Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Alexandria
Sydney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey is one of survival, resilience, and transformation. A few years ago, I survived a near-death domestic violence experience where I was nearly strangled to death with an extension cord. That moment shattered my world and left me feeling broken, but it also ignited a deep determination to reclaim my life and heal.
In the aftermath, I found myself searching for ways to recover—not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. That’s when I turned to yoga, meditation, breathwork, massage therapy, and talk therapy. These practices became my lifelines, helping me process my trauma and rebuild myself from the inside out.
Less than six months after that life-altering experience, I opened The Breathe Lounge, a sanctuary for healing and mindfulness. It became a space where people could reconnect with themselves, cultivate inner peace, and tap into the transformative power of holistic wellness.
Two years later, I launched Breathe Free 501(c)(3), a nonprofit organization dedicated to provide free holistic therapy and wellness resources to communities overcoming barriers, with a focus on Survivors of Domestic Violence, Black Men’s mental health, and Cultivating Mindful Youth. Through education, advocacy, wellness programs, and compassionate support, we strive to empower individuals to heal, thrive, and reclaim their mental and emotional well-being. My own healing journey made me deeply aware of how inaccessible these resources can be for many people, especially survivors and marginalized groups.
Part of this mission was inspired by my ex-husband, who suffers from bipolar disorder and is now serving an 8-year prison sentence. Witnessing his struggles with mental health and the challenges he faced as a Black man opened my eyes to the critical need for spaces where Black men can heal, feel seen, and supported. At Breathe Free, I’ve prioritized offering programs and services tailored to help Black men and others in our community break the stigma around mental health and find paths to healing.
Today, I’m incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come. Through The Breathe Lounge and Breathe Free, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless individuals—children, Black men, survivors of trauma, and entire communities—embrace mindfulness, heal from pain, and discover their inner strength. My story is a testament to the power of healing and the beauty of turning pain into purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—my journey has been anything but smooth. Healing from a near-death domestic violence experience was one of the most difficult and transformative challenges I’ve ever faced. I had to confront the emotional and mental scars head-on, knowing that I didn’t want to live my life bitter or fueled by hatred. I wanted to find peace, not just for myself but for my daughter and the future I was determined to create.
Going through a divorce shortly after such a traumatic experience added another layer of pain and complexity. It forced me to rebuild my life from the ground up, all while grappling with the weight of healing. But I knew I didn’t want to let the trauma define me or rob me of the ability to love and trust again. My ex-husband was later sentenced to eight years in prison, and navigating that situation has been incredibly hard for both me and my 5-year-old daughter. Helping her process the reality of her father’s absence has been one of the most delicate and emotional aspects of this journey.
At her age, it’s difficult to fully understand the complexities of why her father isn’t present. I’ve worked hard to provide her with a safe space to express her emotions, ask questions, and feel supported. I’ve leaned on the same tools that helped me heal—yoga, mindfulness, and open communication—to guide her through these emotions. I want her to know that it’s okay to feel sadness, confusion, or even anger, but I also want her to feel the love and stability that I’ve worked so hard to create for her.
At the same time, I’ve used my own experience to inform my work. The pain of watching someone I once loved struggle with mental illness and end up in prison has fueled my passion for helping others heal. It’s why Breathe Free is so deeply committed to providing resources for Black men and underserved communities, where mental health challenges are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Starting The Breathe Lounge and later founding Breathe Free came out of that deep commitment to turn my pain into purpose. Financially, it was a challenge to get both ventures off the ground with limited resources, but my vision for helping others kept me moving forward.
Every struggle I’ve faced has been a lesson. I’ve learned that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that we can choose to turn even the darkest moments into light. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been filled with growth, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.
We’ve been impressed with The Breathe Lounge & Breathe Free Non-Profit 501c3, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My businesses, The Breathe Lounge and Breathe Free 501(c)(3), are both deeply rooted in the mission to heal, empower, and uplift individuals through holistic wellness practices. They exist because I believe in the transformative power of healing—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
The Breathe Lounge is a sanctuary where people can come to reconnect with themselves through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness practices. We specialize in creating a peaceful, welcoming environment that encourages self-discovery and healing. We are known for our deeply personalized approach—each person who walks through our doors is met with compassion and support. Whether it’s a yoga class, a guided meditation session, or one-on-one holistic coaching, our focus is on the individual and their unique healing journey.
