Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily S. Walkup.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Emily. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Torrance, CA and moved to Auburn, AL at 5 years old after my mother passed away from breast cancer. When I was 12, I found her yoga books and videos and the rest is history! My yoga practice is a way to connect with her as well as a devotion to her memory. I always knew I wanted to help people. What I didn’t realize when I was younger was that I needed to help myself first.
In 2014, I realized I wanted to deepen my practice of yoga after my journey to recovery. After years of feeling differently and struggling to be present in my body, my yoga practice helped me learn how to be present with the fluctuations of body, mind, emotions…. life. The positive direction my life with yoga was too striking to not share with others. I have been teaching yoga to those on their own journey to recovery in Atlanta with my business, Walkup Yoga.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think that any road worth taking is not smooth; it is the bumps in the road that provide character, growth and depth. I struggled for years with addiction, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. Getting sober and finding recovery has blessed me in ways I cannot begin to describe.
Becoming a yoga teacher was not what I had planned; it is what the Universe had planned. Owning my own business has been challenging, frustrating, disappointing, rewarding, joyful… and more. I wouldn’t trade it for a thing!
I am so grateful and blessed to share my journey and to be a part of others’ journeys. We’re all connected.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Walkup Yoga – what should we know?
My primary focus now is to help show individuals struggling to be present with themselves (and the organizations that serve them) that there are tools we can use to get better. I specialize in yoga for addiction recovery, eating disorder recovery, mental health and trauma. I have extensive training in these modalities including Y12SR (Yoga for 12 Step Recovery) under Nikki Myers my wonderful teacher.
What also sets me apart is that I have been there; I share the experience with these individuals and I have used the tools and seen how they work in my life & recovery. I’m passionate and educated about this work and it shows.
I’m proud to serve these populations. Seeing a client learn to breathe for the first time, to be still, present and aware is such a gift.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
-My grandmother taught me what it means to live a life of service; she is my favorite person and inspiration.
-My mother’s presence has been with me throughout my journey, inspiring and leading me to my yoga practice.
-My father taught me the value of consistency, hard work and faith.
-My sister inspired me to start my own business. She has been my constant cheerleader and advocate.
-Marti & Marty Yura provided me with a solid foundational knowledge in yoga and its applications.
-Nikki Myers, my teacher and founder of Y12SR (Yoga for 12 Step Recovery) has provided an abundance of knowledge, guidance and support.
My higher power has been with me my entire journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.walkupyoga.com
- Email: walkupyoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: @walkupthestairs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkupyoga/
- Twitter: @emilywalkup
Image Credit:
AY Photo Design, Alice Walkup
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