Meet Irena Taneva | Yoga Instructor & Community Builder

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

Hi Irena, how do you think about risk?
I think I’ve always felt that there was something quite exciting about taking risks. We learn from risks — and those lessons may lead us on an important, new path. Great, otherwise unforeseen opportunities often come from risk-taking. If I would have never chosen to leave my corporate life in US and fly to Indian on a one-way ticket to pursue a yoga certification, I would have never end up working a job that gives me flexibility, freedom and independence. The way I see it, many people in Eastern Europe where I grew up don’t have many resources and we believe success won’t fall in your lap — you have to pursue it, you have to take risks. You don’t achieve your dreams by playing it safe. Until you don’t put yourself out there and take a risk, you will never be able to achieve professional success and realize your potential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We all have our uniqueness, strengths and weaknesses. For myself what distinguishes me from others is my enthusiasm for life. Everything I do I must enjoy and feed out of. I am a believer that we have multiple talents and I try to nurture my creative side. My work involves working one on one with clients – helping them improve flexibility or build their yoga practice. I organize and host wellness events and yoga retreats. Since there is the ‘new normal’ I have been focusing on launching online courses and classes in order to stay connected with my yoga community and students. Besides my wellness business I work on creative projects like the Community in Action I mentioned earlier that really feed my soul and create the balance of give and receive in my life. I am where I am today because of dedication and risk taking. We tend to view risk-taking negatively, often dangerous and even unwise. But while some risks certainly don’t pay off, it’s important to remember that some do. Beyond the external opportunities and recognition risk-taking can bring, it also provides an opportunity for internal growth. And that to me is the key to it all.

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.
The day will begin with a cup of coffee on the beach while watching the sunrise. We will go rollerskating on ocean drive and grab breakfast at All Day. Wynwood for the afternoon with happy hour at KYU. Design District for dinner Michael’s Genuine or Mandolin. Some jazz is a must at Lagniappe. I dance swing so we shall definitely be visiting bars such as Le Chat Noir, Bar Nancy, Living Room or really anywhere you will find The French Horn. We must go to Rubell Museum, PAMM and Vizcaya. Miami has so much to offer and I am so fortunate to live here and look like a great host!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A lot! Let me start by saying though, this might sound a bit selfish, but the answer is my own self. I believe once we allow to follow an authentic path we start meeting the right people, we come across the right books and eventually find ourselves thriving. I had a dream for a while to create a fundraiser, give back to community and have a greater purpose from the individual. Just last month I did an online summit called Community in Action, where I partnered with United Way Miami and fifteen amazing Miami wellness professionals to raise money for kids and families affected by the pandemic. This is a first of many wellness summit with a purpose. I am extremely grateful to every single teacher/educator who joint the summit because they donated their time in order for us collectively as a whole to be able to raise funds for local vulnerable communities. I am in awe to each and everyone of them. Huge thanks to Ian Marcow, Gina Avellon, Arianne Traverso, Jennifer Pansa, Tim Feldmann from Miami Life Center and all of the rest of the amazing big-hearted individuals who participated and helped a dream to come true.

Website: https://irenatanevayoga.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenatanevayoga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irenatanevayoga

Image Credits
Jayme Gershen