New Jersey is home to many ambitious and talented women who juggle family, career, and home. A select few of these women are also extremely busy building their own companies to help better manage the balance of work and family. At NJMOM, we want to highlight these extraordinary women who build businesses in New Jersey, and learn the secret to their success.
Yoga Instructor, Blogger, & NJMOMpreneur:
Yulady Saluti
Yulady Saluti is a yoga instructor, blogger, breast cancer survivor, and mother of six. Her jaw-dropping poses will catch the eye of anybody who crosses her Instagram, as she inspires thousands of yogis through all walks of life to achieve physical goals in yoga and general heath. But Yulady’s practice and teachings aim for something deeper – a connection between mind, body, and spirit. She has been featured on yoga DVD’s with celebrities, graced the covers of magazines, and continues to grow her loyal following, all while raising her large family at the Jersey Shore. As a public figure, much of her physical and spiritual journeys are shared with her followers, including her battle with breast cancer. Having undergone 28 surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, Yulady is an inspiration to keep fighting when life presents its darkest challenges. What’s more, is her ability to lead with grace, truthfulness, and strength.
NJMOM had the pleasure of chatting with Yulady about her ever-evolving practice, her and her husband’s shared love of yoga, and her favorite things to do in New Jersey with her six children.
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Yulady: I am a yoga teacher and as such interact with my clients/students on many levels. I teach them about the connection between their mind, body and spirit. Many of my students come to yoga to find physical health. I try and help them realize that physical health is only the starting point in a journey towards spiritual growth. I believe this concept is similar to many other yoga teachers. What is unique is the manner in which each teacher chooses to help their students find this path.
NJMOM: What inspired you to get into your line of business?
Yulady: I was inspired to become a yoga teacher from being a yoga student first. When I started my yoga journey I was immediately drawn to the practice. This led me to want to learn more about the practice of yoga and I decided to do a teacher training to deepen my understanding of yoga. At the same time I began to suffer significant health issues and yoga was the answer to my prayers. It allowed me to cope with terrible pain and suffering, both mentally and physically.
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your job?
Yulady: My favorite part about my job is watching my students grow their practices. This occurs on many different levels and at various rates. There is no better feeling than watching one of my students achieve a new pose on their mat and then take their new found confidence and translate it into their life in some way. It’s tremendously rewarding and will never get old.
NJMOM: What is your background in your business expertise?
Yulady: To become a yoga teacher I took various trainings and this led me to a deeper self practice. As much as I have learned from structured teacher trainings, I think I have discovered more about teaching through my own practice. My yoga journey has taken me as far as India and even to a 10 day silent meditation retreat. This process will never end and I learn something new with each breath I take on and off of my mat.
NJMOM: What are you most proud of in your career?
Yulady: I think the thing I am most proud of in my career is the influence I have had on my family. I am very lucky and have been featured on the cover of magazines, taught online classes for a major yoga platform, made DVD’s with celebrities, and that’s only naming a few highlights. These things feel meaningless in comparison to how yoga has changed me as a mother and wife. It is this progress that brings me the most joy and that for which I am most grateful and proud.
NJMOM: What is something few people know about you?
Yulady: There is not much people don’t know about me. I have chosen to share my journey on social media. The good the bad and everything in between. I am very open and honest on social media and even shared my medical struggles (28 surgeries, breast cancer, chemo, radiation, my colostomy bag). I am a huge fan of the TV series The West Wing and live politics now because of it. That’s one most people don’t know!
NJMOM: What can we expect from you in 2017?
Yulady: In 2017 I am leading my first teacher training and I get to do this with my husband who is also a yoga teacher and my best friend in the world. In my personal life, I’m going to continue to try and improve as a mother, wife, and friend.
NJMOM: What is a cause you are most passionate about?
Yulady: I am most passionate about kindness. My motto is, “Be kind all the time,” and I work with many charities to try and further this goal. I specifically love 109 World, a charity associated with the online platform for which I teach yoga, OneOEight.
NJMOM: Who is your role model?
Yulady: I don’t really have a role model. Although, there are many people that have helped shape me as a yoga teacher. Tara Styles and Rachel Breathen are two of my mentors, although I think they would say we all mentor each other. That’s the way I choose to look at things. We are all here to help each other succeed and grow.
NJMOM: What is the best piece of advice your mom ever gave to you?
Yulady: The best piece of advice I ever got from my mom was to always be truthful. Be truthful in your words and actions. I try and teach this lesson to my children as much as possible and live this lesson everyday.
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by?
Be kind all the time.
Yulady: There is no better way to live your life than to spread kindness to each other.
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in New Jersey with your family?
Yulady: After living in North Jersey for many years, we moved to the beach about three years ago. I absolutely love being near the ocean and spending time at the beach with my children. I actually hate the sand, but they love it so much that it has become my favorite place to spend time. I like being there off-season when it’s quiet and not so crowded.
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
Yulady: For me, the best part about being a mom is watching my children achieve anything. Their smallest victory is greater than anything I could ever accomplish for myself.
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in New Jersey?
Yulady: My favorite business in New Jersey is a cafe in Belmar named Stay Gold. It is owned by our dear friends and serves healthy foods, juices, acai bowls, and coffee. The cafe is vibrant and full of love. You feel it the minute you walk through the doors. I feel like I am home.
NJMOM: Where do you reside and vacation in New Jersey?
Yulady: I reside and vacation in the same place, the Jersey Shore. However, it’s not called that if you live here. We call it the beach!
NJMOM: Anything else you’d like to tell moms in New Jersey?
Yulady: There is a wonderful wellness community here in New Jersey. Take the time to find the places and businesses that will help you raise your children in a mindful and healthy way.
To learn more about Yulady, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and visit her website.
