Today we’d like to introduce you to Dulani Stephens.
Hi Dulani, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My yoga journey started in a very special way. I was first introduced to yoga by my college track coach (a straight African American man) while I was competing as a collegiate track athlete, throwing shot put and discus at Langston University. I practiced yoga then, but I didn’t return to it for another three to four years. It was when I became a runner and started using yoga to stretch not just my muscles but also my mind.
When the pandemic hit, I was running so much that my body couldn’t repair itself. With no access to doctors or chiropractors, I turned to yoga for healing, and I ended up restoring not only my body but also my mind. During that time, I decided to become a yoga instructor.
As I started my research, I noticed that there weren’t many people in the yoga space who looked like me. Subsequently, I chose to become what I needed to be, and what my students and student-athletes required. Through my training, I created and self-sponsored Dauntless Source, a cultural wellness brand that blends athletics, mindfulness, and streetwear to inspire resilience, gratitude, and fearless living.
I began teaching classes at Power Training Center, a wrestling gym in Wylie, Texas. I’m grateful for that facility, which has since moved to Oklahoma, because it allowed me to grow, evolve, make mistakes, learn from them, and build confidence — not only in my sequences but also in my flow.
From there, I expanded into Dallas, joining several groups and teaching events with Fitness Ambassadors, Flow-N-Nature, and now at The Aura House in collaboration with Black Boys Meditate. I’ve also partnered with V12 Yoga, to whom I am deeply grateful for every opportunity.
I am especially thankful for the opportunity to work with Black Boys Meditate. It allows me to teach young men who look like me, while also guiding them away from potential mistakes and toward a healthier path —one that teaches them how to regulate their emotions and live with purpose.
Alright, 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?
No, it has not been. I’d be lying if I said it has been a smooth road. I am a strong, straight, Black male yoga instructor, and that alone makes me stand out in spaces where people don’t always expect to see me. I’ve interviewed at more studios than I can count and never received a call back. I’ve seen the awkward stares, the hesitation, and the second-guessing when I tell people what I do. Sometimes it feels like I have to prove myself twice before I even step on the mat.
But here’s the truth: I’ve been blessed. Blessed with opportunities to work in gyms and with young athletes — my true passion — which has made the path worth it. Every class, every connection, every chance to pour into others has given me fuel to keep going.
What has carried me the most are the collaborations. Partnering with numerous amazing groups across the metroplex has not only provided me with opportunities but also a renewed sense of worth, purpose, and belonging. Yoga isn’t just about the poses — it’s about breaking barriers, redefining narratives, and showing the next generation that there’s space for them too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Dauntless Source is a cultural wellness brand rooted in yoga, meditation, and community.
We specialize in creating spaces where people can move, breathe, and reflect — whether that’s through a “Yoga for the Culture” session, a meditation series, or events that bring athletes, families, and communities together. Our focus is on making mindfulness accessible and relatable, especially for those who may not always see themselves represented in wellness.
What sets us apart is the way we tie culture into the practice. Our mats feel like the cookout, our flows come with mantras, music, and movement that speak to everyday life. We’re known for hosting events that feel less like a class and more like a homecoming — welcoming, healing, and real.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve built a lane where wellness meets culture authentically. It’s not watered down, it’s not performative — it’s rooted in resilience, gratitude, and faith.
What I want your readers to know is this: Dauntless Source is here to make yoga and meditation feel like they belong to everyone. Our offerings — from community events to mindful apparel — are all designed to remind you that being fearless, grounded, and present is possible, and that you don’t have to do it alone.
#beDauntless
What was your favorite childhood memory?
In sixth grade, the little league team I played for had the opportunity to play at Texas Stadium in Irving. I got to step onto the same field as Cowboys legends, and as a sixth grader, that moment lit a fire in me. I didn’t just see a stadium — I saw possibility. That experience drove me to want to become a football player and work toward earning a scholarship.
From that day forward, the game became more than just a sport. It was discipline, it was resilience, it was hope. Every practice, every sprint, every weight lifted was fueled by the memory of that field and the vision of who I wanted to become. It wasn’t about fame — it was about proving to myself that dreams could be built through sweat, sacrifice, and faith.
That one childhood moment didn’t just shape my athletic journey — it shaped my character. It taught me that when opportunity presents itself, you step onto the field boldly and give it everything you’ve got.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Dauntlesssource
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dauntlesssource?igsh=eWVvdHFoanMyYXRn&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AKohvRr5k/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@dauntlesssource?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Image Credits
The images are from my personal camera roll.
