Meet Karina Catellani | Founder & CEO of Treelance Yoga – 560+ HR Yoga Teacher – PR & Marketing Expert

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

Hi Karina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Passion for Yoga and Wellness
My journey began with a deep love for yoga and its transformative power. As a yoga teacher, I’ve witnessed firsthand how yoga can bring balance, peace, and relaxation to our bodies and minds. I wanted to extend this experience beyond the classroom and create something tangible to inspire and support others in their own lives.

Desire for Freedom and Flexibility
Living in the beautiful, remote landscapes of Patagonia and then transitioning to life in Singapore and Florida, I always cherished the idea of being able to travel and explore the world. Starting an online business provided the perfect opportunity to blend my passion for yoga with the freedom to travel and work from anywhere.

Creating Unique and Meaningful Products
I noticed a gap in the market for yoga apparel and accessories that truly embodied the spirit of yoga—products that were stylish and functional and carried a deeper meaning. I wanted to create designs infused with empathy, positive energy, mindfulness, and originality. This led to the birth of Treelance Yoga, where each product is crafted with love and care, reflecting yoga’s wholesome, spiritual essence.

Empowerment and Connection
My main motivation was empowering other women and creating a family-oriented business. I wanted to build a brand that was not only about selling products but about fostering a community of like-minded individuals who value mindfulness, positive energy, and a balanced lifestyle. Through Treelance Yoga, I aim to connect with people on a deeper level and inspire them to lead fulfilling, stress-free lives.

Commitment to Quality and Affordability
Everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable yoga gear that enhances their practice. This commitment to quality and affordability was a core part of my thought process when starting Treelance Yoga. I wanted to ensure that our products were premium, made with materials like organic cotton, yet accessible to a wide range of customers.

In essence, starting Treelance Yoga was about merging my love for yoga, my desire for freedom, and my passion for creating meaningful, high-quality products that inspire and uplift others. It’s been a fulfilling journey of blending business with purpose, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this passion with the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What Sets Us Apart

What truly distinguishes Treelance Yoga is our foundation as a Latina woman-owned, family-run business. Our designs are crafted with love and care by a spiritual yoga teacher who understands the needs of practitioners. Each product reflects premium quality, affordability, spirituality, and practicality, ensuring our customers feel energized and at peace during their practice. Our commitment to originality and authenticity in a world that often feels homogenized drives our creations. Our designs feature words like Compassion, Freedom, or Soul Searching, and prints with Chakras, Phases of the Moon, and more.

Pride and Excitement

I am incredibly proud of our unique designs and motivating people to live fulfilling lives while promoting mindfulness and staying present. One of the most exciting aspects of Treelance Yoga is the community we have built around our brand. Seeing our products positively impact people’s daily lives and enhance their yoga practice is deeply fulfilling.

The Journey

The journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. Starting Treelance Yoga required significant dedication and hard work. There were numerous challenges along the way, from sourcing high-quality materials to building an online presence and establishing a loyal customer base. I am very proud of where we are now after starting in 2016, moving countries, enduring a pandemic, and having a baby, who is now four months old.

Overcoming Challenges

Staying updated and informed was crucial. I dedicated time and effort to continuous learning and staying current with the latest trends and technologies on platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, Meta, X, TikTok, Mailchimp, and Pinterest. Embracing these tools and resources enabled me to effectively market and grow Treelance Yoga, ensuring we stayed competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Lessons Learned

Staying true to your vision and values is essential, even when faced with obstacles. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint; every setback is an opportunity to grow and improve.

The most important lessons I’ve learned include:
The importance of perseverance.
The value of authentic connections.
The need for continuous learning and improvement.

Our Brand and Story

Treelance Yoga embodies more than just a brand; it represents a holistic lifestyle centered around balance, mindfulness, and the art of being present. Our mission is to inspire individuals to cultivate fulfilling lives, alleviate stress, and embark on their personal journeys with confidence.

At the heart of Treelance Yoga is a story of passion, resilience, and a relentless commitment to spreading positive energy through the transformative practice of yoga. We believe in the power of yoga to enhance physical well-being and nurture mental clarity and emotional harmony.

Our dedication to high-quality, distinctive products reflects our unwavering commitment to our customers’ well-being. Each item is meticulously crafted to elevate your yoga practice and infuse your life with peace and positivity. We take pride in upholding the authenticity and integrity of our brand, ensuring that every interaction with Treelance Yoga reflects our core values.

We are immensely grateful for the vibrant community of customers who share and support our vision. Together, we continue to inspire and uplift one another, fostering a culture of mindfulness, empowerment, and connection.

