Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Shields.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Meraki was born from my own personal need for a community space in which I could practice yoga without separating my role as birthing person, parent, and mother from the rest of my life. As a young mother, mindfulness gave me so much power and focus. It was my practice that brought me back to center after a long day or week with my kids and work.
My background is ballet, yoga, Pilates, and Speech-Language Pathology, licensed in Georgia. I became a doula in 2016 and have been attending births in the Metro Atlanta area ever since. Currently, I’ve attended over 70 births and supported hundreds of families through classes and private coaching.
The vision of Meraki Mama Collective came to me as I was driving home from work one day in 2016. I had a middle schooler and an almost one-year-old. I knew that I had to not only create this vision, but become a leader and space holder in the community to begin building the village. It was a daunting task, but every step of the way, I have felt support from the Universe.
In 2018, I built out my first studio. It was absolutely beautiful to witness. We went virtual in 2020, and by February 2021, we officially closed the studio. It was devastating, but I took about a year off to rest, travel, and try other things. But 2022 lit the fire again, and now we have seven weekly classes, workshops, and a beautiful community of mothers coming together again.
I believe deeply that it is all of our jobs to return to the village. To create networks where women and birthing people support one another, see one another, and heal in that journey together. Every one of us have a story to tell and deserves to be heard, seen, witnessed, protected and respected. As each of us experiences this loving kindness, we then can also share it with those around us. I see all the beautiful work you do, and I pray that you know how incredibly spectacular you are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Is that a word that belongs in the business world? Joking but quite serious. There have been so many high highs and low lows. It’s truly a practice in patience, optimism, and mindfulness. I’ve had to rebuild numerous times. I’ve relocated multiple times.
The key is to be flexible with your thinking and not get attached to any one idea or way of doing things. I remember closing our beloved Roswell studio. We all cried when we said goodbye, but I was aware that that physical location was not MMC, it is us, our magic, our connection, our presence, and because of that truth, it could be rebuilt anywhere, anytime.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
On a daily basis, I run Meraki Mama Collective. I write curricula for classes and workshops, as well as teaching. I teach Prenatal and Postpartum yoga classes informed by Pilates and physical therapy. I train other doulas and yoga teachers to show up for the childbearing year and create containers for education, support and movement in their communities. We are getting ready to start our fifth offering of the Intentionally Embodied Birth Coach training program that I wrote and lead. I also attend births as a doula. Whether in the hospital, birth center, or home, I support families during the pregnancy, birth and postpartum to center their needs and desires so they have an empowering experience and feel protected. I also host retreats, both domestic and international to assist women in finding their true Goddess nature to walk as their whole self in life.
I think I’m known for blending yogic tradition and women’s wellness in a way that is relatable. I’m real, and I make space for my students to be their authentic selves, no matter what that looks like. I encourage them to lean into their darkness, not just the love and light crap that superficially heals us. I want women to use their voices and make space to truly understand and accept themselves.
Being a biracial woman, I can relate to so many people, which is a true gift. I feel like so many diverse women feel safe working with me. They feel seen, heard, and respected because I get it.
I’m most proud of my teaching style and the vast knowledge base I have to share with my students. My classes are fun, uplifting, grounding, and educational. We’ll laugh, cry, cuss, move, and breath. Everyone leaves my classes feeling good and ready to take on the world or take a nap. Wellness and yoga don’t have to be so serious, I think that’s what scares people away.
What sets me apart from everyone else is how I incorporate energy work and yogic tradition into birth prep and postpartum healing. I prepare my clients with information and education, but I’m known for my couple’s and single energy sessions where we use breath, mediations and energy work to move through emotions and energy blocks to connect and prepare for this monumental transition. Every couple leaves saying that it’s exactly what they needed, but they never knew something like this even exists.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I would say that my children deserve all the credit. They really put up with my crazy schedule and having a mom that does something different than every other kid in their class. My kids have shown me unconditional love as I succeed, fail, then succeed again. I’m so grateful for them.
I’m also super grateful for my clients. They’ve really shown me the value of my life work. How it can impact and truly change their lives. They inspire me to show up, to be flexible, to do more, and to grow. So many of my clients are my family. We’ve become close friends, traveled together, had play dates, and they’ve even supported me through the tough times. When I feel alone on this journey, teaching a class or leading a session reminds me how loved I am and that I’m really never alone.
Pricing:
- First Prenatal/Postpartum class is 50% off with code FIRST50
- Birth Doula Services $1850-2200/birth
- Energy Sessions $185/90 min session
- Training Program $3,000 when you sign up by February 14, 2023
- 120 min Couple’s Energy Session $220
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.merakimamacollective.com
- Instagram: @merakimama.collective
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxKYIuJ2a8r2RdA9-3ulq7w
Image Credits
JClerc Siente Productions Pear Tree Photography Linnéa Geiger
