Day: July 29, 2019

Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Always stay connected to who you are.”,

Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Always stay connected to who you are.”, with Model Flaviana Matata and Candice Georgiadis

Always stay connected to who you are. In any high-impact industry it’s easy to lose sight of who you are with all the changes, adjustments, and constant new experiences. It’s very important to have a strong sense of who you are so you’re not changing who you are and becoming like every environment you’re in.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Flaviana Matata. Born and raised in Tanzania and currently based in NY, FLAVIANA MATATA’S modeling career kicked off after she was discovered by Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons while attending a charity event in New York in 2010. Since then, FLAVIANA has been named one of Essence Magazine’s Breakout Models of the Year, and in 2011, she took home the Model of the Year title at Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos, Nigeria. She was also named one of 2014’s Most Influential People in Africa by New African Magazine, one of the Top 10 African Models by Forbes Africa, one of Top 10 Black Models by Models and Moguls and one of the Most Influential Icons in Contemporary African Pop Culture by Africa.com. FLAVIANA has walked the runway for major brands and designers, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Jason Wu, Rachel Roy, Charlotte Ronson, Tory Burch, Diesel, Vivienne Westwood and Catherine Malandrino, and has appeared in campaigns for Topshop, Selfridges Beauty, Tigi, Sony, Aritzia, Clarins, Kenzo, New Look, Kenneth Cole, Express and Warby Parker, Aerie Real, Diesel and Edun. FLAVIANA has also graced the pages of countless magazines, including Forbes, Vogue, Grazia, Essence, Nylon, Glass, Arise, L’Officiel Paris, Hunger, Vision China, Elle, Marie Claire and i-D, as well as catalogues for Macy’s, Sherri Hill, Garnet Hill, Ralph Lauren, Truworths, Avon, Aritzia, Dillard’s, Hockley, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, Athleta, Ann Taylor, Revlon and MyHabit. Throughout her storied career, she has worked with an impressive roster of photographers, including David Sims, Patrick Demarchelier, Russell James, Klaus Storm, Nick Knight, Fadil Berisha, Josh Olin, Mario Torres, Jenni Hare, Rankin, Haifa Wohlers Olsen, Victor Demarchelier and Caroline Templeton just to mention a few. In addition to modeling, FLAVIANA has a lengthy list of philanthropic ventures, including her Flaviana Matata Foundation, which empower young girls in Tanzania through education. She is an Angel Ambassador of the Diamond Empowerment Fund and has worked as a Goodwill Ambassador for Tanzanian charity Mitindo House. She’s also worked with Life project for Africa, Malaika for Life, Usher New Look, Malaria No More, SOS Village and the Hassan Maajar Trust. Flaviana is also a successful businesswoman. She is the founder Lavy Products, a line of non-toxic, cruelty free nail polish that’s available in more than 60 stores in six countries. She has recently spoken at the UN, the Forbes Summit and BeautyCon, to name a few.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

It’s amazing the things that happen when you’re doing what you love. I was discovered at a charity event that was raising money to build a hospital in Tanzania. It was at a pivotal point in my life. I was deciding between continuing my education as an engineer, and the opportunity to model was presented. I took a chance on myself and the rest is history in the making.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

There have been so many, I can’t select just one. However, the most interesting set of experiences would be the opportunities to travel all over the globe working in and learning about different cultures, people, foods and traditions. Travel broadens and teaches you more about who you are, the values you hold, and what you cherish than I ever would’ve imagined.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I can’t say it was a funny mistake, but definitely the most valuable one because of what it taught me. When I started in the industry I showed up on time, fulfilled my agreement, and would go home. I didn’t realize the importance of creating my own contacts in the industry just as I’d need to do in any other industry. I realized much later that developing and maintaining relationships would help to ensure my continued growth.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

Fashion is the industry that continues to assist me in providing opportunities for so many. I then used education as the tool we’d use for greatest impact. My organization was created out of a need, and at the heart of the foundation is opportunity. Opportunity through education. There are millions of girls all across the globe who are denied the access to education. I decided my foundation would provide that for the young girls in Tanzania where I was raised who have not been as fortunate.

