Today we’d like to introduce you to Bree McDonnell.
Bree, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have two passions and they all stem from being an athlete and taking care of my health. These two passions have led to me opening 2 new woman-owned businesses. One a Yoga Studio and the other a mobile spray tanning business!
Yoga found me as an athlete. I grew up playing volleyball and pretty much any sport I could my hands on. As I got older and started competing in Beach Volleyball Tournaments as an adult, I found that my body wasn’t as resilient compared to my 16-year-old younger self. One of my buddies who played Pro told me to start practicing yoga. He said it is truly the one constant that helps him avoid injury as an athlete. I am so glad I listened. That one conversation changed my entire life.
I fell in love with yoga and not just the physical practice of yoga. Most people start practicing yoga for the physical benefits which is just one of 8 limbs of yoga! It helped heal me from the inside out. It gave me the tools to grow and handle situations in my life that most couldn’t. It continues to make me the best version of myself physically, mentally and emotionally.
When I decided to become certified I wasn’t sure if I wanted to teach, I just wanted to learn more and expand my knowledge about all things yoga. My first certification was in BUTI Yoga which is one of the most beautiful, raw and real practices out there. During that certification, I found my teachers voice and found my true gift and purpose in life. Empowering people to get out of their comfort zone and change for the better was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I went on to get my 200 HR YA certification and am now 200 HR E-RYT certified!
Through my journey, I have found passion in teaching many forms of yoga to the community. Vinyasa, BUTI, Restorative, YIN, Meditation and Thai Bodywork. I believe finding balance within your body and listening to your authentic self if most important. Not every method will speak to you but when you find it you will know.
Empowering and changing lives through yoga is where my heart will always be.
Playing beach volleyball and being out in the sun made me aware of the dangers of melanoma. My family has a history of melanoma and having pale skin I needed another way to no blend in with the sand! I found spray tanning! I fell in love with the fact that I can avoid the sun damage and still look glowing. It boosted my self-esteem while avoiding sun damage. I still wear sunscreen and through my spray tanning business, I am able to help people get that beautiful tan without the damage to their skin and risk of cancer. Balancing spray tanning and teaching yoga is a perfect way to meet wonderful souls from all walks of life and help them to feel better inside and out!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nobody’s path is smooth and perfect. It takes a lot of guts to go after your dreams. Following my true path was far from easy. I had to let a lot of people in my life go because I realized they were not supportive of me and my dreams. I felt a lot of grief, shame, guilt and sadness through this process but coming out the other side I feel stronger than ever. Trust your gut, practice listening to that intuition of yours because it is never wrong. You will have naysayers and haters but you will also have true supporters who have your back against all odds. Find your people and hold on to them. Let the bad ones go, they do not serve your true purpose.
Please tell us about Namaste Bree- Owner of Namaste Frei Yoga Studio & Namaste Tan.
I love teaching many different forms of yoga. It helps me stay creative and for me allows me to give more to my students as a whole. I just recently opened up a small studio called “Namaste Frei” which is located inside The Bar Method off Lenox Road in Buckhead. It has been a dream of mine for some time to open a space where I can teach all the things that I love. We offer BUTI Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative, YIN and meditation. We will also have some fun workshops coming up that connect with many of the classes we offer!
Among teaching group classes, I truly love working one on one with people! Private sessions are my absolute favorite because I can work on specific goals one on one and use everything in my arsenal to help them reach their goal!
You will always get the real Bree. Whether, I am teaching or hanging with friends I am the same person. I don’t hide my authenticity because I believe that is what truly sets you apart from everyone else in the world.
I bring that authenticity into my mobile spray tanning business “Namaste Tan” as well. I have been spray tanning for over 8 years now. Whether you are an A-list celebrity or hard working stay at home mom, you will receive the same detailed service. I specialize in body sculpting/toning as well. We give custom, organic, spray tans in the comfort of your own home or hotel, 24/7!
Who have you been inspired by?
There are so many women I could name and go on forever, so I guess the most current one that I feel inspired by at the moment is Lady Gaga. Not only is she true to herself and her fans, she is about empowering humankind to be better and do better! She has an amazing platform and she is using it for good. Empowering and changing lives whether it’s through her passion for music or as a leader in the world today.
Pricing:
- Namaste Frei Yoga Studio 1st Class Special of $10
- New client private session $100
- Namaste Tan Organic Spray Tanning New Client Special $60
Contact Info:
- Address: Namaste Frei Yoga Studio (inside The Bar Method)
2770 Lenox Rd Suite#A7
Atlanta GA 30324 - Website: Instagram @namastefrei @namastetan
- Phone: Namaste Frei Yoga Studio #470-499-1142 Namaste Tan #770-744-2637
- Email: namastefrei@gmail.com namastetanatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: @namastebree
- Facebook: Namaste Frei
Image Credit:
@wheresmymom
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
