Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Dunn-Loveless.
Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey along the yoga path began in 2004 when I delved into yoga poses using the Nintendo Wii and received a prenatal yoga video as a gift. It wasn’t until 2010 that I stumbled upon my first community class at Yoga Landing, marking the beginning of my weekly yoga classes and the integration of yoga into my regular schedule. In 2014, amidst significant personal and professional transitions, the idea of becoming certified in yoga took root. My teacher interrupted a pose during a class, telling me, “You need to be in my yoga teacher training class.” I chuckled and replied, “That’s funny; I just signed up.” By December 2015, I earned my 200HR yoga teacher certification, discovering that yoga held a more profound spiritual significance than simply teaching, especially since I had been a public school educator for eight years. 2018 ushered in my exploration of Kundalini yoga, expanding my spiritual journey. Despite facing challenges with the studio’s closure due to COVID-19, I sought a virtual 300HR Kundalini yoga teacher training. By 2021, I will have become 300HR certified in Kundalini Yoga, experiencing a spiritual, emotional, and physical shift.
Supported by my life partner, Sunshine, we integrated yoga into our adventure company, Outshine Adventures, offering SUP yoga and monthly community yoga classes, contributing 50% of proceeds to local conservation organizations. In late August 2021, Yoga Landing welcomed a weekly community Kundalini class, leading me to start teaching there. Unbeknownst to me, I would lose my non-profit job a few months later. This setback inspired the growth of Outshine Adventures and, by early 2022, the establishment of Outshine Yoga. Operating under the Outshine Adventures brand, Outshine Yoga aims to nurture a vibrant community rooted in wholeness, connection, and empowerment. We believe that genuine community flourishes when we connect with the earth and each other and uplift the collective through compassionate, embodied practices guided by loving self-discipline and a sense of soul purpose. Our core values are community, connection, and service. As a transformational coach, yoga instructor, and spiritual leader, I use Kundalini Yoga technology to support transformative healing: lovingly leading movement, breath, restorative, and reflection practices. For more information on the coaching and yoga services provided by Outshine Yoga, please visit OutshineYoga.com.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Owning your own business is challenging. Especially when you’re just beginning the journey – you are every part of the process, anywhere from marketing, payroll, administrator, and face of the business. It’s exhausting wearing all those hats and constantly trying to market yourself. The struggles always include not selling your offerings, needing a space to create retreats, classes, or workshops, and just getting your name out there.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Michelle Dunn-Loveless (she/her/they) is the CEO and Founder of Outshine Yoga and Co-Founder of Outshine Adventures – connecting people to the outdoors and the natural world around them through immersive outdoor experiences like paddle boarding, yoga, hiking, biking, and women retreats. Outshine Yoga is the branch of business Michelle is expanding! As a transformational coach, yoga instructor, and spiritual leader, Michelle uses Kundalini Yoga technology to support transformative healing: lovingly leading movement, breath, restorative, and reflection practices. Yoga has been a massive asset in Michelle’s healing journey over the last twenty years. The past wounds of toxic relationships and addictions serve as wisdom medicine to empower and inspire others how to heal through a dedicated, soul-nourishing, and spiritual practice. A student of life and lover of learning, Michelle went from high school drop-out to a master’s in educational leadership. She is a 500-hour RYT and has countless hours as a yoga practitioner. In the last five years, Kundalini Yoga has been her drug of choice, helping her transmute an addiction to alcohol to two successful years as an alcohol-free human. They’ve led numerous Kundalini workshops and rebirthing ceremonies that support personal and spiritual growth, radical childhood healing, and deep self-study. Recently, they created the Radiant Self 5-Week Coaching Program designed to work with the power of the personal Shakti to connect with the body and ignite transformation through breathing practices that welcome a deep reflection and spiritual dedication to the soul’s true essence. When Michelle isn’t working, you can find her practicing Kundalini, immersed in spiritual study, journaling with the oracles, professing poetry, frolicking in the woods with her partner, playing on paddleboards, witnessing the world through van life travels, cooking plenty of meals, and spending time with their two fantastic adult daughters.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
While most people might not realize it, I’m an introvert. I find solace in staying at home, getting lost in the woods, or imagining myself in a secluded cave away from the outside world’s demands. Regarding the brand and practices I embrace, Kundalini is more than a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not for everyone; it’s reserved for those truly committed to a daily journey, delving into the unexplored realms of their soul. This practice demands unwavering determination and resilience – qualities only those prepared for the hard work can sustain. If someone is seeking a quick fix, Kundalini Yoga isn’t the easy route; it requires a profound understanding of oneself and a willingness to embark on a transformative journey beyond the surface.
Pricing:
- 5-Week Radiant Self Program – $700
- 3 Sessions – Kundalini Rebirthing – $422
- Full Moon Meditation and Gong -$33
- 4-Week Virtual Series for Radiant Skin, Body, and Soul -$150
Contact Info:
- Website: outshineyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outshineyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outshineyoga
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfJQ8NHSgG0izjP8v6LliA
Image Credits
@sarahbucknerphotography
@Brookebragger
