April Denning is a Valley yoga instructor and retreat host. “You can find me teaching at local studios around the Valley and hosting super-cool yoga events through my business, Yoga With April.” Learn about April Denning…
Follow at: @april_yog; @rooted.retreat.co
Hometown: Lansing, MI
First job: Bussing tables at a yummy local Italian restaurant.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: We are so lucky to live here! I try to spend most of my free time in nature. I love to hike, camp and paddleboard. I also love getting lost in a good book and spending time with my pup.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment would really be the journey I am currently on, building my brand and my business. Moving across the country with whatever I could fit in my car at the time will always be a second. Anything that forces me out of my comfort zone to grow, really.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The continuous fear of failure. There are a lot of things I can think of that I wouldn’t have done for the simple sake that I was scared I’d fail or not be good enough. We have to remember to get out of our own way sometimes and that the act of trying and failing will always be cooler than not trying at all.
Someone who inspires you and why: I’m inspired by women daily. As I’ve gotten older, and have had the pleasure to witness the many layers of women and what we are capable of, it really reminds me to keep going, keep doing and to keep being my true self.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Stop worrying so much about what others are doing, and stay true to what feels right for you. People want authenticity and realness. Less following other people’s path and more creation of your own lane.
Favorite quote: “Everything your soul desires is on the other side of all the stories you’re telling yourself about why you can’t have it, why it’s not here yet, and why it will never be.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: How much I used to hate public speaking. I’d do whatever I could to not have to speak to a group. I for sure still do feel those nerves but teaching yoga has gotten me out of my shell a bit.
What makes someone fabulous: When they stay true to themselves. It’s easy to get lost in the translation of the world around us and sometimes necessary to find yourself a bit but I love when someone lives in their truth and their passions.