At Radiant Hot Yoga, we take pride in our dedicated and inspiring team members who bring warmth and energy to our community. Each month, we highlight an outstanding employee who exemplifies our core values and passion for yoga. This April, we are thrilled to present Sky W. our Radiant Warrior of the Month.
What inspired you to become a yoga teacher, and how did your journey begin?
Yoga is so much more than just the physical exercise, it is a philosophy of taking the practice off of your mat and incorporating it into your daily life. Choosing to live and react from a place of peace and understanding, as much as possible. My first class at 13 years old changed my life and I’m so grateful for my yoga practice that helps me understand and connect on a deeper level to the world, other people, and myself.
Can you describe a memorable moment or experience you’ve had being part of the family?
Teacher training was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It helped me so much with my confidence and personal growth. Going on the Thailand retreat was an amazing experience that reawakened my love for travel and learning about other cultures. I’ll never forget arriving to the retreat and seeing Skyler, Savanna, and Darlene jumping up and down greeting me and welcoming me to such a magical place. They have always welcomed me with open arms and treated me and so many others like family.
How you became a part of Radiant Hot Yoga?
I used to babysit for one of the instructors for Radiant, and she knew I loved yoga so she suggested I try it. I immediately fell in love with the practice, the studio, and the people. I started working front desk in 2015, did teacher training in 2016, and the rest is history!
What is your favorite part of being a part of the yoga community?
My favorite part of the Radiant community is that I know no matter what I am going through, I can show up to the studio and there will be people there who will immediately help me feel better, even if they don’t realize it. Sweating it out in the heat and overcoming challenges together is so inspiring and comforting. I’ve cried many times in this room and have had so many people help heal my heart.
Do you have a favorite yoga pose or sequence? Why is it your favorite?
I love all of it, and my favorite pose changes daily. I love the energy of the vinyasa flows, and grooving to the music. I love doing bird of paradise, it makes me feel so empowered. I will always love sleeping pigeon pose, it definitely helps me release tension in my body after moving and opening up through the flows.
Who or what inspires you in your yoga journey?
Every single person at Radiant inspires me. Even the difficult people, haha. There is something to learn from everyone even if the lesson is simply patience and understanding.
What do you enjoy doing outside of yoga?
I love hiking, going to the beach and being outside in nature. I love art, music, reading, writing and poetry. I have great friends who I see often and love spending time with my grandma who is my favorite person in the world.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that others might not know?
I had heart surgery at 8 months old and wouldn’t be here if not for the incredible surgeons who saved my life. My whole life it feels like I’ve been healing my heart, and yoga has been such a valuable tool in my journey that I am so grateful for.
