Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Guaderrama
Hi Adriana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Summing up a story that’s still unfolding is no easy task. What feels like the beginning is constantly evolving as life continues to surprise me every single day. In 1999, I arrived in the U.S. from Venezuela, a 19-year-old adventurer with no clear plan, just the spirit of curiosity. What was meant to be a summer vacation turned into a lifelong journey when I met the man who would become my husband. Just four months after our first meeting, we made the decision to spend our lives together—and 25 years later, that choice still shapes my story.
As a young Latina immigrant and newlywed, my husband and I worked long hours to build our life together. It took years of hard work, but I eventually completed my college education while working full time. My professional journey in corporate America led me through various roles in companies of all sizes. Along the way, I had the privilege of learning from incredible leaders and mentors, while also navigating the challenges of being one of the few women at the ‘big boys’ table. I learned to be tough and strong, but above all, I learned the power of resilience.
Those experiences of breaking barriers in corporate spaces not only refined my professional skills but also deepened my commitment to creating inclusive environments wherever I go. I realized that resilience isn’t just about personal strength but also about lifting others along the way.
Leadership came naturally to me. I can’t pinpoint exactly when it happened, but in the last 15 years of my career I found myself inspiring those around me to step outside their comfort zones and chase bigger dreams, simply by leading through example. I was always pushing myself to aim higher, dream bigger, and improve. However, the constant pressure began to take its toll. I was working endless hours, always striving for more, but in the process, I started losing sight of myself. My mental health suffered, and I realized that success without balance comes at a high cost.
It was during this time that I discovered the power of mindfulness and yoga. Initially, I turned to yoga as a way to relieve severe back pain that had become unbearable. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my body had been keeping score—storing all the stress, tension, and pressure I had been under for years. The more I practiced, the more I started to reconnect with my body. But despite the physical relief, a part of me still felt numb and dormant.
My curiosity and desire to fully understand this reconnection led me on a personal journey of self discovery. For years, I traveled to different parts of the world, exploring various healing modalities, learning from different teachers, and deepening my practice. Each step of the way, I uncovered new layers of awareness, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. I wanted to learn more, to go deeper into the practice that had already begun transforming my life. In 2022, I made the decision to become a yoga teacher myself. Today, I’m RYT-200, half way through my 500hrs. I’ve trained in different yoga styles including hatha, yin and restorative. And I have completed courses and workshops in Ayurveda, sound, pranayama, meditation and menstruality.
This journey of exploration and healing led to something even deeper—what I can only describe as my awakening. Through the embrace of yoga philosophy, I began to awaken to my own divinity, to the fullness of life, and the richness of the human experience. Each practice was more than just physical; it was a doorway into new levels of awareness, self-compassion, and presence. It was as if layers of numbness were peeling away, allowing me to see and feel with greater clarity. This profound transformation inspired me to share what I had discovered with others, and that’s when I decided to create my business, Awakening Goddess. The name symbolizes the release of the tough, strong ego self through the awakening of our inner wisdom. It represents the journey into a softer, more connected, and intuitive side of yourself. By letting go of the need to constantly push and prove, we step into a space of deeper awareness and flow. My mission is to guide others into reconnecting with the true essence and experience life in its fullest expression.
Today, my journey continues to unfold. I thrive in my professional career as the COO of Jupico, a Fintech startup focused on helping software companies with all their payment needs, while also sharing the transformative power of wellness and yoga with those ready to embark on their own awakening. What’s most fulfilling is that I’m now able to do all of this while enjoying a well-rounded, balanced life. Through yoga, and self-care, I’ve created space for both personal and professional growth, ensuring that my success is not at the expense of my well-being, but in harmony with it.
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?
Definitely not a smooth road. No journey is complete without a few bumps along the way. One of the biggest challenges I encountered as I climbed the corporate ladder was the immense pressure I felt—not just from external demands, but even more so from the expectations I placed on myself. The more success I achieved, the higher I set the bar, and the less room there was for anything else. My work hours stretched endlessly, and I lost all sense of balance in my life. In the quiet moments, when I wasn’t working, I felt a constant nagging voice telling me I wasn’t doing enough, that I wasn’t good enough.
This self-judgment became a daily battle. No matter how much I accomplished, it never felt like it was enough. I began to internalize these feelings, which took a toll on my mental and emotional well-being—sleepless nights, constant fatigue, and a growing sense of disconnect from myself and those around me. Eventually, I hit rock bottom and came close to losing myself entirely. I was running on autopilot, constantly trying to live up to expectations that didn’t align with who I truly was.
Fast forward to the present, I have to say that overseeing the day-to-day operations of Jupico while simultaneously starting and growing Awakening Goddess has been a juggling act, to say the least. Just because I do yoga doesn’t mean I’m always zen, you know! Like everyone, I still have my bad days, when things feel overwhelming, all humans do. If it weren’t for the tools that yoga has given me and the incredible support of the community around me, I’m not sure where I’d be.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I do is rooted in helping people reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, yoga, and intention. I specialize in guiding individuals to develop a deep awareness of their bodies and breath, creating a balance between effort and ease. My classes are known for being mindful flows, where I emphasize on feeling all the sensations of the body. I encourage participants to be with whatever arises and to experience each moment fully. Every practice I teach is an invitation for self-inquiry, weaving yoga philosophy into every aspect.
Through Awakening Goddess, I provide a space for self-discovery and transformation. What sets me apart is the holistic approach I bring to my practice. I don’t just focus on the physical aspect of yoga but integrate the entire philosophy—body, mind, and spirit. As the Yoga Sutras say, ‘Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.’ My intention is to support people in breaking free from autopilot mode, allowing them to create and cultivate a life that feels more balanced.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating an inclusive and nurturing community where people can come as they are. My classes, workshops, and retreats offer something for everyone, regardless of where they are in their practice. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your understanding, I like to create long-lasting experiences that spark curiosity and self study. I aim to provide opportunities for exploration that resonate beyond the mat and inspire personal growth.
To my readers, I’d say that Awakening Goddess is more than just a yoga class—it’s an invitation to step into your fullness, connect with your true self, and live life with greater awareness. I offer mindful yoga classes, private sessions, workshops, corporate events and retreats, all designed to help you feel regenerated, grounded, and empowered.
How do you think about happiness?
I was recently asked this same question at a women’s circle, and my response was simple: ‘creation.’ Creating gives me purpose and lights up every part of my being, especially when I’m creating something I can offer to others. I believe we create our life every day, with every breath we take. What brings me the most joy is channeling my energy into creating experiences that spark the magic in all of us. Whether I’m designing a yoga retreat, curating a playlist, playing the singing bowls, or writing the next investor update (yes, investor updates can be fun when you’re watching a startup grow!), my focus is always on creating with intention. I’m grateful that my life is exactly what I’ve always dreamed of—having a successful career that aligns with my values, while also building a business I’m deeply passionate about.
And you know what ignites my creativity? Travel! Both of these jobs give me the flexibility to go everywhere. There’s something about exploring new places, cultures, and experiences that fuels my passion and reminds me of the limitless opportunities to create a beautiful life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.awakeninggoddess.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeninggoddess.ag/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningGoddess.ag
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Awakening_Goddess
