Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Bell.
Taylor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Oh man, it’s all been a power of suggestion – in the best possible way.
I had been doing hair for several years when Brooke Hamblet, the owner of Indigo, started coming into the salon where I worked. This was around 2008. At one point, she suggested I try a yoga class. I did, and pretty soon, it became a regular part of my life. Then, she suggested I do teacher training, and, once again, I just went with it and got my certification. I started teaching a Friday night class to music (back then, it was called ‘Friday Night Funk’), a beginner class on the weekends, and an outreach class we had just started at a detox facility in town. Between those three classes, I totally fell in love with teaching.
Then, in a totally unexpected twist, I ended up moving to Marfa, TX. I taught at the Marfa Book Company while I was there, which was a really cool experience that has allowed me to return bi-annually and offer weekend retreats there.
Anyway, after a year in Marfa, I needed to move back to the Fort and I called Brooke to tell her as much. She basically said, “You have incredible timing. I need someone to help us organize this whole outreach yoga thing we’ve been doing.”
So, when I returned, I did just that. I started not only organizing but expanding our outreach yoga efforts, I picked the Friday night music class back up (now called ‘Music + Flow’), and started picking up other classes at Indigo. Pretty soon, I took over our social media and eventually started planning all of our programs.
Which leads to today! Now, I’m a partner in the business, as well as the Programs Director. But really, I’ll do whatever’s needed. That’s the advantage of being with Indigo as long as I have; I’ve been able to watch it grow and know the ins and outs of the company as well as the community.
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?
I’ve mostly followed the path that’s unfolded in front of me, and it’s worked out really well. Obviously, everybody’s road looks different, but my advice is to take opportunities that are presented to you if they excite you/feel right, regardless if they seem like a ‘smart move’, or what other people might say, or any fear you have.
Because to me, the bottom line is that I’m really fortunate to even have these choices. A lot of people don’t. A lot of people have challenges I can’t even imagine. So, if I get the chance to do something amazing that I feel is in line with my values and goals – I’m going to do it.
What should we know about Indigo? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We’ve been offering yoga in Fort Worth for over thirteen years now, so we have had, and continue to have, every kind of student imaginable come through our doors. And hands down, the consistent feedback we get from people is that the atmosphere of acceptance, fun and camaraderie is palpable.
We’re also fortunate to not only have a super educated, passionate teaching team, but also incredible desk associates that roll out the red carpet for everyone who walks through the door – from greeting them as they come in to making sure the studios sparkle – and everything in between. All together, it makes for a truly amazing experience.
And then there’s the outreach work I mentioned earlier. We started so small, and now we teach over seventy classes a month at detox facilities, crisis respite units, community centers, etc. all over Tarrant County. I personally think that’s some of the best work we do.
All that said, I also want to acknowledge the yoga community in Fort Worth as a whole. Sure, as studios we’re technically competitors, but there’s room for everyone! And that’s what it’s all about; people finding a style/studio that works for them so everyone can experience the legitimately life-changing benefits of yoga.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Still explaining ourselves with some kind of apologetic tone. Why we do what we do or feel what we feel, or want what we want. I don’t think anyone should be an asshole, but it’s completely fine to make firm decisions and stand behind them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5111 Pershing Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76107 - Website: Www.indigoyoga.net
- Phone: 817-735-9642
- Instagram: @taylorrainbell
Image Credit:
Diane Larkin, Kirk Edwards
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