When did you start practicing yoga?
I started practicing yoga when I was elementary age when it was brought into my gymnastics practices.
Were you hooked immediately, or did it take some time for yoga to become part of your lifestyle?
I did not enjoy it at first because my coaches told me to do it. I actually stopped practicing for many years until I really fell in love with yoga in college.
How has yoga helped you overcome personal challenges or obstacles in your life?
Yoga has helped me overcome a lot of anxiety and helps me control my obsessive compulsive disorder.
Do you have any mentors or teachers who have inspired you throughout your yoga journey?
Tons! Every yoga teacher is different and that's what makes their classes so inspirational. I was lucky enough to take a yoga journey this summer at Yoga Bohemia with 15 of the most inspirational yogis I have ever met.
What are your goals as a yoga teacher?
I would love to teach vinyasa flow at a local studio but my heart wants to bring yoga to my kindergarten classroom and maybe expand through the school!
What is your teaching style?
Sweaty yet sweet flow.
If you could go on a yoga retreat anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Ireland. Can you imagine practicing and meditating in all of that green beauty?! Or Saint John because I think it may really be heaven on earth there.
What have been some of the biggest benefits you’ve found - mentally, physically and spiritually - since you’ve started doing yoga?
Mentally, physically and spiritually!!! I have benefited tremendously from continuing my yoga practice. Mentally I am calmer and have made huge progress working through self anxiety and OCD. Physically I feel great and look it too! Spiritually I am the most centered and enlightened version of myself.
What has incorporating yoga into your lifestyle taught you about yourself?
Slow down Nicolette! Everything is happening now, be in this moment and feel it.
What is your favorite pose and why?
Is there really anything better then a child's pose?! One pose I feel radiant and beautiful in is dancers pose or natarajasana.
If you could design a yoga mat of your own, what would it look like? (because sometimes dreams really do come true)
I would design a rising sun mat. Because the best days are when you rise and see the sun shining and start your day with a yoga flow. I would have a faded moon on the bottom flap that rolls up the mat and it would say namaste to remind you to stay in your meditation and be best version of yourself throughout the day from sun up to sun down.
Do you have a yoga playlist? If so, what kind of music is on it? (you can also share an actual playlist).
Yes, my playlist has a chill yet fun vibe to go along with my teaching. Its filled with G-love, Ben Harper, many instrumentals, but I like to switch it up, I even have The Rolling Stones on one list.
Do you have a mantra or quote you live by?
"Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life." -Buddha and I preach to my students the golden rule, to treat others how you want to be treated.
Air, Earth, Fire or Water - Which element speaks to you the most in your practice?
Air. My breath cleanses me and keeps my rhythm as I move on my mat and as I move through life.
What advice would you give to someone who feels too intimidated to try yoga for the first time?
Don't overthink it and go! Yoga is not a practice to be intimidated by, it is your time to be on your mat, no one else's. (I keep my eyes close most of the time! It is a safe place. No one will judge you.)
Our mantra is “Live Limitless,” and we aim to inspire people to pursue their passions free of self-doubt or the pressures of societal norms. How has yoga helped you live limitless?
Yoga has helped me live limitless by teaching me there really are no limits. Life may give you obstacles but you are limitless if you sincerely believe in yourself. Limits are just your inner fears, cleanse them out and stay inspired.