Where are you from originally? I was born and raised in West Point, Mississippi
Tell us about your childhood: My childhood was very simple and enjoyable. I grew up in a small town, where everybody knows everyone. I went to the same school k-12 and same church my whole life. I lived for summers at the pool, was obsessed with barbies and polly pockets, and grew up dancing and cheering. My mom was a supermom, tackling an 8-5 job and would still have a home-cooked meal ready for supper every night. I also admired my dad who was an entrepreneur and owned his own business. They raised and loved my older brother and me well, encouraging us to make smart life decisions, to always keep our faith, and to learn through our own experiences. After high school I went on to graduate from Mississippi State with a degree in Interior Design and soon after moved to Nashville to experience life on my own. After three years there, I made the decision to make Chattanooga home with my husband Franklin and dog Oliver.
Do you have a nickname? Kiki
When were you introduced to Yoga? I was introduced to yoga + barre when I moved to Chattanooga in 2013. I was in a new town and was changing my lifestyle; I immediately fell in love with it and how it made me feel. It was, and still is, a place for me to go and take a moment for myself, all while doing my mind and body good.
How do yoga and the community play a role in your life? Yoga + barre have been a huge part of helping me gain confidence in myself and grow into who I am. It strengthens me mentally and physically. PSY is a wonderful community of supportive and loving women, and I am proud to be a part of it. Knowing that I can be a small part of bringing this mental and physical strength to others is a joy.
What pose do you love the most and why? I’m loving cat & cow, it’s such a simple pose that awakens my body and gives my back a little massage.
What is your favorite quote? “Don’t change who you are, change who you need to be” — my dad says this to me often and I’m pretty sure he made it up 🙂 It reminds me to always stay true to my core values and traits, but to be adaptable in the many different seasons and phases of life i’m in.