Meet Zamanta Archibold | Yoga and Meditation Instructor

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

Hi Zamanta, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2008, I returned to the United States, moving to Miami in the middle of the housing market collapse. I needed to find a way to make an income and, at the same time, be there for my 7-year-old daughter. Something I couldn’t accomplish in my field as an Interior Designer during an economic recession. I realized that if I had to start my own business, I needed to do something that I loved that didn’t take away from raising my child. By this point, yoga was already a lifestyle I was passionate about promoting. So, I became a qualified yoga teacher. Fortunately, my first teaching job in a yoga studio gave me flexible hours and the ability to have my daughter with me at the studio. 12 years later, I am proud of both the woman my daughter has become and my unique business, Za Yoga Life.

What should our readers know about your business?
I love my business because there is always more to learn and something new to experience. For me, Yoga is a lifestyle. They say when you do something you love with devotion, everything begins to flow, and I would have to say that in my experience, this is true. Of course, there were, and still are, many challenges, but I never lose sight of why I practice and teach yoga. When I first started teaching, I asked my Swami (a Hindu spiritual teacher), “How could I be a good yoga teacher?” His answer, “Listen to your students and be yourself.” His advice became my Mission Statement for Za Yoga Life. I still get most of my clients through word of mouth. I am always honored by these referrals and the trust my clients place in me. I take the time to listen to their needs and goals. Only then do I create a unique practice that is right for them. I believe that personal attention is what sets me apart. As for group classes, you never know what I will do (here’s a little secret) -Neither do I! I teach from my heart and trust in my knowledge and experience. With that said, I believe my biggest obstacle was and will always be that I don’t have all the answers. However, I find that if I remain true to my core knowledge, values, and experiences, what I need to express, teach, and share comes together. Yoga is not a phase in my life. It is my life! My brand, Za Yoga Life, stands for Zamanta Archibold Yoga Life. My business goal is to share my experiences. By sharing my joys, pains, failures, and lessons, I hope to demonstrate how you can heal and find balance in your life. Above all, that’s what gives me the most pride in what I do.

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.
2020 created a ‘New Norm’ with COVID 19 in our lives. The way we socialize has changed, but it hasn’t stopped us from finding ways to bond. I live in Florida, where the climate is warm all year round. So, anytime is a great time to discover our beaches and hiking trails. I would recommend skipping the overcrowded Miami and Fort Lauderdale beaches and explore the smaller, prettier beaches. One great local beach I recommend is Lake Worth Beach. If you are an early riser, enjoy breakfast at Bennie’s while watching the surfers. Then, go over the bridge to Bohemian, a bit-off-kilter downtown Lake Worth. After spending a few days enjoying the sun, sea, sand, change pace, and spend some time in nature. Wellington has several wonderful woodland trails. A newfound favorite of mine is Pinehurst Trail, a 4.6-mile trail around a beautiful lake, great for cyclists, runners, hikers, and those yogis who enjoy a nice meditative walk.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think a lot of people deserve credit for the type of yoga teacher I became. So, I give thanks and gratitude to all my teachers, their teachers, and all the people who showed me love, throughout the years. However, if it were not for my daughter, I wouldn’t have had the drive to be a better person and create an image of a life I want her to live. My daughter taught me to lead by example as she held the mirror for me to see.

Website: www.zayoga.com
Instagram: zayogalife.com/instagram
Twitter: twitter.com/zayoga
Facebook: Facebook.com/ZaYoga