I’m a native New Yorker, born and raised on the city’s Upper East Side. I grew up horseback riding competitively in the jumpers division. After graduating from Columbia University and beginning work full-time, my schedule didn’t permit me to continue riding. I began looking for something to fill that void. I tried various fitness classes but nothing really stuck or appealed to me. One day, my mother brought me to Bikram yoga class with her. I thought I was dying during the class and that everyone in the room was insane. After class however, I felt euphoric and cleansed mentally, emotionally and physically. I knew I had to keep coming back. In hindsight, I realize now that horseback riding was a form of yoga for me. One of the things I love most about riding is its meditative aspect. When you are riding a horse, a beautiful yet unpredictable animal, your mind must be fully present at all times. If your thoughts wander for even one second, you will fall off the horse (which happened to me more than a few times). This is the same meditation and mind-body connection that is developed in a hatha yoga class. During difficult periods in my life when I have experienced sadness or anxiety, it has been such a relief to turn to my meditation and to not have to think about anything other than the task at hand. In 2016, at the encouragement of my yoga teachers, I participated in my first USA Yoga NY Regional competition. I struggled for many years with disordered eating and body image issues so the idea of being on stage wearing a leotard petrified me. That’s when I knew I had to do the competition. It was completely out of my comfort zone, which is exactly where I needed to be. I have continued to participate in the competition every year since then. This year, I surprised myself by placing first in New York State at regional. I am so grateful that my mother brought me to that first Bikram yoga class. Through my daily practice, slowly but surely, I feel that I am connecting to myself on a deeper level and getting in touch with that part inside of me, and inside all of us, that is infinite. I love the strong community I encounter when I visit new studios all around the world- it is a beautiful, big family. I am very honored that Angelie has designed a leotard inspired by my journey. I was raised by a single mother and attended an all girls high school, so I immediately loved Of the Saints’ philosophy: embracing both the fierceness and grace of femininity, igniting strength and beauty from within. Of the Saints’ message shines through their unique and beautiful designs. Every time I wear their leotards in yoga class or out paddle boarding I feel not only comfortable but also confident and strong.