Meet April Gardner | Yoga Teacher

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

Hi April, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
As we let our own Light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.”
– Marianne Williamson

I discovered this quote during my yoga teacher training 7 years ago. I’ve read this book, A Return to Love, about 50 times since then. I love this quote because it paves the way for you to find your calling, understand you exist for a reason, and you can change the world by shining your light onto others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a yoga teacher who’s goal is to make Miami more mindful. I do this by teaching yoga in many forms. I teach privates, group studio classes in Wynwood, and events around Miami and internationally around the world. I also have built a strong community in Miami called Sunrise Yoga. It has grown and changed the lives of locals rising early with the sun every Friday, overlooking the ocean in Miami Beach, and has been a beautiful blessing for my career.

Ultimately my purpose was to create a community built on authenticity, mindfulness and connecting to nature. The world needs more of that now, more than ever. So I starting doing just that. It came from a place of authenticity, and my personal need to connect with nature. It was not easy to do Sunrise Yoga every Friday waking up at 5am, but I knew the bigger picture and value of what I gave to my students was well worth the price.

One lesson I learned along the way: stay true to you! Build what feels right. It has to mean something to you- it has to be your purpose- stay determined- keep going. If you build it, they will come!

I would like others to realize all the work it takes to teach yoga. It is a form of energy exchange; it takes a lot of energy to give love to hundreds of people every single week. There is a ton of preparation from taking care of my vocal chords, looking professional, being in a good headspace, engaging with the community, marketing, receiving positive and negative feedback, and lots more. Teaching yoga sounds nice and calming, but really can be extremely stressful and exhausting- it is a lot different than doing yoga! It took me a full year of Sunrise Yoga to finally have recognition of my work. In the long run, all of the determination and hard work is worth the peace and light you give and the lives you change! It becomes the most rewarding job and my passion and heart. I am grateful for this job every single day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My style is more calming and relaxing when it comes to doing things in my free time in Miami. When my best friends visit, obviously we do lots of yoga! My favorite places I teach at and practice are SOL Yoga and Mimi Yoga- such amazing communities there! And of course, Sunrise Yoga on Fridays at 1st street Miami Beach! And definitely, facials at Sana Skin Studio or a spa day at The Standard Spa.

I also enjoy shopping in the Miami Design District. Mandolin is my favorite lunch or dinner spot as well as Michael’s Genuine. My dog, June, loves to go to Maruice E. Ferre Park, and I love checking out the Science and Art Museum there.
More food places I love to eat at: MC Kitchen, Bellini at Mr. C in Coconut Grove and Call Me Gaby in Miami Beach! After yoga I love to grab Sweetgreen or Zak the Baker in Wynwood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout and thank my parents for supporting me every step of the way. I’ve always looked up to my father, Randy Gardner. I’ve always admired the way he leads others. My mom, Denise Gardner is my inspiration too. She has helped me recognize my potential and kept me determined to achieve and do everything with kindness and love.

I’d also like to shoutout to my photographer, Leo Diaz. He has helped me create and has given me artistic support throughout my career. I am grateful for him showing up and always being a helping hand for Sunrise Yoga. I couldn’t have grown this beautiful community without him!

Website: www.aprilmayyoga.com

Instagram: @aprilmayyoga

Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/april-may-gardner-59174329923

Image Credits
Leo Diaz, photographer