What sets The Breathe Lounge apart is that all of our instructors and practitioners are people of color, creating an authentic, culturally inclusive experience. We understand the unique challenges faced by communities of color, and our focus is to create a space where individuals of all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and supported. We strive to ensure that wellness practices, which have often been dominated by other communities, are made accessible and relatable to people of color. The energy and experience that our diverse team brings to the table is one of the key factors that makes The Breathe Lounge so special.
What I’m most proud of with The Breathe Lounge is the way it has grown into a space that feels like a community—a place where people not only come to heal but also to build connections, share their experiences, and feel supported. It’s more than just a wellness center; it’s a haven for anyone seeking to live a more mindful, balanced life.
On the other hand, Breathe Free 501(c)(3) was created to bridge the gap for those who need holistic wellness but can’t afford it. We provide free services like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to individuals who may not have access to these life-changing practices otherwise. I founded Breathe Free after realizing how many people—especially survivors of trauma, marginalized communities, and Black men—needed these resources but often faced financial barriers. Through Breathe Free, we offer scholarships, free community events, and holistic wellness workshops to help people heal and thrive.
What makes Breathe Free unique is its mission to make healing accessible to all. Many organizations focus on wellness, but Breathe Free is deeply committed to serving those who are often overlooked by traditional wellness spaces. Our holistic approach combines mental, emotional, and physical healing, and we pride ourselves on creating a safe space for vulnerable communities to come together and heal.
One of the things I’m most proud of with Breathe Free is our free yoga teacher training program and documentary. We’ve created an opportunity for 30 participants to receive comprehensive, no-cost training to become yoga instructors. This program not only provides education and empowerment but also builds a new generation of yoga teachers who reflect the communities they serve. The documentary, which will follow these participants through their journey, is a powerful way to share these transformative experiences with the world and showcase the impact that holistic wellness can have.
The work we’re doing with Breathe Free is so personal, and every success story feels like a step toward breaking down the barriers to wellness. We’ve helped countless individuals break through mental health stigmas, especially among Black men, and we’ve created a platform for people to heal holistically and sustainably.
Through both The Breathe Lounge and Breathe Free, I want people to know that healing is possible. You don’t have to go through life alone or carry your pain in silence. Both of these organizations are a reflection of my own healing journey, and my greatest goal is to help others tap into their own strength, peace, and potential. The journey is different for everyone, but it’s one worth taking.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is not defined by traditional measures like wealth, fame, or status. True success is about living a life that aligns with your values, creating positive impact, and fostering personal and collective healing. It’s about overcoming obstacles, showing up for yourself and others, and continuing to evolve and grow, even when the road gets tough.
In my case, success is seeing the transformation of people’s lives—whether through The Breathe Lounge or Breathe Free. When someone walks through our doors, or when a participant completes our training, I see success in their ability to reconnect with their inner peace, heal from trauma, and become a better version of themselves. Success is not just about personal achievement but about empowering others to heal, grow, and thrive.
Success is also about breaking cycles and generational curses. It’s about using my story to inspire others to rise above their circumstances, heal from past wounds, and not allow those patterns to define the future. I am passionate about changing the narrative, especially in communities of color, and creating opportunities for people to build healthier, more prosperous lives.
Most importantly, success is about creating generational wealth—not just financially, but emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It’s about passing down wisdom, tools, and resources that will elevate future generations. Wealth is more than money; it’s about fostering mental wellness, physical health, and spiritual grounding that can be sustained for years to come. Building a foundation that supports not only your own growth but also the well-being of those who come after you is a true measure of success.
It’s also about building a legacy—creating programs and resources that outlast me and continue to serve those who need it most. For me, success is seeing individuals who once felt unseen or unheard discover their own strength, find their voice, and live a life of balance and wellness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breathefree501c3.com and https://www.breathewellnesslounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebreathelounge/ and https://www.instagram.com/breathefree501c3/
