Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystle Sangillo.
Krystle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If anyone had told me 15 years ago that I’d ever been a fitness professional of any kind, living in Texas, and a single mom, I would have laughed. I’d always thought the straight and narrow path was safest, and despite feeling unfulfilled and stressed out by the corporate world and my need for “security”, I thought I’d just continue down that road indefinitely.
Fast forward a few years, and various circumstances brought me to Texas. I was dealing with heavy challenges in my personal life and felt overwhelmed and lost. I stumbled across Uptown Yoga and, thinking it would be a good way to ease into an exercise regimen that might help relieve stress, stepped onto my mat for the first time in 2011. I never turned back.
Yoga has been my therapy, my church, and my exercise from that day forward. It got me through my pregnancy, my daughter’s autism diagnosis, and eventually my divorce. What started as a hobby became a passion, a lifestyle, and now, a career.
I received my 200-hour certification in 2015 and have been teaching ever since. I eventually found my teaching home at the place where it all began: Uptown Yoga. I teach most days of the week and manage Uptown Yoga’s Austin Ranch location. When I’m not teaching, practicing yoga, or momming, I work from home as a copywriter. I’m grateful every day to have a job that doesn’t feel like work and to be surrounded by a community of people who inspire me, motivate me, and feed my soul.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is never smooth, but that’s the beauty of the journey. The hardest damn moments of my life have reaped the most stunning rewards. There was a long, terrifying period when I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it on my own. I’m not saying I’ve reached the top or even come close, but I’m past the point of just surviving. I’m happy where I am, and that was what I’ve always wanted to show to my daughter.
My best advice for women on this journey: Keep your head down. Hustle quietly. Speak what you want to manifest in your life. Let go of your attachments to what you think the future is supposed to look like because where you’re headed is more satisfying than you can ever imagine.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m an instructor and studio manager at Uptown Yoga, but more importantly, I’m a part of a community of people with a shared focus on bettering their lives and the lives of those around them. Uptown Yoga Austin Ranch is a truly special place. Walk into the lobby between any of our classes and you’ll feel good energy. My students and fellow teachers are my family.
Not gonna lie, I have a bit of a reputation to teach a butt-whooping class. But I’m a firm believer in the mind-body connection. What I try to give my students is the opportunity to learn to breathe calmly through challenges, whether physical, mental, or emotional. And eventually, through the practice of yoga, they might surprise themselves with their own strength. I want my students to truly believe that if they can work through their fears and limitations on their mats, they can do the same off their mats.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My parents were immigrants from the Philippines back in the 60s. I was born and raised in California, moved to the east coast immediately after college, and eventually wound up in Texas. Their experiences leaving their home country at a young age likely made them much more open to allowing me to fly from the nest. They’ve always made me feel free to make my own decisions, go where I wanted, learn what I wanted, and do what I wanted. At certain points along the way that may not have been the best thing, but I’ve found my way to where I am now.
Pricing:
- Private Yoga Session (1 hour): $100
Contact Info:
- Email: yoginikrystle@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoginikrystle/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/santoshagirl?si=si5PSXXPQUSw5JjZOvxvIQ
Image Credit:
Danielle Doby, Esther Huynh, Clare Dempsey
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