Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Gibson.
Erika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Have you ever seen The Office? Well, drive forty-five minutes straight into the woods of NE Pennsylvania… that’s where I grew up. One stop light. More cows than people. And very little yoga. Summers were spent at a lakeside cabin water skiing, catching turtles and playing basketball. Life was pretty simple.
I attended Penn State University where I studied Psychology. After graduation, I worked at a psychiatric facility for young children and as a case manager for adults, I enjoyed my time as a mental health advocate but was feeling the desire to explore life outside of my small town.
In 2011, I packed my life in my car and moved to San Diego. There was a yoga studio near my house, so I signed up for a free week trial. After that very first class, I was sold. I remember sitting in my car in a state of total bliss. How was I only now discovering yoga and why wasn’t everyone doing it? I remember thinking to myself “this is what’s missing in the mental health world, I am going to learn to teach this.”
After that realization, I immediately enrolled in my first Yoga Teacher Training with CorePower and began teaching just weeks after graduation. Since then, I’ve completed my 500-hour certification with Rolf Gates and am currently studying with Annie Carpenter working towards another 300-hour training. Under their guidance, I’ve explored yogic philosophy, anatomy, functional movement and meditation. I also enrolled in Yoga Therapy school at LMU where I learned from medical professionals how yoga can be applied in a clinical setting to treat anything from PTSD to addiction to knee surgery recovery.
Off of my mat, one of my intentions is to take the road less traveled. From van camping through Yellowstone to hiking the South Island of New Zealand, I find inspiration in nature and exploring other cultures. In January, I packed my wedding dress in a backpack and eloped in Patagonia. My husband and I hiked in the dark, in fifty mile/hour winds, to say our “I do’s” at a sunrise ceremony amidst the mountains and lakes, with a pack of Chilean llamas as our witness. What can I say? I love a good adventure.
Great, 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?
It has not always been a smooth nor glamorous road. I will never forget my first yoga audition; I was inexperienced and so nervous that I completely blew it. I literally blacked out. One of my first paid yoga gigs was at a Jazzercise studio. I drove thirty minutes to teach to three people (if lucky) and barely made enough money to cover gas. There were times when I questioned everything and felt overwhelmed with uncertainty. But uncertainty is the price you pay for doing what you love and owning a small business. My passion and purpose, though, has always been stronger than any doubt.
Early on in my yoga career, I taught during the day and tended bar at night to pay the bills. It was a lifestyle that was easy to get caught up in but was keeping me from realizing my potential as a yoga teacher. I felt like I had to choose. So, last August I chose yoga over booze. I had my last taste of tequila at a concert in Seattle as Eddie Vedder sang ‘Release me’. The moment seemed symbolic. I believe you can learn a lot about yourself when you ask “WHY” behind everything you do. If it doesn’t elevate you to be the best version of yourself, why bother? I am here to evolve and become a better human and hope to inspire others to do the same.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Erika Gibson Yoga – what should we know?
Erika Gibson Yoga has evolved over the past seven years. I currently offer on-site mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to corporations. I lead group classes and personal training at Rancho Valencia Resort and Riffs Yoga in Ocean Beach and teach in-home private yoga to families and individuals. My classes range from guided meditation to slow flow and vinyasa. The lessons and yogic philosophy I offer in my classes apply to real life situations. Without breath awareness, I don’t think I would survive rush hour on the 805! The practice of yoga doesn’t stop when you step off your mat.
The versatility of my training allows me to offer yoga to a wide range of individuals. The focus of each of my clients is different. For some, it’s physical fitness and flexibility. For others, it’s decreasing stress and improving focus. I’ve helped a corporate executive prepare for hip replacement surgery as well as a nine-year-old golf prodigy work on nerve management. I firmly believe that yoga can help everyone in some way.
In an effort to share what I have learned with those who have limited access to yoga (ie, the Pennsylvania woods), I have launched a platform for online classes. Overcoming the fear of sharing myself with the world was scary but essential if I wanted to reach those who grew up in a small town like me. In addition to a variety of class packages, I offer a free monthly meditation to my newsletter subscribers.
I have also been mentoring yoga teachers seeking new inspiration and leading trainings for those looking to dive deeper into their practice. I am super excited to be leading a 200-hour yoga training starting August 23rd at Riffs Yoga in Ocean Beach.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Authenticity and honesty. It’s all about keeping it real. I am my business. If I am not true to myself, my business would not exist.
I practice what I teach and am always a student first. I make sure to get on my mat every single day. Even if it’s just for a quick ten-minute meditation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erikagibsonyoga.com
- Phone: 607-206-6478
- Email: erikagibsonyoga@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikagibsonyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.brown.963
Image Credit:
Adventure Instead- IG @adventureinstead
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
