Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Dunbar.
Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was not always a yoga instructor; this path came suddenly, and almost out of nowhere. I was an academic, a writer, a web content and website editor, a teacher…I was trying to find my place. More than anything, I wanted, and still want, to be a fiction writer, but without being a “starving artist.” Yoga was not part of the picture at all.
Then, years ago, my doctor told me I had some health problems, both physical and mental. I worked with my doctor for years to create a new life and one of the most important things was exercise. I began running, but my knees were in bad shape after years of carrying excess weight. Because I had generalized anxiety disorder and a panic disorder, as well as my physical health concerns, yoga was suggested to me.
Over time, I became obsessed. I was finding so much physical strength, mental relief, and comfort in yoga that I decided to pursue certification. I was encouraged to find my own way of practicing and melding who I am as a person with my yoga practice. Over time, I realized that there were others out there would enjoy and benefit from the way I did things, so I created Metalhead Yoga LLC. Once I put something into motion that I love, it’s hard to stop. So, I’ve been working to grow my little business ever since.
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?
Losing 110+ pounds with the help of yoga was no easy feat; neither is keeping it off. I did not make it easier on myself when I decided to pursue a business. It’s a slow process getting experience, learning what sort of teacher I want to be, getting better at it, establishing and marketing my brand and business, and all the while working a full-time job elsewhere, paying the bills (which now include new ones related to being in business), keeping up with writing fiction, maintaining relationships, having a life outside of work…it’s incredibly difficult. I’ve been told I always do too much. But, I have a dream and I’m keeping it going. Every single time someone appears happy or says how wonderful a yoga practice was, I’m reminded that I should keep going.
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?
Once upon a time, I was an academic. I studied literature and earned multiple degrees while teaching university and community college classes for many years. I planned on being a researcher and academic writer, but that didn’t work out. With much student debt, I moved into writing web content and proposals while trying to write my fiction. Then, I was a teacher again. Finally, I settled in a great job at a great company as a writer, and I still try to write my fiction.
I never imagined I’d own a yoga business, too, but here I am. Life took me in a strange direction.
I’m a workhorse. I assume it comes from growing up on a goat and cattle ranch in southwest Texas. Life is harsh down there and my parents instilled a strong work ethic. I’m known for going with the flow, in life and work. If you hand me something, I’ll do it as best I can and finish it on time. I’ve never been interested in leadership roles like manager or CEO, though I am capable of leading as my many years of teaching have proven. But, I prefer to have my share of work, whether it’s mine or for someone else, and be left to do it.
I’m known for being a bit odd; I’m a metalhead, a horror fan, a spooky hippie who loves the most obnoxious shades of pink and I hide none of this. I integrate it into all aspects of my life, hence my business’ name: Metalhead Yoga LLC. There’s not much you can say or do to shock me or make me judge you.
I don’t know what I’m most proud of. I try to do as much as I can in an effort to make sure no time is wasted, and that I get to do all I want to do in this life. If I ever get my fiction published, I’ll be very proud of that. For now, I think my progress in building a business is great.
What matters most to you?
I’m fortunate and grateful to have a lot of things that matter to me. If I have to choose one, I’ll make it broad; living. I want to live fully until my last breath. That means loving, that means working, that means serving. It means doing everything we can to make the most of life.
Pricing:
- In-person, private: $35 / hr
- In-person, group class of 3+: ~$25 est / person / hr
- Private Zoom session: $20 / hr
- Special Zoom class 3+: ~$15 est / hr / person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://metalheadyoga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalhead_yoga
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MetalheadYoga/posts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/justanontwit?s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCo3-gGFJdHKmic2rs-te26w
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/metalhead-yoga
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMR6JMpSQ/
