Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Field.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I took my first yoga class when I was nine. I was really fascinated by it. I actually know my first yoga teacher and I think that’s pretty awesome. Growing up, I was a tom-boy and an outdoor kid. I was an athlete, played all of the sports, and was probably ADHD by today’s standards. I got all the degrees and did the thing where I got a job, and it was a high-stress job. During this time, I practiced yoga EVERY DAY. Sometimes, twice a day. The owner of the studio approached me one day and said, “hey, we need more teachers, and you should do the training. I think you would do well.” Initially, I said no, because I wanted to keep my practice for myself. But he convinced me – ten years ago, yoga studio memberships were expensive, and I was a teacher with not much money. I got paid to teach what I loved. It was a dream. I have made, and continue to make some of the highest quality friends of my life through our love of yoga.
And it has continued to be a dream. I was blessed to be a movement nerd and people seem to enjoy my teaching style, as well as my light-hearted and playful practice. To me, everything is yoga. My favorite definition of yoga is “Yoga is Skill In Action” – I love it – it’s some martial arts ninja stuff. And it is what we all aspire to have – a skill, that we cultivate, and apply, for action or for a purpose. In the yoga world, we call that magic – Intention.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a curvy path. Definitely challenging and sometimes even deflating. I’ve experienced all of the things that business owners experience… not having enough money at times, having trouble with personnel, getting reviews that aren’t true or even worth thinking much on… but here’s what I’ve learned: it’s all data. And data is invaluable. You don’t have to use it immediately. And you don’t have to take action until the energy is right.
In yoga, we call this the pause. It’s the moment where we enjoy the breath. It’s very informative and can be an overlooked power. I like to think that the thing that makes me who I am is my desire to solve problems and leave a contribution to the world. And so, challenges tend to make me thrive.
I invented The Yoga Triangle because I needed a prop that would support people/yogis like me who had a lot of special needs (injuries, mental health conditions, sensitivities). My experience with pain, being a victim of domestic abuse, childhood abuse, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, really compelled me to follow through on the design of the product that I saw in my mind’s eye.
The Yoga Triangle was created to make that practice more inclusive. The motivation for the prop was not to make money but to offer a better product to better serve my community. We are seeing a great reception of the product. And have sold over 2000 units in under two years locally with minimal marketing monies spent. It helps that I’ve got a yoga studio where I can show people how to use them without the cost of purchasing them first. I am blessed that our community has the space to do this work. Truly Blessed.
What do you do?
I am a 500 ERYT (E- experienced, R – registered, Y – Yoga, T – teacher) – meaning I have lots of yoga training. This means I’ve taught over 2000 hours of classes, and completed Yoga Alliance certified training amounting to 500 hours of Education, and at least four years of teaching experience. I am also trained in Myofascial Release, from Sean T. Barnes MFR school. I’m a bodyworker, energy worker, and movement enthusiast. I love helping people find a yoga and breath practice that works for them. I believe that yoga is a wonderful tool for healing and that everyone can do it, regardless of age, injuries, or flexibility. I also firmly believe, that if you haven’t found a yoga practice that you like yet, you just have not been connected to the right style of yoga or teacher.
What do you specialize in?
My specialization is working with people who think they can’t do yoga or have special needs – from physical injuries to non-physical limitations, including and not limited to PTSD, Trauma, Auto-Immune Disorders, Bone Disorders, and Muscular Disorders. I also work with professional athletes and individuals who want to increase or enhance a specific movement skill set. Because of my own ranges of experiences and needs, I am able to help others.
What are you know for?
I own three businesses. I am my brand. You can check out my blog too at www.amandafieldyoga.com. You can book private lessons on there with me or read my thoughts around yoga. I am an inventor and a creative. I am happiest when left to pursue any whim or fancy that I have around problem-solving. I like taking complex ideas and making them easier. I love a challenge. I invented the Yoga Triangle TM, www.theyogatriangle.com and it is probably what I am most well known for. That and my classroom etiquette (I don’t filter my teaching, or believe that it is necessary to do so), my authenticity, and my willingness to help. I am also an advocate of yoga and a mentor. I love helping new teachers grow.
What are you most proud of as a company?
I am most well known for my invention, The Yoga Triangle TM. It is a yoga prop, shaped like a triangle, that has been revolutionizing yoga practice. I am most proud of taking my experiences that would have been limiting, my injuries and traumas, and producing a yoga style that helps others, as well as a physical product that is versatile, durable, and wonderful for decreasing body pain, and enhancing a yoga practice. Regularly, people say to me, “have you thought about going on Shark Tank?”, and I have. As product awareness grows, and I continue to get to do what I love, anything is possible. And that is also something I am proud of for my company and all of the people who have grown with me and been there as supporters!
What sets you apart from others?
My limitations and injuries, my traumas and previous experiences as a human being are what have allowed me to stand out and pursue my passion — yoga and helping others feel at peace with their bodies and minds.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am thankful for all of the educators I’ve had in my life – to name a few, Jennifer Burgermeister, Ernest Cardenas, Merilee Cunningham, Nick Field, Josie Field, and many more. My former yoga co-workers who managed studios and taught me the back end of yoga service. A huge thank you to all of my former food-service and industry co-workers who taught me the value of supporting every person in a workplace, Jack Gregory, Max Gonzales, Shakti Baum, and more. Lots of love and goodwill to the Early Childhood Educators I’ve had in my life – learning about little minds is still incredibly applicable on a grown-up mind… Josie Field, Pam Sailors, and more. Even bigger credit to the teachers who work with me – Republic Aerial Yoga’s team, the administrators and IT people, Brit, Kay, you guys are wonderful, and to those invested in and showing up to the studio- THANK YOU!!!
My biggest thank you goes out to the people who show up to practice. I’ve learned more from my students than I have learned from books. The trust and respect that we show each other when we show up is a macro view of how we all have the potential to live our lives collectively, with respect, honor, and a sense of wonder.
And last but not least, the City of Houston, our amazing sports teams and athletes, and our community!
Pricing:
- Pair of Yoga Triangles $40
- Single Yoga Triangle $20
Contact Info:
- Address: 1302 Houston Avenue
Houston, TX 77007 - Website: www.theyogatriangle.com
- Phone: 7135533385
- Email: amanda@theyogatriangle.com
- Instagram: @theyogatriangle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theyogatriangleblock
- Twitter: @republicyoga
- Other: www.amandafieldyoga.com
Image Credit:
Kayalana Turner, Bhavin Misra, Jermaine Kelly Jr.
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
