Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Cox.
Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
So let’s start at the beginning.
My career journey started as a teacher. I still love and immensely enjoy teaching students to this day, but at the beginning, it was hard, and I was stressed. However, one of the perks of the district I was in was a free gym membership, and I took that opportunity to try yoga, and I’ve been practicing ever since.
Yoga became this safe space for me to be fully present, to show up for myself, and also give me space to feel.
When I moved back home to St. Louis to continue teaching elementary school, I was referred to The Collective STL by a close friend, and now I am a teacher and partner there. The Collective STL is a black-owned yoga and wellness studio dedicated to the wellness of black people in St. Louis. It’s such a special place, and I am honored to call it my yoga home.
I teach classes there weekly. My class is called Neo-Soul Sunday, and it’s the perfect combination of yoga and live music. The energy is everything.
Outside of The Collective STL, I have my own business, Naturally Educating. I teach kids, private, and corporate yoga, and so much more. I am also a lululemon Ambassador and work to curate classes in partnership with lululemon.
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?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but it’s been a little bumpy along the way. For instance, as I said earlier, I began my career as a school teacher, but between virtual teaching and the pandemic, things really shifted for me.
During this time, I made some huge decisions, and I ultimately decided to leave the education field to pursue and continue my passion for yoga and be able to share that.
That was a big leap for me, and it took some real-life thinking. I think that would be the biggest struggle because it’s such a different field and I think when you’re stepping into your own that comes with its own set of doubts, worries, and frustration so yes definitely a challenge at first but it’s paid off so much since then.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am lucky enough to be an experienced 200 hr yoga instructor.
I teach youth yoga classes to students in school and private one-on-one sessions for students who want more support or who prefer the intimate setting; I also teach public classes weekly in a way that makes all yogis in the space feel valued.
I am most proud of becoming a lululemon ambassador because when I began this professional yoga journey, that was something I dreamed of right. So to be an ambassador with my photo on the way as inspiration is one of the best feelings.
I believe the time, effort, and care I put into each and every class I get the chance to teach sets me apart from others. There’s something about creating energy in a space that allows for healing.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think a surprising fact that most people might not know about me is I play the violin.
Contact Info:
- Website: naturallyeducating.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/naturallyeducating
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/naturallyeducating
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/naturallyeducating
Image Credits
Paul Nordmann
