube: @HellcatsYoga
TikTok: @HellcatsYoga
Website: https://hellcatsyoga.wixsite.com/hellcatsyoga
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. My uniqueness – because it makes me stand out from the crowd and therefore gives me a platform to share my teachings, gifts and talents.
Take the time to explore, accept, and understand your uniqueness. Instead of considering it a burden, allow it to serve you. Continuously seek ways to connect with yourself and comprehend every aspect of who you are. The journey of self-work knows no limits, and it is always a rewarding pursuit. Personally, I find disciplined yoga practice, shadow work, meditation, and therapy to be my preferred methods of self-work.
2. My inner fire – because it is what propels me to excel, rise when I stumble, and persevere in all circumstances.
Ignite and nurture your inner fire because it is crucial for finding your natural flow in life. Discover what ignites your passion, what makes your heart beat a little faster, and invest in nurturing that flame. It might be a specific form of exercise or a passion project that truly excites you. Cultivate and keep that fire burning, for it will undoubtedly guide you to the destinations you desire.
3. Yoga – it’s not only my tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, but it also serves as my anchor to living my dream life.
While everyone’s preferences may differ, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to give yoga a try. It is adaptable to all body types, personalities, and energy levels. It is accessible even for those who may not have the financial means to practice at a studio or attend lavish retreats (you can find free yoga classes on my YouTube channel, for example). Yoga is a profound practice that nurtures your body, mind, and soul. It strengthens and opens your physical self, clears and stabilizes your mind, and peels away the layers that separate you from your soul, your essence, and the true depths of your being.
Trust me on this one—give it a chance and see the transformative power it holds.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As a newcomer to this country, I am dedicated to establishing myself and my services here. I am actively seeking opportunities to network and collaborate with fellow yoga teachers, studios, retreat centers, and business owners in the industry.
Specifically, I am interested in:
– Teaching weekly classes at yoga studios in the San Diego area, particularly Encinitas.
– Guest teaching workshops at yoga studios across the United States.
– Offering my yoga teacher training courses as a guest instructor at various yoga studios nationwide.
– Finding beautiful retreat facilities, both in the United States and around the world, to host transformative yoga retreats.
– Collaborating with other passionate yoga teachers, as I am always open to working together.
If my energy resonates with you, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I am eager and receptive to making meaningful connections in the yoga community. <3
Find me on social media, or via email: [email protected].
Instagram: @thisishellcat
Facebook: /Hellcatsyoga
YouTube: @HellcatsYoga
TikTok: @HellcatsYoga
Website: https://hellcatsyoga.wixsite.com/hellcatsyoga
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hellcatsyoga.wixsite.com/hellcatsyoga
- Instagram: @thisishellcat
- Facebook: /Hellcatsyoga
- Linkedin: /hellcatsyoga
- Youtube: @hellcatsyoga
Image Credits
Patrik Rising Jenna Svensson
