Today we’d like to introduce you to Callie Turner.
Callie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have dabbled in yoga since high school, however, my practice was always inconsistent and noncommittal despite my mom being a yoga teacher. I began practicing daily about 7 years ago after a rough breakup. Being a single mother and working a high-stress job as a new neonatal nurse practitioner, it was the only thing that kept me sane. Yoga became a central part of my life and the thought of becoming a teacher myself crossed my mind multiple times over the following years. The thing was, my yoga practice was mine. Not only did I not feel worthy of teaching it, but I didn’t want to share my practice. Yoga was my time to go inside of myself; to reset and reconnect. I was afraid that teaching yoga would take away from that. Several years later, my mom had the idea of starting a nonprofit organization that would provide yoga and other services to veterans in the hopes of helping them manage the PTSD that so many of them suffer from. It was decided. I would become a yoga teacher. My dad and I both got certified around the same time and the nonprofit, Warrior Spirit Project, has bloomed into an amazing organization providing services all over the DFW metroplex and beyond.
Being a yoga teacher has helped me tap into my creative and artistic side, which is the complete opposite of the analytic side that my full-time nurse practitioner job requires. I have found balance and I love it!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, there were challenges along the way, but anytime I noticed myself getting frustrated I would remember that it’s all part of the process. Letting go of expectations and allowing things to flow naturally is liberating. Somehow, everything falls into place in its own time. Patience and persistence are the two greatest qualities anyone can have during challenging times.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My full-time job is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I provide care to premature and sick babies in the hospital setting in collaboration with my physician group and the hospital nursing and therapist staff. I absolutely love what I do and the reward of sending a healthy baby home to a loving and deserving family is unmatched. Of course, it isn’t always easy and that is where the yoga comes in. My yoga practice helps me maintain a calm and steady mind amongst the chaos. It helps me let go when needed and push harder when required. Balance.
When I step into the studio, my students trust me to take care of them. Just like the parents and families of my patients trust me to care for their precious baby. I take great pride in guiding my students safely through a yoga practice, helping them to find the balance between effort and ease. I teach my students when to let go and when to push harder. Everything we do on our mats translates into the real world. I hope that by bettering my students’ lives, I am helping every additional person they come into contact with.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mom, first and foremost. Just as I did, she struggled through college as a single mother. She faced adversity and rose above it each and every time and always with a positive attitude. She has been the most grounding and uplifting person in my life. Her positive spirit would never clue you into the struggles she has faced. I strive to be like her each and every day. Of course, there are many other women teachers that I have learned from and been inspired by, but none comparing to the inspiration I have gained from my mom.
Pricing:
- Private yoga sessions vary by package. Starting at $85/hr.
Contact Info:
- Email: yogawithcallie@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calypsomai/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
