Meet Paola (Yogafter40) Pietri | Yoga Instructor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Paola (Yogafter40) Pietri and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Paola (Yogafter40), have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I love this question because it touches on the core of what it means to truly pursue a fulfilled life, which is my greatest purpose. The journey to success is never a straight line, and every person following a dream faces moments when giving up feels like the easiest, most rational choice.
For me, that feeling of doubt arrived when my focus began to shift. I had built a successful European kitchen and bath store in Fort Lauderdale with my husband, right on A1A. We were doing great financially, and from the outside, I had it all. But on the inside, a quiet transformation had begun when I first stepped onto a yoga mat at 41. What started just for fun slowly became my deepest passion, and by 44, I decided to get certified as a teacher.
To answer your question directly, I knew I had to persist because my life’s purpose had fundamentally changed. Closing the doors on the successful kitchen business felt like a terrifying financial risk—a risk I was willing to take—because the alternative, giving up on my dream of teaching others to live vibrantly, felt like shutting down the most authentic part of my soul. My new direction wasn’t a choice; it was an undeniable, emotional urgency to serve and inspire. I embraced this new essential Plan A, because the passion to help others had become a powerful, vibrant light I could no longer ignore. When we are truly connected to our purpose, giving up simply is not an option, there is no Plan B. That purpose, I believe, is something unique, placed in your heart for a reason. Nobody else can fully understand your passion or see your dreams as clearly as you do, and that’s okay. They were meant for you to bring to reality. I believe in God, and I believe he has a purpose for all of us.
The early days of my new journey were hard. I was completely new, with no experience, and I knew that most new yoga teachers were young, or the teachers my age were already known and had a reputation. So, I had to work even harder to prove myself. This is when I had to shift my own perspective of myself and practice what I was preaching: belief in yourself. I realized that the limitations we face are not tied to our age or our past experiences, they reside solely in our minds, and have nothing to do with aging. That’s why I teach primarily the people over 40, men and women who want to get stronger, more flexible, and live a better life as we get older.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, at its core, isn’t really about yoga, supplements, or mats, it’s about empowerment through purpose. It grew organically, not from a desire for profit, but from a need to share the incredible transformation I found later in life. That’s what truly sets me apart. I didn’t start teaching yoga as a young athlete, I started at 44 after finding my own strength at 41, having lived a successful life in a completely different industry.
What I am most proud of is the genuine community I have built. While I gained valuable experience and built my foundational skills teaching for many years in local studios, I now focus primarily on connecting with my audience through social media and my YouTube channel. I teach all levels and ages, but my focus is on people over 40—men and women who may feel invisible, or who have been told that pain, joint issues, or physical decline are just “part of aging.” I reject that idea completely, and my community does too. I show them that our limitations live in our minds, not in our bodies, and that we can grow stronger and more flexible as we get older.
The Journey to Where We Are Today:
Getting here business-wise was absolutely not easy. Leaving my successful kitchen and bath store meant giving up financial security and a known identity to enter a new, competitive field where I was completely new. That was the first major challenge. The second was the doubt that crept in: was I too old to start? Would people take me seriously?
I overcame these challenges by relentlessly practicing the message I was preaching. I shifted my own perspective and decided that being new and being over 40 were actually my greatest strengths. My personal journey and my ability to relate to the real, day-to-day struggles of my audience became my unique value proposition. I worked harder than I ever had, building my online presence and focusing solely on my students’ transformation, which in turn fueled my growth.
The Lessons Learned:
The greatest lesson I’ve learned—the one that drives every choice I make—is that giving up is simply not an option when you are deeply connected with your God-given purpose. You must fight for that connection, fiercely and relentlessly. I learned that when you truly believe in yourself and commit to your mission, God opens doors: unexpected and miraculous opportunities unfold. This commitment is what led to incredible experiences, from teaching at the prestigious Yoga Expo to being the only US teacher invited to the Sensei wellness event in France in 2022. I have also been blessed with invitations to appear on national TV and various podcasts. Frankly, I never imagined anyone would care about my personal journey, but I share these successes not for pride, but because they are proof that your message matters. My hope is that my story provides beautiful evidence that when you choose courage over comfort, and purpose over fear, your faith is rewarded, and your light shines outward. If my journey can encourage just one person to fight for their own dream, then sharing every vulnerability and victory is a beautiful gift.