One of the biggest challenges for young girls in Tanzania is access and resources. Access to educational opportunities and the resources to maintain their education if they’re given the chance to go. For instance, a lack of sanitary pads and proper feminine hygiene products for girls from underserved communities means that they end up missing 4–5 days of school every month when they are menstruating. This harsh statistic is one that FMF is actively committed to eradicate. We believe in providing not only scholarships, but also everything a girl needs to attend and stay in school — ensuring they complete their education, find employment, and/or start their own businesses. I created a line of sanitary pads under my company, LAVY, which continues to support FMF’s mission. A percentage of the profits goes toward WASH projects, which will then provide free pads to girls, starting with a few select schools that FMF is currently working with.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

Since 2011, we have built proper latrines, provided educational supplies to over 4,500 youth, and sponsored the primary and secondary school for 15 young ladies. It made my soul smile knowing we are fulfilling our mission to provide opportunity through education and I’m honored to be in position to do so. These young ladies are in college and we are continuing to support them in the attainment of their greatest dream — to be educated.

Was there a tipping point that made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

I was raised by one of the most bold, kind and proud fathers I know. He not only ensured I was educated, but my siblings, our relatives and the community we lived in as well. There was no tipping point for me in that what I’m doing is not new, it’s simply a continuation of the legacy my father began. I decided to create a way to give them the opportunities I was given. There was no option for me in that I was raised to see a need and where able, assist in providing its solution.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

Identify, acknowledge, and actively provide a solution. We all have the potential to solve communal and global issues. It begins with the first three steps I’ve listed and consistently implementing the last. In Tanzania, if a choice must be made between whom to educate, the boy child is usually chosen. We each must shift the narrative and come to the understanding that educating girls transforms nations and economies — they matter too.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

It’s not a strategy per se. It’s me being me. I live boldly in my truth, and my actions and mission are clear. We all are the authors of our stories, and I use my platform to lift and honor my story while fulfilling my life’s purpose unapologetically. My willingness to openly support causes that matter to me continue to provide other opportunities for me to do so. My suggestion is to do the same. Don’t be silent about what matters to you. Your voice makes an impact, use it for good.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

-Build relationships as you grow, just doing your job isn’t enough.

I didn’t know how important it was to build and nurture relationships when I begin. I wish I was told to build relationships before you need them.

-Always stay connected to who you are

In any high-impact industry it’s easy to lose sight of who you are with all the changes, adjustments, and constant new experiences. It’s very important to have a strong sense of who you are so you’re not changing who you are and becoming like every environment you’re in.

-Listen to your instincts and hold true to your values

As women, too many times we don’t listen to that small voice telling us the best option for us. We’ll listen to everyone around us and ignore the instinct that is right most of the time. Use it as a guide.

-Be open to new experiences

There’s such beauty in stepping out of the box and being open enough to enjoy experiences that may be foreign at first. Life is to be lived.

-Your ego is unnecessary

Ego has no place when looking to grow and impact. We all have a path, honor where yours leads without ego to distract and limit.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I’m a firm believer in teaching a person to fish, not simply giving them a fish. If I could inspire a movement, it would be to provide educational opportunities and resources for girls all over the globe, especially in my native Tanzania. Education changed my life and ensuring all girls have access to education is my life’s mission.

I believe you start where you are. For those looking to make a difference, take a look around you at the problems in your community. Start there and understand the greatest change starts with one. And even if it’s just one it matters to that one.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

I’ve lived my life based on this simple, yet profound principle. I’m a creator and I live every day creating the change I want in the world.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

Oprah Winfrey because of all the work she’s done in education for girls in Africa and beyond. She moves at the beat of own drum and proudly walks in her truth while providing pathways for others to discover and live out their dreams too. That type of confidence, vision, and execution is masterful. I’d be honored to learn directly from such a profound example.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

-You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @flavianamatata

-You can stay up to date with my foundation on Instagram and Facebook: @flavianamatatafoundation and on Twitter: @fmfound

Instagram: @flavianamatata

Website: Flaviana Matata Foundation

Lions Portfolio: Lions Portfolio

Thank you so much for joining us!

Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Always stay connected to who you are.”, was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “ I just want moms to know that they aren’t alone in this…

Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “ I just want moms to know that they aren’t alone in this journey” with Bernetta Knighten and Candice Georgiadis

I believe the community of moms should just support each other. Being a wife and mom comes with many levels and layers. Outside of our immediate family, friends and a support system are definitely welcomed. I just want moms to know that they aren’t alone in this journey but also give them resources to live their best life.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Bernetta Knighten, also known as at the Dream Architect. Bernetta a certified Life Coach who helps motivate women in developing a blueprint to follow their dreams. Bernetta is the creator of BernettaStyle.com, a lifestyle site and resource focused on motherhood (family), marriage, and motivating mothers to live the life of their dreams, one day at a time. Bernetta also launched The Knighten Project in 2015. It is a non-profit organization with a vision to reinvent how everyday people dream by making one big dream come true for people who have hope but lack the network, resources, and opportunity. The Midwest native earned her Bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University and currently lives in the Tampa Bay area with her husband Earl, and 3 children. Bernetta lives by the quote: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

There was a time when I would watch Oprah, Ellen & Steve Harvey on television. My favorite shows were the ones when they surprised guest with things that actually changed their life. Unexpected surprises. Each time I saw one of those shows, I would get Goosebumps on my arm. I didn’t get Goosebumps because I wanted to be on the receiving end, I wanted to be the giver.

While on maternity leave with my 3rd child, I again was watching Ellen or Steve give someone something that changed their life. I immediately told my husband, ‘What if there was an organization that made dreams come true for everyday people like you and me!” Of course he said, “That is a great idea!” Then I hit him with, “Well, what if it was me!” Again, he said it was a great idea. I honestly don’t believe he thought I would do anything from there. However, it was that moment that the idea of The Knighten Project was born.

I didn’t launch it for 3 years after my initial idea, because of fear and lack of confidence. There was actually one moment in time I told my husband, “I am giving up on all of MY dreams and just going to be your wife and raise these kids!”

He told me, “No! Out of all people, YOU can’t stop dreaming!’ I launched the Knighten Project about 1 year later.

The Knighten Project is a non-profit organization that makes dreams come true for everyday moms. One Big Dream. Unfortunately, dreams are not cheap so I do work a full time job while running this organization welcoming donations to help fund these dreams.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career? I was working as a social media influencer at Steve Harvey’s Act Like a Success Conference and was given an opportunity to ask the president (at that time) of his company a question. I asked him for advice on how to get more donations for my non-profit and more exposure. He asked about what I do and loved the concept. He then said, “I’m going to bring you on the show! The Steve Harvey Show!” The next thing I know, I was on the Just One More Thing Segment and Steve Harvey was handing me a $5,000 check for The Knighten Project.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? When I first started, I should have been consistent with campaigning and finding sponsors. Although, I didn’t know where to start. Honestly, it’s still a struggle, but everyday I am open to learning new ways to get in front of people.

Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that? Be a student of life. You can start something if it isn’t perfect, but always be working to perfect it.

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

I started my first blog WIFE (Why Isn’t Forever Easy) in 2010 where I shared stories on marriage. In 2012, I transitioned into BernettaStyle. It’s a lifestyle site about motherhood, marriage and motivational stories. My whole platform has always been about women following their dreams, because it’s always been important to make my own dreams come true. Although my dreams have evolved over the years, I’ve always desired the opportunity & chance to make them happen.

