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

Hi Brandy, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My postpartum depression that hit me in 2016 was the pathway to creating my business, Heart & Soul Yoga. I was never a person who struggled with anxiety or depression but after having my first baby, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I went through a deep depression and debilitating anxiety which lasted about 9 long months. On that 9th month something clicked and I started to wake up out of the dark cloud I was in. I decided in a moment, that I needed a plan of action to take care of my body and my mind. I started therapy right away and I brought my yoga practice back into my life after taking a significant hiatus. Yoga originally came into my life in 2003 and I knew in my first class that it was filling me with medicine. I planted a seed in 2003 that one day I wanted to teach yoga as therapy to help people regulate their emotions and obtain a more balanced life. After seeing many of my loved ones struggle with their mental health and overcoming my own struggle with postpartum, I wanted to introduce yoga to people not as a form of physical exercise but as a “work-in” to healing their body, mind and hearts. I also felt there was a void in my city for mental health and wellness resources so I started to build community partnerships and social wellness events that bridged together positive and unique interactions to improve mental health. After years of growing this community, I felt called to do more with our growth and so I launched The Local Wellness Foundation. Our non-profit offers comprehensive wellness programs tailored for schools, corporations, working groups, and communities across the state. Our focus is on diversifying health and wellness, redefining self-care, and cultivating leadership and community advocacy through a variety of classes, workshops, and social wellness events. At the heart of our work are our core values: community empowerment, growth, healing, education, leadership and positive engagement.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

When I started teaching yoga, it was a total career change. I had to embrace the change and the possible challenges ahead of me. I did not look like a type-A yoga teacher. At the time I was 215 lbs, I was a mom with two babies in diapers, I was pushing 40 and I lived in a community that did not know too much about yoga or wellness practices. I took a risk, believed in myself and invested in myself. I decided to be honest and transparent about who I was and what my own obstacles and challenges had been in my life path and as a yoga teacher. I think this vulnerability started to build genuine connection and a true sense of belonging throughout the growth of the community. We are a yoga organization that truly holds diversity and inclusion as a priority in our business mission – we execute on our messaging. Although, starting this business and nonprofit has not been easy, it is fueled with authenticity and a passion for breaking stigmas and cycles, which makes it easier for me to relentlessly pursue my goals. I’ve learned so many lessons along the way but these are my golden nuggets: 1. community over competition 2. what others think of you is none of your business 3. rest but don’t give up 4. meditation will always clear the path and lead you the right way 5. how others treat you is a reflection of how they feel about themselves 6. if you want to change the world, start with yourself 7. it is never too late.

A big accomplishment in my career is our recent Take Action LA award from California Mental Health Services Authority and LA County Mental Health Department. This grant gives me permission to curate an event for Service Area 7 in honor of mental health awareness month. This event will offer comprehensive workshops, taught by wellness and mental health experts, giving attendees holistic tools to help take preventative action towards improving their mental health. These workshops will include yoga, breathwork, meditation, soundbath, acupressure and community empowerment opportunities.

Taking a leap of faith into my career change has been the most incredible journey and most rewarding experience. I want the world to know that I became a yoga teacher to teach more than yoga – I wanted people to become empowered in learning how to care, nurture, love and heal themselves. I want the world to know that I am more than a yoga teacher, I am an active mental health advocate and a relentless cycle-breaker.

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.
We would hike and watch the beautiful view of Whittier College Hills, go to Heart & Soul Yoga for some yoga and meditation, hit up Uptown Whittier’s farmers market and end the day by heading over to Phlight in Uptown Whittier for their bacon wrapped dates, ahi-tuna tostada and ground-beef pickle taco. Don’t forget the wine!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being able to guide, heal and connect with my beautiful Heart & Soul Yoga community is really what has kept me going over these last few years. And I cannot give gratitude without mentioning the remarkable leaders of The Local Wellness Foundation that have been called to work with me to help build upon our mission. Being able to hold space for others has grounded me and fueled my mission. Being able to share my vision with others and have them believe not only in it but in me is an honor. Off of my mat, I have received the most enlightening and profound guidance from attending workshops and reading the works of Yung Pueblo. Excited to share that Yung Pueblo has even given me live feedback on some of my writing that will be published later this year. And lastly, from my heart and soul, I thank my parents for being my biggest teachers and my husband and kids for being my forever tribe.

Website: www.thelocalwellnessfoundation.og

Instagram: heartandsoulyogaandwellness

Image Credits
Hilda Centeno @centenoportraits

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