Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunisa Kim.
Hi Sunisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started as a working model/actor (SAG/AFTRA) in Los Angeles, CA and I am an LA Native. I worked as a spokesmodel, commercial, print and lifestyle modeling, and in the latter part of my entertainment career my main pursuit was TV hosting. I was working a lot, traveling a lot, and always on the hustle to get more work. Then life got to me. It started weighing on me mentally, so I sought yoga as my refuge and went to a teacher training to learn more about the philosophy and history of yoga, which I find it similar to my Buddhist upbringing. I needed and wanted a sense of grounding and nurturing for myself. After the training, I began to teach in LA and continued my modeling work simultaneously. A couple of years after, I moved out to Atlanta, GA to follow my then boyfriend and decided to just teach yoga only. It was rough getting to know the city, culture, and environment as a new transplant. After a year, I established myself teaching in various studios and then Sunisayoga.com flourished.
Alright, 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 was a very difficult road. I was not making the money I was used to making. I was losing money only just teaching Yoga. I had to drive long distances to 3 or 5 studios each day for little pay.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Sunisa yoga or yoga with Sunisa is a wellness venture that provides all-around traditional to modern teaching of yoga. I teach at studios, and I give private sessions to individuals, small groups, corporate clients, events and residential classes. I recently hosted a wellness event at Tory Burch. In addition to Yoga, I’m a reiki master. During the pandemic, I offered virtual reiki sessions online for my clients. Mala by Sunisa was inspired by my reiki, and I handcraft meditation crystal beads and jewelry.
I’m most proud of sticking with this humbling business because it helps me to be involved in and contribute to my community . What sets me apart from others is that I am very personable and Kind with my teaching and crafts. I have been through rough times like everyone else, and I try to provide my wellness training to those who need it.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, my goals have shifted and changed. I’m still riding the wave and sticking with yoga because it’s healing for me and the people I work with, and I enjoy being a positive part of people’s lives! I see Sunisa yoga leading more yoga retreats in zen and exotic destinations. Also, Sunisa yoga will brand into wellness products and fitness wear in the next 5 to10 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: Sunisayoga.com
- Instagram: sunisakim and sunisayoga
- Facebook: sunisa kim
- Twitter: sunisa kim
Image Credits
Greg Hadel, Abu Vigilante, Sunisa Kim
