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

Hi Sam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wish I had some elaborate business plan to share, but honestly I did it as a declaration of independence. I wanted to be my own boss, live by my own values and stay authentic with what I had to share. I formed my LLC on a Tuesday and submitted the application online in 2019. It was as simple as that.

What should our readers know about your business?

My journey into yoga and the creation of Cafe Namaste has been nothing short of a transformative adventure. As a multipassionate entrepreneur, I wear the hats of a lifestyle architect, yoga teacher, photographer, and creative force behind Cafe Namaste™, a wellness brand designed to uplift individuals through a holistic approach to well-being, both personally and socially.

Living in four countries both in Europe and Africa, my most profound journey unexpectedly led me inward. Guided by my mom’s journey with yoga and inspired by Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi and the Bhagavad Gita, I transitioned from a career in non-profits, aiding orphaned teens in Rwanda and crafting educational programs in Prague, to a pursuit of yoga and holistic well-being.

Cafe Namaste originated from a desire to establish a sanctuary in downtown Miami—a place where individuals could relax, reset and recharge. It initially manifested as a yoga and plant-based brunch social on a rooftop, seeking to infuse health and joyful living into Miami’s not-so-healthy party scene. Beyond the studio class, my vision was to empower individuals, inspire them, and foster meaningful connections.

The journey, however, was far from easy. I initially worked only in studios, teaching as much as I could. I was volunteering one day at a women’s shelter and was invited by a fellow volunteer to teach yoga at their building in downtown. I happily agreed and thought it might be fun to work in a different location. I was then given an opportunity to host an event. With no prior event management experience, I sought support from a coffee partner who had previously provided complimentary coffee and tea at my classes held at the Kampong Gardens in Coconut Grove. This practice of post-class connections proved invaluable, offering a chance for people to unwind and engage at a slower pace.

Despite my background in non-profit work and higher education, I embarked on the demanding journey of branding, event planning, and sponsor acquisition for Cafe Namaste. I chose vibrant colors of pink and yellow to symbolize joy, fun, and Miami living. Cafe Namaste was initially meant to be a three-month non-alcoholic event series on a rooftop pool deck, a vision that unfolded just before the onset of the pandemic.

Then the pandemic hit, shattering my business and propelling me into a period of profound personal loss and upheaval. Juggling the closure of my business, the moving out of my Coral Gables home, and my mom’s debilitating sickness, I found myself driving between Naples and Miami. It was the worst period of life. I didn’t know how to manage a business in Miami while trying to save my mom from her unknown disease. On top of it all, my grandparents both died that same year to cancer and a heart attack. I felt like I was drowning.

While I was caring for my mom, taking her to hospital visits, teaching Yoga in Naples, I still drove once or twice a month to Miami to host Cafe Namaste events. During this time, my public events switched to private due to the pandemic. Those drives to Miami became a refuge for me.

Eventually I moved back to Miami for a brief time while my Mom moved in with my sister. I was slowly coming back to Miami life and started more programming in something I hold dear to my heart – philanthropy. At the heart of what I’ve always done is support the community, whether in Miami, Prague, or rural Rwanda. I think there is no greater joy than being of service to others.

Then, on October 1st, my world shattered with the sudden death of my mom. This event marked the culmination of a pivotal year, losing not only her but also my grandparents, all of whom I looked up to for guidance and support. My life shifted as I navigated the responsibilities of her estate in Jacksonville, often finding solace in the solitude of my car, transforming it into a space for reflection during those long six hour drives.

Through this intense period of grief, I learned that death and loss are not something to overcome; instead, we learn to live with them, one moment at a time, one breath at a time. This profound lesson influenced my approach not only to life but also in running a business. Most issues in running a business don’t bother me like they once did. I don’t sweat the small stuff because I’ve already gone through the worst. I cherish the people I work with, the long-term relationships I form and the community we support. I hope Cafe Namaste and any venture I take on leaves people feeling whole, loved, and connected. Because in the end, only love matters.

Cafe Namaste stands today as a brand built on love, devotion, and a commitment to uplifting the community through wellness, the timeless wisdom of Yoga, and philanthropy. It is joyful.

In the face of personal tragedies, I’ve found comfort in the pursuit of peace, cherishing each moment before I sleep, and spreading joy, even if it is wearing hot pink and yellow. Despite all of the loss and hardship, I do believe people have the power within to create a life that is wholesome, impactful and fulfilling. To change your life is to change the world.

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.

I love Miami and all that it has to offer! Although I was born in Ohio, I love warm weather and vibrant colors. Miami is home.
Of course I’d take them to my public weekend classes at two stunning outdoor locations, the Kampong Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove and the ocean terrace at the Nautilus Sonesta Hotel in Miami Beach.

For coffee, we’d go to my favorite cafe, The Bazaar Project, in the Grove for some Turkish coffee and beautiful decor. A few of my favorite restaurants that have plant-based options include Planta Queen, and Lira Beirut Eatery.

I love outdoor spaces and beautiful architecture, so naturally Vizcaya Museum and Gardens would be a must. If available, I’d take them to a Candlelight Concert followed by dinner at the Biltmore Hotel. Museum Park is another favorite spot for an afternoon at the Perez Museum and lunch at Verde. The views are beautiful. For a beach day, we’d go to Key Biscayne for nature and a peaceful place!

If we indulged too much, I’d bring them to Barry’s for an intense workout, and my personal favorite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My transformative journey into Yoga was set into motion by my late mom. Her guidance, and unwavering support for all of my ventures gave me the strength to carry on and approach life with courage. Even in her absence, I find solace from the enduring belief she instilled in me – the conviction that I can conquer any challenge and that I am enough just as I am.

Website: journeysforthesoul.com, gocafenamaste.com

Instagram: @journeysforthesoul , @cafenamaste_soflo

Image Credits
Isabelle Åberg – only in portraits

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