Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyric Bolen
Hi Lyric, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began as a young girl struggling to find my voice. Growing up as a preacher’s kid provided a strong foundation, but deep down, I wrestled with feelings of self-worth. School years were tough—I battled not only with insecurity but also with self-harm, self-hate, cutting, bulimia, and depression. Despite the teachings and principles of the church, I found it hard to truly believe in my own value.
It wasn’t until my time at Florida A&M University that things started to shift. There, amidst the chaos of college life, I finally found myself and my faith. Yoga didn’t enter the picture until my last year, driven by a fiery determination to conquer a headstand. I poured my heart into mastering it, spending my entire last semester practicing headstand drills until I could hold myself up for 30 seconds. In that process, I discovered a newfound sense of accomplishment and self-belief.
Post-graduation life hit me hard. I found myself drowning in six-figure student loan debt and working exhausting hours at a job that didn’t appreciate me. There were moments when I felt utterly defeated, curled up on the floor in tears, wondering what the next day would bring. But it was in those darkest moments that I turned to my faith in God for strength and guidance. Through prayer and trust in His plan, I found solace and renewed purpose.
I began serving others wholeheartedly, infusing every interaction with love and generosity. This selfless approach not only filled me with joy but also built a supportive community around me.
Following a divine prompting to “Make room,” I took a leap of faith at the end of 2023. I let go of draining commitments and opened myself up to new opportunities. This decision led to collaborations with major corporations, local businesses, and the creation of my own community centered on love and support.
As I continue on this journey, I’m filled with anticipation to witness how my story will serve as a beacon of hope, igniting the flames of love and faith in the hearts of others. With every step forward, I’m committed to nurturing a legacy that nourishes generations to come, encouraging them to act out of boundless love and unwavering faith.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride, but each hurdle I faced was a stepping stone toward supporting my future self rather than just surviving the present moment. As a budding yoga instructor, I encountered my fair share of struggles. Initially, I offered all my classes for free, using them as a platform to refine my teaching skills, connect with students, and carve out my online presence. Launching a brand from scratch in a new city, with no familial support nearby, posed its own set of challenges. I was juggling multiple roles as a yoga entrepreneur—from instructor to web developer to marketing guru and more—all while clocking in long hours at my corporate construction job from 7AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday.
Those nights with minimal sleep were tough, but they were also incredibly enlightening. Amidst the chaos, I never lost sight of my own well-being, ensuring I still squeezed in workouts, three square meals, and some shut-eye. It was a crash course in resilience and adaptability, and I emerged stronger and more knowledgeable than ever before.
Fast forward to today, and I’m still balancing my full-time gig as a technology implementation specialist in the construction realm. But yoga has become my saving grace. It’s not just a practice; it’s my refuge—a sanctuary that nurtures my mental and physical health, keeps my eating and sleeping patterns in check, and offers a sense of equilibrium in the whirlwind of life’s demands.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about OHM With Lyric?
My dedication to yoga has given life to “OHM with Lyric,” a sanctuary where individuals are inspired to Live Organically, Dream Hopefully, and Move Mindfully. I specialize in vinyasa flow, crafting sessions that invite people from all walks of life to embrace the connection between mind and body through yoga postures, breathwork, and meditation.
What sets me apart is my zest for making yoga accessible to everyone. I infuse every class with an electrifying energy, creating an inclusive space where students are encouraged to make the practice their own, free from judgment or comparison. I take immense pride in the transformations I witness—those who once shied away from yoga now find themselves drawn to my classes, returning session after session to deepen their practice and embrace their inner fire.
Ultimately, my work is about more than just teaching yoga poses; it’s about igniting the spark within individuals to live boldly and authentically. Through “OHM with Lyric,” I aim to cultivate a vibrant community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued as they embark on their journey toward wellness and self-discovery.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m buzzing with excitement about the journey before me, staying true to my mission of making a positive impact while I’m still breathing. My biggest dream is to establish my own brick-and-mortar studio right here in Atlanta. I envision a space where laughter echoes, tears are shed without inhibition, and hearts connect without fear of judgment -a haven where everyone feels welcomed, cherished, and free to be exactly who they are. It’s a vision that sets my soul on fire, and I’m ready to dive in head first with my trademark energy and passion!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://owlyoga.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lyrics.ohm
Image Credits
Photos by:
Ryan Kimbro; IG: @rykimbro
Marquis Cook; IG: @salsaonmyhuevos
Anitra Isler; IG: @anitraisler5
