Who are you and what do you do?
I am the proud business owner of Sweaty Soul, the latest yoga studio in Dublin’s busy financial district. For the past 5 years I have run a fashion and lifestyle blog called Molly Pocket which has ultimately led me to where I am today!
Pitch us your brand!
I teach many of the classes at Sweaty Soul, but I'm lucky to have an amazing team of talented teachers by my side, without whom I’d be lost. Together we provide a combination of yoga, pilates and barre classes that aim our clients towards a full body transformation.
Our classes focus on challenging our clients, both physically and mentally, strengthening them to a level they never dreamed possible. We are all about having fun and creating a sense of self that will heighten happiness and confidence outside of the studio. The studio’s motto is “You must do what you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt.
My website is all about my creativity and my love for aesthetics. I try to share as much as I can via the blog and Instagram displaying my love of fashion, interior, yoga, fitness and travel.
What brought your brand about? How did it start?
Starting my fashion blog has definitely had a huge part to play in my journey towards opening the studio. Without even realising it, I was building a firm client base who trusted my judgement, advice and shared my interests. I moved to New York, where I lived for two years. I fell head over heels in love with the city itself and everything it opened my eyes to.
Yoga there, in Manhattan, wasn't simply a means to obtain a lean, toned physique. It was a lifestyle choice, one which I quickly found myself getting very comfortable in. I finally felt at home on my mat and found myself dreaming of sharing the positivity and self-love that yoga encouraged.
When I returned home to Dublin, I realised that New York had given me the confidence to let go of self doubt and believe in my dreams. I booked a flight to Mexico and completed a month-long teacher training - one of the best experiences of my life. And the rest is history!
Describe your audience! Who is your target?
I am proud to say my audience is of all ages and sexes. Slowly but surely, men have opened up to trying yoga which I am very happy about! I'm secretly hoping my dream yogi Prince charming will walk into my class one day! Of course my fashion blog appeals to mostly young women my age (21-35) but since broadening my content I feel I do appeal to a wider range of people.
What’s your media diet?
Instagram is my all time favourite platform; it's where I feel I can expand and display my creativity the most. I love Snapchat for it’s focus on people's real and (mostly) unfiltered life. Since opening the studio I am working on starting my own YouTube channel as I think there is definitely a gap in the Irish-yoga-YouTube market! I also feel my followers deserve more, to be able to join me on my journey within yoga and fitness.
Name three people you respect in the industry.
I think what Indy Power from the Little Green Spoon has created, from her blog to very own book, is totally awe-inspiring. Two women who I feel are nothing but themselves on social media, and are fabulous because of that, are Chloe Harris, owner of @foodiecafe, and journalist Rosemary MacCabe. Three girl bosses who do what they love and have chosen careers that make them happy, which isn't always the easier option.
I’ll be cheeky and add in a fourth - Julie Sarinana from the blog Sincerely, Jules. She is the reason I started blogging and meeting her in New York was one of those moments I will never forget . Her focus on following your dreams has pushed me to always believe - her motto being #dreambelieveachieve.
Proudest post? Finest moment to date?
I have to say my proudest moment has not come yet. That day will come when I buy my Mom her house in Crete and she can retire there like she’s always dreamed of. However, if I have to pick, my finest moment was when I hosted my first yoga retreat, which has now become a bi-annual event!
I started bringing small groups of yogis (of all ages and levels) to the South coast of Crete, to a village called Paleochora where I have been going on a yearly basis since I was a baby. This magical place I get to call home, is a hidden gem which I now get to share every year - a week of yoga, meditation, hiking, healthy food and lots of fun!
Hosting my first retreat there was the most special experience so far for me and is a part of my job which every time has me pinching myself! This week away is of course to deepen your yoga practice, but more importantly I aim to inspire people to love life, open up to new adventures and discover happiness within themselves. I have found ironically, that it is in fact the people that come on the retreats who inspire me!
What is your attitude to well-being, mentally and physically?
I find a healthy body and healthy mind go hand in hand. I feel the combination of nutritious food and positive lifestyle choices are key to a clear and happy attitude to life. The breath work in my yoga practice is what helps me through any challenge that I face. I think its important to have something you do every day for your self that brings you joy, and for me, that's weight-lifting. It's me time!
How has your life changed since you started your brand?
Before starting my brand I often, like many, made choices that catered to society or the expectations of those around me. Now I realise that by doing only what I love, and that which helps me grow as a person, I have been able to push myself further than I ever imagined possible!
Whats your favourite and least favourite thing about fitness trends on social media?
My favourite thing about it is the people I’ve met and the true friendships I've built. Being able to work alongside my best friends is something I dreamed of as a teenager but assumed was a naive idea. But dreams can come true!
The worst part for me is the pressure to constantly be active, and even worse, perfect. Sometimes I feel I’m missing out on what’s around me because I’m glued to my phone. That’s something I’m personally trying to work on.
Tell us a secret - something we should know about you?
As a child, I always dreamed of being famous (and as an adult part of me still does!!).
What’s the one thing you want people to learn from your work?
I would above all else love to inspire people to believe in themselves. Even though I know yoga isn't for everyone, I would love for people to at least give it a go once!
Where do we find you?
Sweaty Soul Studio, My Molly Pocket, Instagram, Snapchat @mollypocket89, Twitter.
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