Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Samara Zelniker, who founded Mindfulness Matters to bring health and wellness into our everyday lives. In five years, she sees herself living in California, teaching yoga, leading retreats all over the world, and making an impact on corporate wellness – something we believe will definitely be a reality…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I tend to wear a lot of hats as a business owner. First and foremost, I am a yoga instructor teaching at various studios, homes and offices around the city. As founder of Mindfulness Matters, I am constantly developing new ideas to bring health and wellness into our everyday lives. I put a lot of effort into honing my craft, collaborating with like-minded people, and sharing it with others to empower them to be great. I also distribute a line of fitness leggings from Brazil to various gyms and boutiques in Canada. This requires sales, inventory control and shipping. Branding through social media is also at the forefront of what I am doing.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I founded my company in May 2013. I came back from a service trip in Nairobi, Kenya where I worked with an organization called Africa Yoga Project. I was part of an assisting team that trained 150 students from all over Africa to be yoga teachers. On this trip, while I was technically a teacher, I believe I learned more from my students than they did from me. I came home from Africa, quit my job, and the rest is still being written.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of what I do is the fact that I get to connect with people authentically on a daily basis. Yoga is a thousands of years-old practice that has so many parallels to everyday life. I get to take part in people’s transformation on their mats (such as touching their own toes for the first time), which translates to big shifts in their daily lives (if I can do that, what else is possible?). The most challenging part of what I do is travelling around during the day. Although I love the freedom of not sitting behind a desk, the traffic in this city can be unbearable and my car ends up being a makeshift office, lunch table and bed!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I often find myself working when other people are having fun (nights and weekends) so that could be a little bit tough. It’s hard to connect with people who are on a 9 to 5 schedule. However, the reoccurring faces in my classes have become friends, so I guess it just depends what your definition of fun is.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Living in California, teaching yoga, leading retreats all over the world, making an impact on corporate wellness, and loving life.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
A major challenge was finding out a gym that I taught the majority of my classes at closed overnight. It was a shock to me as well as the members. I had put a lot of work into building my classes and creating a community within them. I overcame it by taking the proper legal action as well as inviting members into my house for classes while we all found new gyms to be a part of.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
No, money does not equal happiness. Success to me is when you wake up every day to doing something you feel passionate about. The fulfillment of that sheer fact equals success. I believe that when you do something you love, the money comes.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I see people around the city sporting my leggings. They always look so great and I know they feel great too.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Follow your heart and don’t give up. I know it sounds cheesy, but when you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I love the Terroni patio in Summerhill for its relaxed vibe. Canadian summers are so short, I love eating outside when it is nice out. For sushi, Japengo is the best in the city.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Travelling, eating great food with friends and family, and doing yoga.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Bali, Indonesia. The people are unbelievably kind, and the vibe is so relaxing. I love being able to vacation in a place where you can immerse yourself fully in a culture and are welcomed with open arms. I like staying active while traveling and there is so much to do. They also have the most beautiful sunsets!
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I would be a dietician or photographer for Lonely Planet.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support Africa Yoga Project because it empowers people to create change in themselves and their communities.
What to you is notable?
Being brave enough to follow your dreams and do something you believe in.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone, always.
#NOTABLE
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