Today we’d like to introduce you to Mya Daniel
Hi Mya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
What led me to teaching yoga:
My journey began at 15 when intense back pain led me to seek medical help, ultimately revealing slight scoliosis. Despite physical therapy, chiropractic visits, & muscle relaxers, my pain persisted. Then, at 16, a serendipitous encounter with yoga changed everything. Enamored by its healing potential, I embraced yoga wholeheartedly & soon saw my back pain vanish through consistent practice.
Empowered by this transformative experience, I embarked on my first yoga teacher training at 19 while balancing my college studies & working as a nanny. My passion for nurturing others has always driven me.
What lead me to being a doula:
During my senior year of college, I eagerly anticipated motherhood but also faced fears amplified by health statistics for women of color. Determined to reclaim my birthing experience, I switched from a hospital to a birth center setting. At 34 weeks of pregnancy, it was discovered that my baby was breached. I declined an ECV & instead chose holistic methods like yoga inversions & spinning babies. Despite my efforts, my baby did not flip. Unfortunately, the birth center did not support vaginal breached deliveries. Eventually, I switched to a home birth midwife, confident in my decision & supported by an unwavering birth team. My son was born at home, breached, a testament to empowerment & choice. Months after this life-changing event, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University.
Throughout my pregnancy journey, I switched medical care providers more than once but my doula was my consistent support—ensuring I felt empowered in my choices. This profound experience ignited my commitment to empowering women through pregnancy & childbirth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been shaped by many challenges. At 15, back pain led me to yoga, which forever changed my life.
At 19, I pursued yoga teacher training while balancing my college studies and working as a nanny and swim instructor. This was challenging in the moment but so worth it.
During my senior year of college, I faced new challenges as a first-time mother. Aware of the health disparities affecting women of color, I sought an empowering birthing experience, moving from a OBGYN to a birth center. When my baby was breech at 34 weeks, he never turned head down so I switched to a home birth midwife. Supported by an incredible team, I delivered my breached baby unmedicated at home. This was the greatest challenge I’ve ever faced in my life but it was so life altering, I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Mya, and I am the founder of Mama Lotus Services, where I provide birth, sibling, and postpartum doula support, along with prenatal and gentle yoga classes. What sets me apart is that I started my business as a young woman of color, driven by a natural ability to care for others and a deep passion for supporting women and families.
I care deeply about each of my pregnant mamas, yoga students, and families, and those who work with me often describe me as loving and compassionate. Supporting others during their most vulnerable moments fuels my work and purpose.
In addition to my doula services, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Child Development, which gives me the confidence and expertise to care for little ones as a sibling and postpartum doula. While I’ve always had a passion for working with children, becoming a mother myself ignited a burning passion for nurturing women, too. I believe it’s my job to “mother the mother” because everyone deserves to feel cared for, seen, and supported on their journey to motherhood and beyond.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to networking and finding a mentor, I highly recommend joining as many Facebook groups as possible. I’m part of several birthworker groups and local mom groups, and they’ve been invaluable for building connections. Building relationships within your community is so important—once you get to know people, you can start supporting and leaning on one another. I’m incredibly grateful for the women who have lifted me up, and I cherish the opportunity to do the same for others.
Pricing:
- $1,200-$1,600 for birth doula support
- $40-$30 per hour for postpartum doula support
- $960 for sibling doula support
- $20 for a drop in prenatal yoga class (cheaper pricing is available when you purchase a class package)
- $20 for a drop in gentle yoga class (cheaper pricing is available when you purchase a class package)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MamaLotusServices.com
- Instagram: @MamaLotus.Services
- Facebook: Mama Lotus Yoga & Birth
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
East Layne Photography
