Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Spielman
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Where do I begin!
I am a born and raised Texan. My journey began in 2005 after being diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus at the tender age of 14. Although I was sick and in pain the majority of my teen years, I was happy and had the best support from my family & friends. The medications masked the symptoms and pain well enough for me to feel okay, but I never knew what it was like to feel good. In 2009, my senior year in high school, I tragically lost a child due to complications shortly after birth. I spiraled into a deep depression and repressed the trauma I had suffered ultimately manifesting itself as a new diagnosis lupus nephritis, kidney disease. In 2012, I underwent chemotherapy to combat the effects of my immune system attacking my kidneys. It was after my last chemo session that I decided to get my life back and reclaim my health. It started with researching holistic healing leading me into the fascinating and mystical world of chakras, energy healing and yoga. Through my research, I learned in some cases that healing occurs when we are truly able to change our mindset and daily habits surrounding the illness. I knew deep in my bones that I AM responsible for the creation of my health and wanted to help as many others as I could find wellness and remission however that looked.
In 2013 just 6 months after finishing chemotherapy, my course took an unexpected turn when I met my now husband PJ and his 6-year-old son Riley who had just suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a fatal car accident. My heart felt deeply called to help as Riley lost so much including his ability to walk and eat. I started taking care of him which included Reiki and crystal healing. As they say, “time heals all” and little by little Riley regained cognitive ability along with being able to speak yet left wheelchair bound. I feel I can’t tell my story until I tell the whole story, but I’ll keep it short. Love blossomed and in 2015 we welcomed a beautiful healthy baby boy Remington. We all started to feel whole again.
I was 23 at the time, trying to settle into this new life as an adult and new parent. It all seemed like it had happened so fast. I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom for 2 years but knew it was time for me to find my place in the world outside of my home. I still had a passion for the eastern and holistic practices that abled me to come this far in life yet didn’t know how to translate that into work. In 2017 I had the opportunity to work as a Gymnastics Coach which I thought at the time would end up being my career. Having a background in cheer and power tumbling, I was beyond excited to be able to teach young children the sport that I grew up loving so much. Coaching reignited my passion for stretching, flipping and instructing however, it only took a short couple months for me to realize I was not cut out to work with kids as much as I loved them.
Now, on to the yoga!
I had won a silent auction basket at a carnival at my son’s school. I had bid on a 2 week pass to a yoga studio near by, Sunshine Yoga Shack and was super excited to mix the philosophy I loved so much with a physical practice. Well, self-doubt and fear crept in, and I never used that 2 week pass. I convinced myself that I wasn’t the typical “yoga girl” and continued to practice yoga at home with books and YouTube. I was beginning to feel a little stuck working at the gym and knew I needed a change.
I kept being pulled to yoga and got an email saying that Sunshine Yoga Shack was moving, and this time even closer to my house. It was a sign. I decided to take a leap and enroll in Sunshine School of Yoga in 2018, and the rest is history. I began teaching yoga and aerial yoga classes after graduating and knew this where I was supposed to be. Being immersed into such deep philosophy and teachings that I hold so true only grew my curiosity. I kept seeing these beautiful crystal bowls pop up on my Facebook, so I decided to invest in a couple. A couple turned into several and in 2020 I created Mindful Moves and Meditation, a mobile Sound Bath, Mindfulness and Wellness company. My purpose was clear, and business opportunities started coming. I had found my calling.
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?
I would never consider my road to have been easy but marrying the love of my life has made it smoother. Having a supportive partner and someone to talk through business ideas, struggles and life in general has made a huge difference. I must give credit where credit is due and because I have PJ as a teammate, I can count on him to pick me up and offer encouragement when I start to feel discouraged or stagnant.
Accepting the word “no” with grace and patience has been a learning experience but one I am grateful for. It makes getting a yes or an opportunity that much more exciting and appreciated. Being an entrepreneur is not for the weak and that is definitely not a word I use to describe myself. At times I over work myself physically and mentally because as fulfilling as it is, who knew teaching yoga classes and hauling bowls around the metroplex would be tiring. 😊
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Mindful Moves + Meditation my goal is to bring wellness and mindfulness to my community. I have had so many opportunities to share the therapeutic practices of yoga, sound meditation and Reiki and look forward to the chance to keep expanding.
I teach weekly heated yoga, aerial yoga classes and host monthly sound baths and workshops at Sunshine Yoga Shack in Downtown Mansfield. I have to give a shout out the owner of Sunshine, Lynn Rozak for guiding me and mentoring me on what it takes to run a successful business. I have learned so much from her and am grateful that life brought me to her studio.
I am known as the “sound bowl girl” and I LOVE it. I have cultivated many jobs including facilitating sound baths at The American Airlines Headquarters, The Dallas Hilton Anatole and various venues and studios around the DFW. I also offer private and group sessions for yoga, aerial hammock, Reiki with tuning forks and sound meditation in Mansfield.
I am especially proud of my ability to connect with people. Strangers turn into clients and clients turn into friends. I have endured a lot in my life which I think makes me relatable and easy to work with. I am just a goofy girl with a passion to help others and introduce others to the world of self-healing.
What does success mean to you?
I think success is living a healthy and happy life. I have a beautiful family, a fulfilling career and an amazing support system. I have a huge family and having them believe in me and encourage me means the world. Being able to do what I love and creating the life I want to live is empowering. I can only hope that my story inspires someone to go on a path of self-discovery and healing.
Pricing:
- For pricing please email me at mallory@mindfulmovesandmeditation.com
- Pricing varies depending on the service, location and amount of attendees.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindfulmovesandmeditation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_mal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmovesandmeditation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindful_mal
Image Credits
Rachael Harwell
Lauren Cragin
Tammy Lindley
Andrew Christian