When I started The Knighten Project in 2015, I decided to select moms as the recipient of these dreams. As a mom — I know how many of us put our dreams aside or shelf them altogether for our spouse and/or children. Although, it’s possible — it’s hard to get the gusto to go after a dream 18–21 years later. Because these women are waiting for “the perfect time” , life is passing them by. My goal is to allow moms the opportunity through resources (& granting dreams) to take the first step NOW on whatever it is they want to do. If they want to get their degree, just start with a class. If you want to travel to another country, start saving a little bit every week. Just start the process and you will look up and your dream will soon be happening right before your eyes.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

Over the last couple of years, we created the campaign “Purses with Purpose” and raised money for women in a domestic violence shelter. Through donations, we were able to get 25 new purses and fill them (they were overflowing) with items every woman needs if she finds herself in a situation where she has to flee. We took these bags to a shelter for women, the day after Christmas. We wanted to let these moms know they are loved, appreciated and they are not alone.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

Initially, I created the organization to make dreams come true only. However, while trying to get donations and raise money for certain dreams, I felt that I wanted to do more for the moms around me everyday. I may not be able to grant every dream for moms that submit a request, but I can motivate them into actions with real resources in person. The revelation allowed me to start having weekly DreamChat interviews on Instagram Lives with mothers who are actually following their dreams. I’ve also recently incorporated monthly Dream Chats, where moms meet in person and we discuss motherhood and dreams/goals. It holds everyone accountable.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

I believe the community of moms should just support each other. Being a wife and mom comes with many levels and layers. Outside of our immediate family, friends and a support system are definitely welcomed. I just want moms to know that they aren’t alone in this journey but also give them resources to live their best life.

What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause?

Keeping a presence on social media always helps. In addition to a social media presence, adding the IG Dream Chat and in person meetings is a big plus. It’s important to stay in front of your audience and people that can help further your initiative. It’s great when moms want to help support other moms.

Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?

What makes your heart happy? What makes your heart sing? Or what is that one thing you see on a regular basis that you’ve always wanted to be apart of or change. Just take the first step and start.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

1. You’re going to need to learn how to raise money. People think that just because you start a non-profit that people are going to want to freely give. Wrong. You have to become a master at asking for money.

2. Non-profits NEED MONEY! Even though it’s a non-profit, the organization needs money to run properly.

3. Create a team of people that believe in what you’re trying to do. When people believe in your vision, their work reflects that.

4. Be consistent.

5. Running a non-profit is hard, but worth it.

I just want to restore the hope in everyday moms, that no matter what — they aren’t alone in motherhood. Their dreams matter. Their desire matters. There are different stages in life, but we all deserve happiness. I want to bring back giving. If I could have it my way, I’d have a show where I traveled the world surprising mothers with dreams that would change their lives.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

My favorite life lesson quote is a scripture. It applies to so many things. For God has not given me the spirit of fear, but the power of love and a sound mind. 1 Tim 7:10

This scripture is relevant to me because there have been many times that I didn’t want to do something based on FEAR. I’ve been afraid to make the call, send the email, speak first in a crowded room, raise my hand, post a certain thing on social media, start my business, and the list goes on. However, every time I say this scripture to myself, it gives me power and more power.

Fear is all in our head. If God didn’t give me fear, I should be able to move past it and go forth. I have the scripture in a frame on my desk to remind me that if fear starts to creep in — that this is just False Evidence Appearing Real and it’s a reminder to keep going forward. Sometimes you have to do things afraid. Those are the life changing moments many times!

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

Robert Smith. What’s so funny is that Mr. Smith was recently the keynote speaker at Morehouse College and announced that he would be paying off of all of the 2019 graduates student loan debt. I was already reading about Mr. Smith and his work and contributions to society. I would enjoy having lunch with him to learn more about his WHY behind giving back, learn his thought process.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

BernettaStyle.com (lifestyle blog)

TheKnightenProject.org (Non-profit site)

@KnightenProject (IG/FB)

@BernettaStyle (IG/FB)

Thank you for all of these great insights!

Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “ I just want moms to know that they aren’t alone in this… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “People need to move daily and physical wellness should…

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “People need to move daily and physical wellness should be prioritized in schools and at work.” with Lara Heimann and Candice Georgiadis

People need to move daily and physical wellness should be prioritized in schools and at work. Inactivity saps our energy and makes us grumpy and less inspired to do things for others. Movement is life and it improves life. We need to get our kids moving at school, they will learn better, they will get along better, and they will create more optimal habits.

As a part of my series about social media stars who are using their platform to make a significant social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lara Heimann, an international yoga pioneer and Physical Therapist focused on evolving the practice of yoga to empower movement and balance amidst a modern lifestyle of technology and sedentariness. With an advanced degree in physical therapy and more than 25 years of yoga practice and education, Lara is redefining the modern practice through her comprehensive LYT (Lara’s Yoga Training) Method, emphasizing smart alignment, functional movement, and spiritual wellness. Sustainable, freeing and efficient, LYT champions smarter, safer and more conscious movement patterns and is practiced worldwide through daily online classes at her newest initiative, movementbylara.com.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

When I was in high school, I was on a varsity cheerleading team and two members of the junior varsity team were involved in a tragic car wreck. The girl who was driving was killed, while the other one survived with a fracture to her neck. I remember visiting her at home and being stunned by the sight of her in a cervical halo, which looks like a medieval contraption around her head with screws into the skull to keep the neck from moving. She was physically and emotionally depleted from the horrors of the accident, but I saw a glimpse of light in her when her physical therapist came by to get her up and moving. That memory impressed upon me how even in the darkest moments, we can find hope and renewal when we move our bodies. It would be another five years before I decided to become a physical therapist myself and another decade before I began teaching yoga, but I am sure that this earlier memory made an indelible mark on my path in wellness and the power of the body and spirit to heal.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?

After I started my career in physical therapy, assuming that I would forge down a path of sports medicine, I was surprised to find a new interest in neurological rehab. I worked in a thriving clinical setting, where we had weekly meetings and lectures on different physical therapy techniques. One physical therapist was an expert in working with stroke patients, and she gave us a two-hour demonstration of how she worked hands-on using a technique called Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT). This training is based on analyzing pastors and movements and teaching a neurologically involved patient how to develop control that would carry over into functional activities.
The treatment involves therapeutic handling, facilitation, and activation of key points of control at the core primarily. I was fascinated with this technique and the success of the tools implemented to enhance functional rehabilitation. I had always been interested in neurology but became a neuroplasticity geek. I went on to become trained myself and work with many stroke patients over the years.
It was during one at home physical therapy session when I was working on crawling with a very involved stroke patient, that I realized that this technique can be applied to anyone. We don’t have to have had a brain injury to benefit from the same principles. It was at this moment, that I began to bridge my neuro physical therapy knowledge with my yoga teaching and practice. It was also at this time that I had become a vegan, after years of being vegetarian. While I had assumed I was doing the least harm by not eating meat, I was unaware of the egregious treatment of dairy cows and chickens, whose hormonal products I had continued to ingest. Looking back at this time, it makes sense to me that as I connected more in my teaching and practice to the integrative core strength of the body, that I also connected more consistently to my core values of kindness and compassion.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I opened a public studio after having private clients in a home studio for many years. I decided to make this leap in my business for two reasons: I wanted to teach more people my LYT method of yoga, which was a blend of classical vinyasa and functional movement and I wanted to create a larger community of empowerment and compassion. When I first rented the public studio in my town of Princeton, NJ, I was only holding my yoga teacher training classes there while all of the remodeling details were not yet complete. I was eager to open it up to the public but decided to only have word-of-mouth marketing so that my existing clients could get used to sharing a practice space with more people. After a few weeks, I was going away for Christmas, and asked one of my teacher training graduates to hold a few classes of mine. While on a ski lift in Colorado, I received a frantic phone call from my front desk assistant, saying that the town planning board director had stopped by and wanted to speak to me. She relayed that I had not gotten a certificate of occupancy yet, so I shouldn’t have been holding any classes!
I spoke to the director, who was kind and didn’t penalize me, but I learned that you need to check all the boxes before you forge ahead!
I have gone on to open a larger studio with a vegan cafe, and I now ask as many questions as needed to make sure that I follow all procedures. You never want a missed detail to mess up your progress!

Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?

My platform is really about empowerment. I feel strongly that the body is the quickest and most successful vehicle of transformation. When we feel strong and connected to our bodies, we feel more productive, patient, resilient, enthusiastic, spirited and compassionate. My mission is to help everyone move in a safe, sustainable, and empowered way so that we can work together to improve the world for all beings. When we feel whole within ourselves, we can then truly give to others. In my many years of teaching, I have seen how small shifts in the awareness of movement patterns and connection to core strength results in profound shifts in personal lives and spiritual development. When you feel good about yourself, when you feel good in your body, when you move with ease, efficiency, and empowerment, you WANT to do good. You want to help. You spend less time on the little insignificant worries and self-talk and want to lead an impactful life. I have had women who felt unmoored by motherhood and confused in their own identity, find their mission in life that broadened their identity and gave them a greater sense of self. I have witnessed students overcome past trials and tribulations when they connect to their own physical strength, allowing the past to heal and be released of the pain. I have had many students explore and commit to veganism because they feel more aligned with their core values. We can all be bogged down by a lot of concerns that sap our energy. When we get clearer and stronger and feel empowered, it’s an inevitable step to becoming more consistent with our values.

Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?

I had a woman who had endured loss, betrayal, and carried a great amount of bitterness in her external shell. She practiced with me for several years, and one day asked to speak to me after class. She revealed that she had gone through many years of therapy, had even tried different medications, but it wasn’t until she practiced this form of yoga that she felt a giant awakening. With tears in her eyes she told me that, even on the days that she didn’t want to come to class, she showed up because she always felt better after it. All of those moments of showing up led to a greater shift. She found forgiveness in her heart, she felt like she no longer wanted to blame or stay in the cycle of anger. With that change, she relayed that she had also began to explore eating a plant based diet. I remember her quote and it is the fabric that reinforces the power of this practice. “When I started connecting to my core strength, and grew more determined to get on my hands in a handstand hop day after day, I rewrote my story. As I have gotten stronger, I have become softer. I didn’t even realize it was happening, but I knew that it felt so good and I so I kept coming back. And now I am different. I am more whole and I like me.”
I receive messages like this all the time and it is such a privilege to witness personal growth. My job is to provide the tools, encouragement, and ask the question — if we can be more aligned in our bodies, can we take that in to other aspects of our lives? At first, some people might think of my yoga method as just a physical practice. But, if they stay long enough, they know that the practice is so much more. It is an open invitation to change your movement and behavioral patterns; it is a movement to be awake in your body and spirit and to spread more compassion to all beings. And while my mission is committed to veganism, I invite everyone to discover what pulls on their heartstrings. The message is to be aligned, feel your power, and use your passion for your own calling.

Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?

When my husband and I biked cross- country in 1999, I sensed a new chapter in my life and new purpose. Leaving a wonderful and stable job as a physical therapist was against my “play it safe” instincts, but once I crossed this threshold of creating my own destiny, there was no turning back. I gained a fierce pulse to choose the path less known and design a life that was truly in line with my values. On this three-month journey across the United States, we mostly lived with what we could carry, and it was easy to see that what we actually needed to be happy was our health and our experience. From our bikes, we witnessed much more of our surroundings that we would have from a car. We felt connected to nature in a profound way, journeying through so much beauty in our nation and literally sleeping on the earth every night. We also saw some of the factory farms that are hidden in the vastness of the middle country, and my husband and I both spoke of what we could do in our lives to bring more awareness to the realities of the animal agriculture. So many magical seeds of inspiration were planted on that trip and we even rescued a kitten who had been dumped by the side of a road. Nute remained in our lives for many years and served as an ambassador to remind us of our dreams.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

