Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Long.
Hi Christina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a licensed esthetician and yoga instructor originally from Columbus, GA. I moved to Atlanta as a budding esthetician in the retail cosmetics industry in October 2017. I was working to be the potential counter manager for the Kiehl’s counter in Atlantic Station Dillard’s, but things weren’t exactly what I expected so I left after several months in March 2018. I began working in the esthetics industry as a wax specialist at a waxing salon in the city. The entire year of 2018 was hard adjusting to new living arrangements, new career, and new a new city. By 2019, I had successfully found a great salon in Sandy Springs all while managing a home practice to keep me afloat financially.
In 2020, the entire world changed. All in the same month, I had totaled my car, the salon had been shut down, and I had to spend my birthday alone due to the pandemic. I became a yoga instructor the same year. I had been practicing off and on since 2014. From 2018 to that present moment had been my most consistent in practice. After becoming a yoga instructor, I chose to teach Trap Yoga and to take it to my hometown of Columbus, Ga. I was introduced to Trap Yoga in 2018 by my teacher, Evan “Eazy” Hall aka “@yogaplayground” on IG. His classes made me feel comfortable and confident with being me and got me through some of my toughest times in here in Atlanta.
I wanted to bring that gift to my community in Columbus because they were openly admiring the change and growth in me. Since March 2021, I’ve been working as a wax specialist and a yoga instructor in both Atlanta and Columbus, GA.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s hasn’t been the smoothest road at all, but it’s been exactly what I’ve needed to grow. I moved to Atlanta hastily and didn’t know the cost of living here compared to Columbus. Moreover, I moved here without a car. Thankfully, I’ve only lived in the city and near public transportation outside of using rideshare apps. In May 4th of last year, I bought a car. Having the car has help tremendously, and thank God it’s a hybrid! Lol
2018 was trying because that was the first time I had a roommate since college that wasn’t already a friend or family member. I learned many lessons about self, how I interact with others socially, and what I will not tolerate I’m my safe spaces. 2018 was also the year of professional woes! I changed my career strictly to esthetics and became a 1099 employee! I was not ready! Lol, all the extras we complain about being taken from our check, insurance, etc. I was now having to take care of all of that on my own.
What was most discouraging was the dark side to the esthetics business you don’t hear about. The poor and abusive management, the cattiness amongst peers, and lack of business ethics had me at two different salons in 2018. By the end of 2018, beginning of 2019 I had found a stable salon that matched my standards and heart towards the business.
The pandemic has brought about new challenges that none of us were expecting. Thankfully, my yoga practices and mindset shifts have truly helped me get through these past few years gracefully.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an esthetician and yoga instructor, in both professions I have the opportunity to teach and encourage others to care for themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally! I’m a conduit of Divine Feminine energy empowering & healing bodies thru beauty, self-care, and movement practices! I’m most proud of my yoga certification. Becoming a teacher was always a goal, but never as soon as it happen nor in the way it happened. I was a part of the BLM Rocket Yoga Teacher Training. I received my 200hr Vinyasa certification by taking the connecting training thereafter.
Presently, I teach trap yoga, but I definitely see myself offering a variety of things focused of sensuality, body positivity, embodiment, and different trauma releases. I’ve recently started hosting wellness events and that’s been exciting as well.
I feel like my authenticity sets me apart from others! When I let go and just be caring, concerned, curious, forthright, and joyous, everything falls into place and I create the best experiences! Yes even in waxing! Lol
Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people have contributed to my journey! My dear friend, Gisel of Gisel’s Harmony who nominated me for this feature! My cosmetology/esthetics family consists of Alicia Cooper, Jasmine Reid, Tiffany Clark and Angel Johnson. My yoga family has grown so beautifully! I’m ever grateful to Christopher Wilkes, owner of Art of Yoga Columbus, and the first person to introduce me to yoga! Evan “EAZY” Hall my current teacher. Davina Davidson, Samora Suber, Dana Grant, Elli Marie, Lauren Gibson, Sharonica Lunsford, Portia Wright, John Fay, and the list could literally go on! All the people that’s given me a ride! Lol Most importantly, I have to thank my mom and sister for always believing in me even when I’ve attempted some of the craziest endeavors! Whether they’ve believed in the idea, they’ve always believed in me and this past year, I’ve felt and been shown the love in some of the most memorable ways.
Contact Info:
- Email: essenceofedenbg@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamchristina_long?utm_medium=copy_link
- Other: https://essenceofeden.as.me/
Image Credits:
Christina Long