This belief in connection and purpose led to the creation of my products:
This belief in connection and purpose led to the creation of my products: My greatest new focus, and frankly, my new baby, is the VIBRANT AGE YOGA APP, which just launched on November 18th. This is the realization of a dream, directly answering the demands of so many students and followers who asked me for a tool to bring our practice home. Designed for men and women over 40—from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners—this app features all the classes I personally teach, which redefines aging well. While you learn directly from me, the platform is the only one of its kind powered by cutting-edge AI, delivering instant real-time alignment feedback directly from your video upload. This blend of my expertise and revolutionary technology isn’t just about movement; it’s about eliminating doubt, preventing injury, and ensuring you maximize every minute. We empower our users to build strength, flexibility, balance, and a strong mindset, giving them the confidence and vitality they need to live their happiest, most vibrant life.
My product line also includes the LOTUS MINDSET YOGA MATS WITH AFFIRMATIONS: These mats were born directly from my own menopause journey—an emotionally challenging time that required profound self-compassion and mental resilience. Each mat features the same affirmations that helped me navigate that emotional time, making them deeply personal and instantly relatable to anyone facing life’s inevitable transitions. This isn’t just about movement; it’s about movement with intention. We use the science of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which is the practice of rewiring the mind by consistently pairing language (the affirmation) with physical action (the yoga practice). By grounding yourself on a mat featuring a confident phrase, you interrupt old, negative self-talk patterns. Every time you step onto that mat, you are effectively using NLP to train your brain, rewiring your mind to feel more confident, calm, and empowered, turning intention into unshakable belief.
Completing my vision for holistic wellness, I launched my 4EvRSTRONG SUPPLEMENT LINE: focusing on the principle of taking care of yourself from the inside out. We started intentionally small, with only five core products designed to target common needs: an appetite suppressant, a powerful fat burner, a daily anti-aging formula, and a hormone balance complex. But the one that has truly taken off—and is selling like crazy because everyone is loving it—is our unique 3-in-1 blend of protein, collagen, and colostrum. It is the only one of its kind on the market, and unlike so many overly sweet powders, ours is genuinely delicious with a smooth vanilla flavor. This commitment to quality is non-negotiable: all our supplements are natural, Non-GMO, and proudly Made in the USA in a cGMP-Certified Facility. You won’t find any secrets here—we use Transparent Ingredient Labeling with No Fillers, No Artificial Additives, and No Preservatives, and everything is Third-Party Tested. Purity is paramount because when you fuel your body with the best, you unlock the energy and confidence to live your most vibrant life.
The Message to the World:
What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is simple yet profoundly liberating: It is never too late to begin, and you are never too old to pursue a life lived to the fullest. This is not just a motto; it is the truth I lived when I walked away from a safe business to chase my deeper purpose. My purpose is to shake people out of inertia—to inspire them to believe fiercely in their own possibility, to stop delaying, and to start taking courageous, consistent care of their bodies and minds. The journey to a fulfilling life is not a frantic dash; it is a marathon fueled by self-love and persistence. Stop looking back and start building forward. Follow that dream, find your undeniable purpose, and know with absolute certainty that you possess the inner fire to achieve it. You are 4EvRStrong enough, and your most vibrant chapter is waiting to be written, starting right now.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A Week of South Florida Sun and Soul
Day 1 & 2: Fort Lauderdale Focus (Beaches, Beauty, & Home Base)
Fort Lauderdale is our home base, and we’d start with what we have right here.
Morning: Beach & Wellness. We would start with a beautiful sunrise yoga session—maybe a gentle flow class on my YouTube channel, or a quick morning jog to warm up. Then, we’d spend the late morning soaking up the famous turquoise water and white sand of our local beaches.
Lunch: Grab a healthy, light lunch at a favorite spot near the beach.
Afternoon: Las Olas Charm. We’d head to Las Olas Boulevard for a beautiful afternoon. We’d walk along the river, browse the galleries and boutiques, and maybe stop for a coffee and people-watching.
Evening: Fort Lauderdale Nightlife. We would enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the restaurants on Las Olas. Afterward, we’d head to Downtown Fort Lauderdale to check out the energetic nightlife, enjoying cocktails and music in a vibrant setting.
