Meet Juliana Davila | Yoga Instructor and Owner of LoveYoga Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juliana Davila and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juliana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had always dreamed of one day owning my own yoga studio, but always thought that the dream would only ever be just a dream. My good friend and teacher, Tiffany Maloney, owned LoveYoga for many years. She began the studio and I completed my first yoga teacher training with her as my teacher. After years of working as a teacher in her studio, she decided to take a break from teaching and owning a business and take more time for herself. I immediately saw the opportunity to step in and realize my dream. I knew that this was my chance to make my dream a reality. She graciously sold the business name and brand to me and the transition was smooth. I am so grateful to Tiffany for teaching me and being my business mentor. I also recognize that moving into owning the yoga studio was made easier for me because of the way that the opportunity presented itself to me. I am also the Spanish teacher at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School and it was overwhelming to do both; but I knew that the opportunity own the studio was a true gift. I gave myself permission to take a leap of faith and commit to working as hard as I ever have. Over the last few years, I have learned through mostly trial and error and I continue to learn each year. Although it is often scary to own a business, it is also amazing to see all the wonderful ways our community embraces our work.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
LoveYoga is an amazing yoga community that embraces all. We offer many classes and styles of movement and yoga and our mission is to be as inclusive and open as we can be. The practice of yoga is so much more than what happens on a yoga mat; it is a practice that manifests itself in all parts of our lives. The way that we think, speak, act are all parts of our practice. We strive to embrace the roots, tradition, philosophy, and culture of yoga. LoveYoga is a safe space for all who enter. It is a place that offers practices to all people and gives opportunity for all to practice. In order to create this, it took hard work and a lot of introspection. I especially wanted to prioritize communities that are underserved or neglected. To me, this meant completing several trainings that specialized in trauma-informed yoga, yoga and 12-step recovery, and yoga for at-risk populations. LoveYoga has partnered with Garth House to provide trauma-informed yoga and has partnered with IEA to provide yoga to the youth at Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center. In the future, I hope to continue expanding and reaching out into the community to give what we can. Part of our mission is to embrace the idea that we are all connected and to release any ideas of separation or otherness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question and I have several places that I absolutely love in Beaumont. My absolute favorite place is Cattail Marsh. It is the most amazing place! I teach a free yoga class there every Saturday morning and it is my favorite class of the week to teach. I would begin the day there; maybe taking a walk or just sitting and having coffee while watching the birds, alligators, turtles, and plants. We could then head downtown to walk around and see the murals, rent a bike, or ride an electric scooter. For lunch or dinner, my favorite restaurant is Sweet Basil. I love everything I have eaten on their menu. Their service is amazing and their food is spectacular. I also love the drinks at Cha Cha Cafe. They have great smoothies and teas. 10 de Mayo is a great place for Mexican food. Their service is great and their staff is incredibly friendly. For a sweet treat, I enjoy La Real Michoacana. They have everything- smoothies, fresh fruit, ice cream, popsicles, elote, and more. I also like to go to the Event Center to watch the ducks and relax. During the summer, I like to kayak at the dam and enjoy the great weather. The trees and animals are so relaxing to watch and it’s a nice place to get a new perspective. There is always something going on during the weekends, so we could enjoy a movie night at the Jefferson Theatre, a performance by the Symphony of Southeast Texas, a presentation at the Art Museum or at one of the historical sites. There is always so much to do and see; you just have to be open to all the possibilities!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success could not be possible without the help of my family, friends, boyfriend, fellow yoga teachers, students, and community. I am so incredibly grateful for my teacher, friend, and mentor- Tiffany Maloney. She was the trailblazer for me and encouraged me to be dream bigger, and not limit myself. Even after more than three years of being the new owner, I still reach out to ask questions and she welcomes them with advice and suggestions. My family, friends, and boyfriend constantly encourage me to move forward and to continue to embrace my passion. They are always there to listen, lend a helping hand, and support me.

My fellow yoga teachers have been with me through thick and thin, and always manage to step in and help with a smile on their faces. I could not manage the studio without them. They are the absolute best!

My yoga students are always patient and understanding. They are open to change and always encourage us, give helpful feedback, and support our mission.

Website: loveyogabeaumont.com

Instagram: @loveyogabeamont

Facebook: LoveYoga