We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniella Gual and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Daniella, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey towards entrepreneurship in the yoga and holistic health coaching industry began with a personal struggle that started 11 years ago. I battled with, what doctors diagnosed me as, “cyclic vomiting syndrome”. Experiencing these intense health issues during college prompted me to explore holistic practices like yoga, and to start learning about foundations to healthy eating and cooking. Through this self-discovery, I found a path to healing and resilience. Over the years, these practices became integral to my well-being as I started seeing the immense benefits they were having on my health. Within the last three years, fueled by the desire to help others navigate their healing journey, I pursued certifications to share the transformative power of holistic healing and yoga. I am now a graduate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition with the title of holistic health coach, as well as a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In a crowded health and wellness industry, what sets me apart is not just my credentials, but my personal journey of overcoming profound health challenges. Having battled with cyclic vomiting syndrome for over 10 years and witnessing countless others struggle with their own health issues, I intimately understand the feeling of helplessness that accompanies such challenges. This ignited a fire within me to not only heal myself but to empower others on their journey to vibrant health. My firsthand experience, combined with my dedication to understanding the intricacies of the human body, equips me with a unique perspective and a genuine empathy that drives me to provide personalized solutions and unwavering support to my family, friends and clients. I am not just a practitioner; I am a living testament to the transformative power of holistic wellness.
I am most excited to help others regain their health in ways they never thought possible. To witness the spark of realization when they discover that health and vitality can come from simple, accessible solutions right at their fingertips. My greatest joy is seeing clients feel empowered to take control of their health, armed with knowledge and practical tools, and witnessing their transformation into revitalized, thriving individuals.
My journey to where I am today professionally has been marked by a significant shift from a background in hospitality and marketing to embracing holistic health coaching and yoga. Despite the challenges of deviating from my corporate career path, where I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in, my passion for holistic wellness fueled my desire for change. Witnessing people around me struggle with health issues while neglecting their well-being ignited my desire to make a meaningful impact. This inner calling led me to take a leap of faith and pursue certifications as a holistic health coach and yoga teacher, marking the beginning of a transformative journey towards aligning my career with my true purpose.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is beautifully encapsulated in the quote, “and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Stepping out of my comfort zone, despite the fear and uncertainty, has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Leaving behind the security of a well-paying job to pursue my passion has opened doors to exciting opportunities and allowed me to truly blossom into the person I am today. It’s a reminder that true growth and fulfillment lie beyond the confines of our comfort zones. The sky is the limit.
I want people to know that my approach to wellness is rooted in meeting individuals exactly where they are in their journey, regardless of their starting point. Whether they’re just beginning to prioritize their health or seeking to enhance their existing wellness practices, I am here to support them every step of the way. It’s never too late or too early to embark on the path to holistic health, and I am committed to guiding each person towards becoming their best self.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends come to visit I always choose to show them around Miami in unexpected ways. Miami is filled with amazing food, activities and people.
Monday, or when it’s less busy during the week, I love to go skating on the pump track at Haulover park and maybe walk across to go fly kites in the park in front of the intracoastal water. They have a little kite store and you can find some really awesome kites there to enjoy while watching the boats go by. Monday night for dinner I would go visit Reunion Kitchen and Bar in Aventura. A tapas-type restaurant with yummy food and great drinks.
Tuesday I would head out to Crandon Park and set up the hammocks at the beach beneath the palm trees. This is an amazing beach park with tons of palm trees in the sand, grills and even the city’s old zoo grounds you can explore. You often see a ton of animals like peacocks, gators, and many other birds and wildlife in the zoo grounds. It’s fun to bike, skate or walk around to explore. This is a great beach to catch some sun or sit underneath the palm trees with a nice picnic to enjoy.
Wednesday I would go to Oleta River State Park and launch the paddle boards. I would spend some time checking out the wildlife and getting some sun and movement in. This is a fun way to paddle around to eventually end up at the northern most part of Biscayne Bay for a refreshing jump in the water. I would end the day relaxing with a nice home cooked meal after exerting a ton of energy.
Thursday morning for sunrise at 7am I would go to South Beach for 3rd street beach yoga and then following that, I would walk or skate over to 5th street and visit Under the Mango Tree, a cute little vegan cafe that serves some delicious treats like Acai bowls, smoothies, empanadas and other amazing food and drinks, like my favorite turmeric latte. Then maybe head back over to the beach to get our tan on and swim in the blue water. For a late lunch, I would walk or skate over to Mozzico, a casual yet delicious authentic Italian restaurant with amazing pizzas, salads, and homemade pastas. Then head home and relax to recharge our batteries. I love to cook at home so I would make some snacks for dinner after relaxing for a bit.
Friday, after a nice home cooked breakfast, I would go to the Fairchild Gardens in Coral Gables and checkout the incredible flora and butterfly garden. Then make our way up towards CocoWalk and go eat lunch at Planta Queen or get Indian food at Bombay Darbar around the corner.
Saturday mornings I would hop on my boat and head out to Haulover Sandbar to catch some sun, float in the clear blue waters and grill onboard for a full day of ocean fun. After enjoying the water and sunset from the boat, we’d make our way back home and enjoy a home cooked meal for dinner.
Sunday morning I would go to Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood to get some local produce, eat some delicious food from all the local vendors and walk around the market. Then around 3pm I would head over to South Pointe Park to enjoy the park, do yoga, slackline and socialize at the Miami Acro Yoga Gathering. It’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset and get some movement in. Sunday night after the park I would go get dinner at La Leggenda, one of my favorite pizza and gnocchi spots on Espanola way. It’s a family owned restaurant and incredibly delicious. And let’s not forget the pistachio pizza rolls for dessert. They are to die for.
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 parents and brother have been my pillars of support throughout my healing journey. Their unwavering encouragement, love, and guidance have played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today. From the challenges of my health struggles to the pursuit of my entrepreneurial dreams, their presence has been a constant source of strength. I also want to extend heartfelt gratitude to my fiancé, James. His support has been a driving force in my journey toward well-being and entrepreneurship. James has consistently pushed me to embrace what brings me happiness, health, and vibrancy, making him an integral part of my story.
Website: Daniellagual.com
Instagram: @dgual
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gualdaniella/
Image Credits
Tomas Gual