People need to move daily and physical wellness should be prioritized in schools and at work. Inactivity saps our energy and makes us grumpy and less inspired to do things for others. Movement is life and it improves life. We need to get our kids moving at school, they will learn better, they will get along better, and they will create more optimal habits.
Better food choices are needed everywhere! When we eat plants, we vibrate at a higher frequency. It’s not woo woo, we know this to be true. Eating a hamburger is dead energy, a robust green salad makes you feel vibrant. We should be putting money into producing and subsidizing vegetables.
Science supports that a plant-based diet is the healthiest for our bodies and the optimal choice for our planets survival. All of our legislative and economic decisions should be supporting the cultivation of a plant-based lifestyle. No more urban food deserts, no more cheap fast food burgers that are contributing to our health crisis and deforestation of massive rain forests.

Movement in your body and spirit is my ethos and I would love to see these tenets supported by society in all realms.

I promote empowerment and alignment in my daily classes at my studio in Princeton and on my online classes. Since the body is such a successful vehicle for transformation, I am dedicated to helping people feel more embodied in their personal strength and strive to model this in my own practice and teaching. I also encourage my students to take the best version of themselves in to the world because we need all the good hearts and hands on deck!! In my trainings and teachings, I inform people about the beauty of veganism and how it can improve their own health while also helping the environment and the plight of billions of innocent animals. While I don’t proselytize, I share my own journey into veganism and how the switch to a vegan lifestyle almost 18 years was the greatest spiritual awakening of my life. I essentially say, “hey, I am here to support you on the journey to align your values with your choices”; and by working with people to get stronger and more awake in their yoga practice, I have seen how organic the message is received. My only tip is to speak from your own experience without judgment and be the model of what you want to see in the world.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

Three things come to mind:

1) Get help — don’t burn out because you think you can do it all. You can always find a helping hand willing to be paid or trade services. I had people who helped at the front desk at my studio from the beginning, some who were paid and some who wanted to work in trade for yoga classes. I also knew that offering vegan food at my studio was important to me to provide people with cruelty free nourishment. Although I am a certified natural foods chef, I knew that I would be spread too thin if I added that to my work plate. So, I collaborated with a friend who is a caterer and sells her food at the studio.

2) Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I learned early on that you need to ask questions to grow and thrive in your business and in your mission.

3) The customer is always right. No matter what the situation, try and figure out a way to stay above the line when interacting with people. How they behave is much more reflective of their own stuff. Whether in a business transaction or an interaction about veganism, I have found that being kind and not reactive helps you maintain your power and alignment without hurting another.

I would inspire a movement of Empowered Compassion! My message would be simple: Move for yourself and all beings! When we care about our own heath and wellness, we are more prepared and capable to expand that caring to other people, other beings. I firmly believe that when we invest in our own physical and spiritual growth (which ARE connected), we have so much more energy to give to causes that we believe in, and veganism is a cause that included ALL beings. We do not have to contribute to suffering if it truly is not aligned with our core values.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Growing up, I had a poster on my wall with Nadia Comaneci performing some crazy balance beam move, with a quote underneath “ Do not pray for an easy life. Pray to be a strong person.” The image and the message were encoded in my moral fabric. I think I knew even at a young age that your personal strength and work ethic could help you become anyone you wanted to be, overcoming any challenge.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

I have many on the list, but I would love to have a private lunch/dinner with Natalie Portman. She is a highly intelligent and passionate vegan activist who I admire tremendously. I would love to collaborate with her to bring the vegan message to the whole world!

How can our readers follow you on social media?

I am on Instagram at @lara.heimann and @movementbylara

My website is www.movementbylara.com where you can also find my daily online yoga classes ( LYT- Lara’s Yoga Training daily).

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “People need to move daily and physical wellness should… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.