Meet Andrea Edde | Pilates & Yoga Instructor | Wellness Enthusiast

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

Hi Andrea, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

Authenticity and kindness are two of the main pillars behind my success.

I think as time passes, more and more people are connecting with the truth and purpose that drive brands. As information has become widely accessible, authenticity and legitimacy remains a key player for brands, businesses and people.

My brand reflects who I am in a real and raw way. Also, as a comprehensively certified Pilates and yoga instructor, I’m able to provide deep knowledge and understanding of the body, which is what I believe has been a key factor for my success as well. Being fully connected to SAFARAE, I’m able to provide quality Pilates & Yoga classes to help others increase their mind-body connection and help them begin their transformative journey.

SAFARAE was created as a space dedicated to inspire and empower people to embark on a self-love journey, transforming the body & mind. The SAFARAE Experience, offering transformative private, small group classes and events, focuses on targeted, highly effective Pilates and Yoga movements while emphasizing form to create a stronger, longer and leaner body.

Movement is a natural mood booster, and feeling good starts from the inside. It starts with YOU.

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?

SAFARAE was originally founded as a wellness brand with a curated Pilates platform offering on-demand classes focused on low-impact, energizing and intentional workouts to align your body and mind.

We are currently undergoing a rebrand and offering Pilates and Yoga through The SAFARAE Experience: transformative flows filled with low-impact exercises that create sustainable, positive change which goes far beyond the mat. While in flow, and through guided breathwork, you will find a mind-body connection like never before. We offer a carefully curated sequence of exercises using your body weight and mat, which lengthens, strengthens and protects your entire body. Working out should make you feel good, as it releases tension from the body and mind. Tutorials, tips, cues and modifications are included to ensure you get the most out of your workout.

My journey started when I stumbled upon a Pilates class at my local YMCA. I fell in love with the method and couldn’t believe such small movements had such a big impact. Classes were challenging, yet peaceful, which is my continuous mantra for my clients; and that mix made me fall in love with the practice. I had a funky schedule while working in TV production about 7 years ago, so I decided to use my time wisely and signed up to become a Pilates instructor. As soon as I finished my certification, I was teaching at a studio on a weekly basis. My practice evolved, and about 5 years later, after taking only a handful of yoga classes I deep dove into training as well.

I believe the past couple years have been extremely challenging for many people. So, what has kept me going? Showing up. Even when I’m not feeling it. Meeting myself on the mat is always a transformative experience, and that’s why I am so passionate about teaching both Yoga & Pilates. There’s something magical that happens when you go within yourself and give yourself that love. All you need to do is show up with an open heart and mind, the rest will follow.

Life is interesting, it has its ups and downs, and being able to learn from all these moments create lessons that shape you. One of my biggest lessons is to love yourself, truly. Accept and be kind to yourself, listen to your body & mind, because deep down, you are the only person who has lived your life and had all those unique experiences, so you’re the one to know what will be the best for you. Showing up for yourself and doing a mindful practice, like Yoga or Pilates, can help you go deeper within and discover your truth.

My mission is to inspire and empower people to implement exercise and healthier habits into their daily routines to create a happier, balanced, more conscious lifestyle. ⁣My passion is to help others feel stronger, healthier and happier while celebrating everything your body CAN do. Change is gradual and consistency is key. Plant the seeds, do your part and let life work its magic, too!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

There is so much to see and do in Miami, that I’m sure there is something for everyone. If I had a few days to spend in the city, I wouldn’t miss the following:

Areas:
– Design District
– Wynwood
– South Beach/ Lincoln Road/ Sunset Harbour/ Espanola Way/ South Pointe

– Brickell City Center and Mary Brickell Village
– Coconut Grove / Coral Gables
– Calle 8

Eat & Drink – Hangout:
– La Sandwicherie (South Beach location for full experience)
– Nikko by Sunshine (best Pad Thai)
– Miss Saigon (best Pho)
– Mandolin (Greek)
– Mister 01 (order the Claudio pizza)
– Planta (vegan, their crispy rice is insane)
– Lido at the Standard for sunset
– Kalamata (Greek, local gem)
– Under the Mango Tree (best acai)
– Pura Vida (Healthy bowls, wraps and smoothies)
– Vezasur (brewery, fun vibes)
– Sugar rooftop (drinks)
– Nikki Beach (beach day, drinks)
– Faena (cabaret, food & drinks)
– Dantes Hifi (best speakeasy)
– The Basement (ice skating & bowling)
– Broken Shaker (laid back drinks & food)
– Timeout Market (food & drinks)
– La Mar (Peruvian – higher end)
– Ceviche 105 (Peruvian – delicious a little more relaxed)
– Cantina la Veinte (best tortilla soup)
– Doraku (sushi)

Other things to do:
– Sunrise & Sunset yoga on the beach
– Dance classes at South Pointe on Sundays
– Walking on the boardwalk in South Beach
– Purdy Ave for chill party

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been lucky to receive support throughout my entire journey from people who are very important to me. Starting with my family, those who are blood related & not. They have not only been a support system, but also an inspiration. I also always run big creative decisions by my two closest friends and I feel honored to have them in my life.

Now, professionally speaking, I’ve had the privilege to learn from people I admire in both Yoga & Pilates and their support throughout the journey has honestly been life-changing for me. These include Shari (my very first Pilates teacher), Jackie & Louis (Pilates Place Studios), Alana (Pilates connoisseur), Mimi, Ewa and Michael (Mimi Yoga), and my entire Yoga Teacher Training family. When you step into your passion with an open heart, you’ll see how the world is in your favor and you meet people who inspire you and touch your soul.

Website: safarae.com

Instagram: safarae_

Image Credits
Jesus Villafranca | @catirephy