Amanda Kelly – Amanda Kelly Yoga (Outbound Yoga)
What do you make / sell? Tell us about yo’ self.
I run a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program! Growing up, I was more the ‘artist’ type. I was always picked last for gym, and would take frequent ‘bathroom breaks’ whenever we had to run laps. Aside from hating physical activity- I also had a lot of self doubt growing up. I struggled with fitting in and I was constantly trying to be someone other than who I was. Fast forward to university and somewhere on Instagram I read the words “Surround yourself with people who you want to be like” and shortly after I found myself dragging my $12 yoga mat to my very first yoga class. Since then, yoga has been my greatest vehicle for change. It has brought me home to myself. For years I was the only thing holding ‘me’ back. Fear ran my life!
In my world, everything was scary and I had so much love for everyone in my life but me. When I finally realized that everything I had created in my life was by choice and when I finally learned how to get out of my own way, I was propelled into all kinds of possibilities. One small change soon began to create momentum for more change. This brought me to teaching. I now teach, travel, learn and love on a full time basis! There is such a powerful opportunity that arises every time we step in front of a yoga class. We are creating magic, cultivating change and introducing people to their amazing, unstoppable, unbelievable selves.
In my world, everything was scary and I had so much love for everyone in my life but me. When I finally realized that everything I had created in my life was by choice and when I finally learned how to get out of my own way, I was propelled into all kinds of possibilities. One small change soon began to create momentum for more change. This brought me to teaching. I now teach, travel, learn and love on a full time basis! There is such a powerful opportunity that arises every time we step in front of a yoga class. We are creating magic, cultivating change and introducing people to their amazing, unstoppable, unbelievable selves.
How long have you had your business?
One AMAZING year!
How did you get started?
Once upon a time I broke up with someone (because isn’t that how all adventures start!?) and suddenly I felt like my entire life had been flipped upside down. I decided to do the whole “Eat Pray Love” thing- and I within ten days, I dropped out of university, sold everything I owned, quit my job and bought a one way ticket to Costa Rica! I had already been teaching yoga for a few years and knew I wanted more of it. So, once in Costa Rica I started working for a Yoga School as a trainer and facilitator.
Who or what inspires your work?
People who’ve been through shit. (..a.k.a all human beings I guess!). What inspires me the most are people who have had their lives and hearts flipped upside down- people who’ve had to overcome pain, struggle and adversity. People who believe in a better way and a who aren’t afraid to want to make a change! I believe that yoga is an amazing vehicle for change- and as a yoga teacher I have been extremely fortunate to witness people’s transformations and better yet- I’ve gotten to watch people completely fall in love with who they are- and that shit is the best!
What do you dream for your business in the future?
Right now we are running 3 Outbound Yoga teacher trainings a year! One in Calgary (where we are based) one in the Rockies and one in Costa Rica! In the future I would like to open an Outbound Yoga retreat centre so we can basically create magic on a full time basis by running trainings, workshops and retreats!
What’s your favourite social media platform and why?
Instagram! Because it allows me to connect with so many people in so many different ways! I can post yoga photos with thoughtful captions and then post instagram stories of me singing like a 5 year old in the car! It let’s me be me.
How do you pick yourself up when things go wrong?
Well, first I let myself hang out in pieces on the floor for a little bit. I strongly believe that your Mess is your Message. So when I feel defeated or broken, or when things completely fall apart. I let myself sit in it. Then I use what I am going through and I write about on Instagram or talk about it in my classes. As human beings we are all just craving connection…and when we can own our stories and rise from our failures we are empowering not only ourselves- but other people to accept themselves mess and all.
What’s one thing no one knows about you? Give us an interesting fact!
ooo that’s a tough one- I’m definitely an open book!
– I used to work in Disney World…and I am obsessed with classic Disney Movies…
– Ohh..wait, here is one! I have a tattoo on the back of my neck that people think are just ‘stars’ but they are actually from the flag of Tennessee… I know, I know…why!!?! Well, I took a greyhound bus there when I was 18 because I wanted to make it as a country singer..and I decided to get a tattoo to commemorate the whole thing. When the time came to get the tattoo, I didn’t know what I wanted and they were selling these little Tennessee flag stickers..so, I went with that as my tattoo! Sorry Mom!
– I used to work in Disney World…and I am obsessed with classic Disney Movies…
– Ohh..wait, here is one! I have a tattoo on the back of my neck that people think are just ‘stars’ but they are actually from the flag of Tennessee… I know, I know…why!!?! Well, I took a greyhound bus there when I was 18 because I wanted to make it as a country singer..and I decided to get a tattoo to commemorate the whole thing. When the time came to get the tattoo, I didn’t know what I wanted and they were selling these little Tennessee flag stickers..so, I went with that as my tattoo! Sorry Mom!
If you could have any super power what would it be?
My superpower would either be
A.) To be able to cook something without setting off my fire alarm
B.) To figure out the secret to successful tinder dating
A.) To be able to cook something without setting off my fire alarm
B.) To figure out the secret to successful tinder dating
What are your social media handles? Please include links.
Where can we find your stuff?