Day 3 & 4: Miami & South Beach (Art, Energy, & Nightlife)
It’s a quick trip south to experience the iconic Miami scene.
Morning: Art & Culture. We’d drive down to Miami and dive into the incredible street art of Wynwood Walls. The colors, the creativity, and the energy there are truly inspiring and a great reminder of the power of vision.
Lunch: A quick, authentic Cuban meal in Little Havana—we must have some cafecito!
Afternoon: South Beach Sightseeing. We’d walk along the famous Ocean Drive in South Beach to admire the stunning Art Deco architecture and the vibrant, exciting mix of people.
Evening: South Beach Nightlife. This is where the magic happens! We’d grab dinner at one of the countless incredible restaurants, maybe enjoying some Latin fusion cuisine. The nightlife in South Beach is incredible, truly world-class, so we’d spend the evening dancing and soaking up that unique Miami energy. It’s too hard to pick just one spot, but the atmosphere itself is the event!
Day 5: Boca Raton (Balance & Elegance)
A quick stop north for a change of pace and a taste of elegance.
Morning: Shopping & Style. We’d head up to Boca Raton to experience the beautiful shopping areas, perhaps grabbing a delicious brunch.
Afternoon: Coastal Stroll. We’d enjoy a walk through one of Boca’s beautiful parks or nature areas near the coast, appreciating the manicured elegance and peaceful atmosphere.
Evening: Relax & Recharge. We’d drive back to Fort Lauderdale for a quiet, restorative evening. This would be a perfect time for a restorative yoga session or a relaxing evening on the patio, reflecting on the trip and recharging our energy.
Day 6: Palm Beach (History, Luxury, & Grandeur)
A day trip further north to see old-world Florida luxury.
Morning: Worth Avenue. We’d explore Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue, famous for its high-end boutiques, beautiful architecture, and lush tropical courtyards. It’s inspiring to see the level of history and luxury there.
Lunch: A sophisticated lunch overlooking the water or in a chic cafe.
Afternoon: The Breakers. We would drive past The Breakers hotel, admiring the historic grandeur and the beautiful coastal views that define Palm Beach.
Day 7: Farewell & Reflection
Morning: Purposeful Reflection. We’d spend the morning having a final, relaxed brunch. This is the perfect time to share our favorite moments from the week and reflect on the inspiration we found in the different cities. It’s a gentle reminder that the best part of life, like the best part of this trip, is the time spent together, pursuing joy and living fully.
This itinerary offers the perfect blend of local comfort, world-renowned party scenes, and beautiful coastal elegance—all within easy reach of our home in Fort Lauderdale!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This question beautifully captures a fundamental truth: no great dream is ever accomplished alone. My journey, from kitchen store owner to global yoga teacher and wellness entrepreneur, rests entirely on an invisible foundation of support, mentorship, and faith. I wouldn’t be here today, at 51, pursuing this biggest dream of my life, without dedicating sincere credit and recognition to a few incredible sources.
First and foremost, I dedicate my shoutout to Jesus Christ. My faith is the cornerstone of my purpose. It was in that belief that I found the strength to take the very first step, the one that required me to leave a stable business behind. My purpose, I feel, is to help people, especially those over 40, realize that they don’t have to surrender to pain or physical limitations. It is not okay to think you must start “going downhill” just because of your age. My spiritual journey helped me understand that our bodies are meant to be cared for, and that we have the power to age with grace, strength, and vitality.
Then, there is my beautiful family. My husband is one of my biggest supporters and believed in me from the very beginning, even when I told him I wanted to close our successful store to become a full-time yoga teacher. That kind of unwavering trust is a gift. My parents and my four children have also been an incredible inspiration. They view me as an example of resilience and hard work, and that role—showing them that it’s never too late to follow a vibrant calling—is the highest honor of all.
Finally, I have to shine a light on my yoga teacher, Juliana Trejo. Juliana was the one who gave me the essential push I needed. She recognized the passion in my practice and gently insisted that I put into action what I was teaching others: belief, courage, and action. Sometimes, we need a guide to remind us to step off the mat and into our destiny.
These individuals, through their support, their love, and their faith, are truly the reason I continue to fight for my purpose, my community, and the belief that a full life is always within reach.
Website: https://4evrstrong.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yogafter40
Image Credits
Erik Galindo
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