Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrez Collins.
Hi Terrez, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Yoga just sounded different: it sounded fun, it sounded lively, it sounded like a bougie stretch and breathing class. When I lived in Baton Rouge, LA, I frequently passed a yoga studio on my way from school- and would say, “I am going to try this out.” My only regret was that I wish I would have started sooner than I did.
A lover and enthusiast of movement and body mechanics. A passionate discoverer of mental, physical, and spiritual connections. I have always “been on the move.” Through various types of movements (ballet, dance, gymnastics, pilates), Yoga and I found each other.
Fast forward, I developed an undeniable affinity for yoga, but with yoga props. These yoga accessories were nothing short of amazing. (I always wanted to do all the eloquent yoga poses, which required a bit more effort. Because if I wasn’t able to do these, then I wasn’t performing yoga, and my ego screamed, wanting immediate gratification). It was love at first sight! I was able to do things that I had always dreamt of, such as backbends, standing splits, and headstands, just to name a few. But wait! I had to share this phenomenon. I began teaching aerial yoga and other prop-based classes in the local Houston-area parks. They loved it!
The world shut down and my hand was forced: I sold all of my equipment. Magical things and ideas surfaced. I began to “Fly!” Within one week, I sold all of the yoga equipment I had. If I was able to sell out of equipment, I thought, “I will create my own brand, and I will include activewear to the menu to complete the look.” I always had a knack for and was complimented on my stylish activewear fashion. I then set out to become a retailer of women’s athleisure and yoga apparel and accessories. And that’s how Fly Trap Yoga started.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
“Life is but a dream,” with challenges; however, maintainable. I just knew most of this business-building would be seamless; however, some of the seams are untethered. The inventory struggle- how and when to order, finding reputable suppliers- because I only high-quality retail products, even if that means pushing release dates back and marketing. This did not come with a manual- thus I am building as I go. My mom always tells me, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Struggles, obstacles, challenges will always be when building a business. There is always something to learn, a lesson, an experience, a fault, a win, or a loss- but there is beauty to the end result after completing the obstacle course. That feeling is totally worth the headache, pain, and sleepless nights.
Fly Trap Yoga’s successes and lack thereof have been pure trial and error. It has been one learning experience after another, ups and downs, laughs and frowns. The trials and tribulations that I have faced in business are similar to the embodiment of yoga – if you are not aligned and focused, your pose will replicate that- you will wobble, wiggle, and fall. But when the connection is achieved – oh what a feeling!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since 2007, I have been in the nursing profession. I am a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I administer medications to patients that are in need of surgical procedures. Since then, it has been an eye-opener on many levels, mainly not taking life and your health for granted. Before then, I was a lab rat working as a Microbiologist conducting research and experimenting. Before then, I was just trying to figure it out. I am a serial entrepreneur that dibbles and dabbles in everything- I like to keep life flowing—keeps it interesting.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was an antisocial person growing up. I was never able to spark a conversation with meaning – it always felt forced and uncomfortable. So I kept to myself and kept a small circle of associates, namely my mom and my sister. My interests were devoid of anything exciting – hell, I did not attend my junior or senior prom. Compared to then- now, I can’t stop talking. Oh the web I have weaved!
If I had no barriers and was given the opportunity. My interest has always been on how to greet people in any language, I thought that was one way of showing respect and kindness. I always dreamt of dressing in a black suit, sitting on a board with people from around the world and translating.
Pricing:
- Basics Collection- starting at $30 and up
- Chic Collection- starting at $ 60 and up
- Yoga Accessories- starting at $36 and up
Contact Info:
- Email: info@theflytrapyoga.com
- Website: www.theflytrapyoga.com
- Instagram: @Fly_Trap_Yoga
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/FLYTRAPYOGAboutique
Image Credits:
Nick Ahn- photographer
