At Radiant Hot Yoga, our teachers are the heart and soul of our community, guiding students with expertise, compassion, and inspiration. Each month, we recognize one exceptional instructor who goes above and beyond to create a transformative and supportive environment for our practitioners. Our Teacher of the Month section celebrates these dedicated professionals who bring passion, wisdom, and a personal touch to every class. Join us in honoring their contributions, learning about their unique teaching journeys, and appreciating the profound impact they have on our yoga family.
Meet Ashley, our inspiring Teacher of the Month of March at Radiant Hot Yoga.
What inspired you to become a yoga teacher, and how did your journey begin?
Yoga is my passion. I practiced hot yoga for 5-6 years before I was introduced to Radiant in 2013, when Darlene opened her doors to the Newport Beach Studio. Since then I have been there more days then not, either teaching or taking a class. It has become part of my daily self-care routine. Yoga spoke to me, it kept calling me back to my mat, next thing you know, I started prioritizing my schedule so that I could go to yoga ! I remember a very young Skyler telling me “you have to do teacher training Ash!” and she was right, it was the best decision, I never imagined I’d be a teacher but once I took the leap for teacher training my path began to unfold- I had the best TT group with incredible supportive humans whom many are still very dear friends to this day!
What do you find most rewarding about teaching yoga at Radiant?
Teaching at Radiant demands you to be in the present moment. There’s so much going on in the room with the heat lights music and students that it forces you to a greater level of awareness and presence. My mind becomes completely clear and focused on the class- there is nothing else for those 60 minutes.
Getting cheered on by my friends and the students always feels great and the gracious feedback I receive after class from others makes me feel really good and of service.
Can you share a memorable teaching experience at Radiant Hot Yoga?
I’ve had so many memorable experiences, teaching at Radiant Hot Yoga Newport Beach, Irvine, and having fun behind the camera for Radiant on-demand. It’s hard to pick just one! I’ll never forget the very first class I taught at Radiant, it was an 80-min 9:30 am class in 2016, the students were incredibly strong and it really humbled me and sparked a lot of inspiration within me. Honestly, just being in the hot room with so many amazing humans and friends is a true joy and honor every-time! You become really close without having to say a lot of words in that room. I have an overwhelming amount of memories filled with so much laughter, smiles and even some tears. I’m so grateful to teach and guide others in this space.
How do you incorporate the principles of yoga into your daily life outside the studio?
This is something that happens so naturally when you begin to practice Yoga and go deeper into yourself. The yamas and the niyamas just begin to fall into place in your life, without even thinking about it. Self study, non-harming, truthfulness, unity, simplicity, clarity, contentment, discipline and the ability to serve old words like ahimsa, satya, santosha etc – the yamas and niyamas are ancient yoga guiding principles that are rooted in the asanas. Without a doubt, I can say yoga has definitely brought more peace and joy in my life, as well as confidence in my decision making and speaking my own voice. The practice has healed and transformed me over and over again. As life’s daily nuisances and struggles come and go, my mat is always there waiting for my return supplying me with a renewed sense of peace, love, kindness, strength, and awareness.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering beginning yoga?
Go for it!!! Don’t give up and give it a consistent 2 weeks. Your mind and body will thank you I promise! (And probably your friends and family lol).
The average person has no idea how good their body is designed to feel. Yoga helps realign and remove stress in those tight areas where we hold it the most.
How has the community at Radiant Hot Yoga influenced your teaching and your personal life?
Radiant is more then just a studio, its a place of community, acceptance, healing, peace, friendship, laughter and love. Many of my best friends teach and practice here. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the love and energy. Each class is challenging and rewarding as it takes you through a phsyical workout and mindful work-in, creating oneness. A safe place where you can be vulnerable and feel good. My body and mind have never felt better, and my life has unfolded and aligned in ways I never ever imagined. Radiant has introduced me to lifelong friends and connections that I never expected to enter my life, taking me to new places of my yoga practice (on and off the mat) and even traveling across the world!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of yoga?
When I’m not teaching yoga, I’m running a third generation owned family business with my siblings. For fun, I enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. Going to new places and restaurants and exploring the world as much as I can, I love going anywhere warm, and have always enjoyed being in the sun or on the beach. History is also a passion of mine so exploring Europe or anywhere new makes me happy!
What do you feel is your soul’s calling, and how does teaching at Radiant Hot Yoga fulfill this?
Yoga is my passion and to be of service and help others is part of my life’s purpose. Radiant is more then just a studio, its a place of community, acceptance, healing, peace, friendship, laughter and love. Many of my best friends teach and practice here. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the love and energy. It’s a vortex. Each class is challenging and rewarding as it takes your through a phsyical workout and mindful work-in. A safe place where you can be vulnerable and feel good. My body and mind have never felt better, and my life has unfolded and aligned in ways I never ever imagined.
