Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Clark.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Holly. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been driven to move forward in all aspects of life. Change inspires me both personally and creatively. Since childhood, I could never sit still. I threw myself passionately into all things – gymnastics, dance, swimming, skiing, snowmobiling, tennis, golf, running, and any physical activity. As I look back on my life, even the jobs I chose organically transformed as I did throughout my life. Landscaper, mixologist, actress, chimp wrangler (yes, that is true), swam with alligators (and you thought the chimp one was unique), councilor for developmentally disabled adults, talent manager, music producer, photographer, business owner, and finally, yoga teacher. Having worn many hats throughout my life, I have a deep appreciation for them all, what they taught me and how each one has propelled me into the next version of myself. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world, for both business and pleasure, and I have lived in multiple states across the USA. I married a wonderful man, who inspires me daily and is a constant loving support. I am blessed to have had a full life.
In 2003, I attended my first yoga class and I was immediately hooked. Yoga helped me to look inward. For the first time in my life, I found peace in the stillness. My passion for yoga has remained a constant throughout the years. Yoga connects me physically, mentally, and spiritually to all aspects of my ever changing life. It grounds me. It always brings me back to my center. On the mat, I can be still. My other loves are our two very special fur babies, Olive and Pickles, both rescue pups who love us unconditionally and change our lives every day for the better.
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?
In my mid 20’s, I began experiencing debilitating low back pain from a massive herniated disc. Fortunately, I was introduced to a great doctor at Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles who discouraged me from having surgery at such a young age. It was a scary time. However, rather than letting fear get the best of me, I realized the necessity of finding an alternative path to my own healing. It was evident I needed to slow down and make some lifestyle changes. (Thank you, Dr. Jayson Hymes). It was a beautiful wakeup call for me. It took two years of hard work, both physically and emotionally, to make a full recovery.
Many years later, after having lived in Los Angeles for most of our lives, my husband, Jason, and I were looking for a big change. So in 2015, we headed to Texas. Little did we know the significance of this move and the profound ups and downs ahead of us. We had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with my sister and her family, who were instrumental in helping us move to McKinney, and my parents who moved to McKinney the year before us. We were able to have spontaneous “drop-ins” for tea, take road trips to Colorado and finally have holidays without the need to travel. So many fun memories!
My father, unfortunately, passed away from cancer in 2017. Our family was devastated. Grieving and numb, I didn’t even realize the depth of my own depression. The world seemed dark. I was still a talent manager at the time, and my understanding and compassionate husband suggested I take some time off for myself. Moving forward, or truthfully in any direction, felt difficult for me. I knew he was right so I took about six months off. It felt like an eternity, but I desperately needed to reconnect with myself. After some healing and introspective time, the darkness lifted. I felt ready for something new again. Researching yoga studios in our area, I found yoga teacher training and everything inside me lit up. For the first time in a long time, I felt inspired again. I knew I was on the right path. Within three, very dedicated, years I achieved my 500-hour EYRT certificate.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I love being a yoga teacher. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to give back what I’ve learned. For the last few years, I’ve been teaching smaller group classes, as well as private instruction. I am more interested in having personal connections with my students rather than packing a class with lots of people. With group classes, I typically teach vinyasa. I certainly identify with those who really like to move and flow. Other days, I love teaching a gentle or deep stretch class, and occasionally teach chair classes.
I believe a yoga class should always be a safe space. I don’t take photos of my clients during practice, group or private, to promote myself or the business. I certainly appreciate the importance of self-promotion. However, yoga can feel very vulnerable for many people, and I’m one of those people. My specialty is customizing every class for the students who attend, which is also why I place high importance on connecting with my students and getting to know them. I always have a plan for what I want to teach, but I will often change things up on the fly based on the students and energy in the room. I take a lot of workshops because I love learning and growing. Community is also very special to me and I love connecting with yogis. I am always curious by what attracts someone to yoga, and I am forever grateful when we find one another.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I’m very blessed to have an amazing sister with whom I have shared many great adventures and I continue to hold her very dear to me as a friend and confidant. I have fond memories of our family trips to the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Walt Disney World in Florida.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bloomyogatx.com
- Phone: 214-799-1374
- Email: bloomyogatx@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomyogatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloomYogaTX
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