Treelance Yoga invites you to join us on this journey of self-discovery and transformation. Let’s cultivate a life filled with intention, presence, and joy!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Beach Day

Morning: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Pinocchio, a charming local cafe facing a beautiful park and water.

Afternoon: Head to South Pointe Park beach for a relaxing afternoon by the ocean.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mouthwatering dinner at Wynwood, perhaps at 1800 Lucky for Asian cuisine. Enjoy Lagniappe, their wines, cheese, and music.

Day 2: Key Biscayne Exploration

Morning: Begin your day by exploring Crandon Park with a scenic walk or bike ride. You can stop at NAHUÉN Gourmet Market
for some empanadas, or try La Despensa, an excellent place to taste Spanish food.

Afternoon: Unwind at either Crandon Park Beach or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach.

Evening: Indulge in a delicious dinner at Mandolin, known for its Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 3: Cultural Experience

Morning: Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch with waterfront views at Verde, the Museum, or a nearby restaurant.

Evening: Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Cocowalk in Coconut Grove or wander through the charming streets of Coral Gables lined with restaurants.

Day 4: Nature and Wildlife

Morning: Enjoy scenic waterfront views at Margaret Pace Park and fresh food and juices at Pura Vida. I also love the Açai bowls from Green G Juice.

Morning/Afternoon: Venture on an eco-adventure tour in the Everglades to experience nature and wildlife up close.

Day 5: Relaxation

Morning: Spend a peaceful morning at Haulover Park Beach. Street parking is always available, making the visit hassle-free. It’s a haven for those seeking tranquility, as it’s not overly crowded. The pristine waters enhance the overall experience, making it an ideal destination for a refreshing day by the sea.

Evening: Relax and unwind with a picnic at Matheson Hammock Park.

Day 6: More Nature

Morning: Enjoy outdoor activities at a local park or beach. Then, have brunch at Lido at The Standard while watching breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating, great, and affordable massage at Bamboo Spa in Edgewater or Oriental Massage in South Miami.

Evening: Conclude your trip with a delightful dinner at a favorite local spot in the charming surrounding area, such as Avo, Barceloneta, or Lucali.

Reflect on the trip and cherish the memories made.

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?
Indeed, the success of Treelance Yoga stands as a testament to the support and encouragement of several remarkable individuals who have played pivotal roles in my journey. I am profoundly grateful for my family’s steadfast support, each member contributing in their unique way, and for their unwavering belief in my project and intention from the very beginning. They always trusted me and gave me confidence, which I found crucial when you make a big change and start something new.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Andres Garcia Canon, from Spain. His unwavering support, belief in my vision, and constant encouragement have been the bedrock of my entrepreneurial journey. With his emotional and practical support, Andres has been instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges of starting and growing a new business.

I owe tremendous gratitude to all my family and friends, especially my aunt, Guilly Carrica, who gave me a home and so much love when I moved alone to Miami. Additionally, I am super grateful to my former boss at LatinWE, Melissa Escobar, who is originally from Colombia. Melissa’s mentorship and guidance were crucial in shaping my professional skills, particularly in PR, marketing, and social media. Her insights and experience gave me the knowledge and confidence to launch and grow Treelance Yoga effectively.

I want to thank my dear friend Auri Korva from Finland, who has been a constant source of inspiration and wisdom from day one. Her practical advice and encouragement have helped me stay focused and motivated throughout this journey.

I am grateful to companies like Meta and Bank of America, among others, who trusted me and hired me to teach yoga to their teams at their offices in Brickell Miami.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the profound impact of the broader yoga community and the countless books and resources that have enriched my understanding of yoga and mindfulness. The teachings and philosophies I’ve encountered have profoundly influenced Treelance Yoga’s mission and values. Some of these teachers are Michelle Berlin (“Yogi Shelly”), Fiorella Fuentes, Tal Swissa, Ari (“Biz Coach”), Yoga Movement in Singapore, and Sandrine Kamhi and her incredible studio in South Beach, State of Yoga—a peaceful sanctuary and a place to call home, where I teach yoga with love and enthusiasm.

These individuals and influences have contributed immensely to the success of Treelance Yoga. Their support has helped me build a business and enriched my personal and professional life in countless ways. I am deeply grateful to each of them for their unique contributions and for believing in my vision.

Website: https://treelance.us/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treelanceyoga/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinacatellani/

Twitter: https://x.com/treelanceyoga

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treelanceyoga/

Other: Amazon Store
https://www.amazon.com/stores/TREELANCEYOGA/TREELANCEYOGA/page/829573AA-FD2B-4974-A350-5B00350F3E7B

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/treelanceyoga/_created/