Meet Nathalie Croix | Yoga Teacher Trainer, Author and Podcaster
We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathalie Croix and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nathalie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
In my experience, there are pivotal times in our professional lives when we need to embrace a certain level of imbalance to achieve our goals. For me, these moments included opening my first yoga studio, writing my first book (and those yet to come), working under major deadlines on yoga training manuals, launching our wellness retreat house, and creating my podcast. These were times when I felt undeniably “out of balance,” but I don’t regret them. Each moment was a necessary step toward growth, both for my business and my personal evolution.
That said, I believe it’s essential to recalibrate once these intense periods pass. Striving for work-life balance has become a priority for me, especially as I’ve matured and my business has expanded. Over time, I’ve learned to reevaluate what is truly necessary and what I can let go of. Learning to say no has been one of the most powerful tools in maintaining this balance. I highly recommend The Book of No: 365 Ways to Say It and Mean It by Susan Newman—it’s an invaluable resource.
I’ve also implemented practical strategies to maintain balance in my daily life. For example, I automate emails and avoid sending or responding to work communications outside of regular business hours, respecting both my own time and that of others. The ability to schedule emails is a game-changer! Weekends are reserved for personal time or special work events, which do come up often in my field.
For anyone in the health and wellness space, I recommend creating a structured work schedule and sticking to it. It’s equally important to monitor your time on social media, turn off your phone occasionally, and prioritize being present with your loved ones.
Ultimately, if we’re teaching health and wellness, we need to embody the principles we advocate. Walking the talk starts with us, and finding balance in our lives is key to inspiring others to do the same.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My main business is Shanti Yoga Training School, where I offer 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training certifications, yoga nidra certifications, and various health and wellness programs. Over time, my company has evolved into a travel-based model, partnering with yoga studios across the country to deliver our programs, while also continuing to offer trainings online. Additionally, the podcasts and books I create all align under the Shanti Yoga umbrella, complementing the work I do through the school.Beyond Shanti Yoga, I’m also a Human Design coach, having trained with Erin Claire Jones. I offer online readings to help individuals align with their unique energy and purpose. I often travel to lead workshops, and I participate in yoga festivals and conferences, which keeps me connected to the broader yoga community.After working at YogaWors for many years, as part of YW managing and teaching team, I owned a yoga studio for nearly a decade and launched my podcast in 2017. However, everything I’ve accomplished in my career has been the result of dedication, resilience, and patience—it didn’t happen overnight. Along the way, there have been trials, tribulations, and what some might call failures. Yet, I don’t see these moments as failures but as essential lessons. They taught me to embrace the unknown and to view every challenge as an opportunity for growth.Life isn’t linear, and neither is our professional journey. Don’t be afraid to take chances and explore new directions. And if the destination doesn’t feel right, be bold enough to course-correct. Staying present to your own evolution, reevaluating your goals, and adapting as life shifts are crucial.For me, teaching yoga is more than a profession—it’s a calling. It’s a path that continually challenges and inspires me to grow while empowering others to do the same.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Los Angeles! The city’s diversity and progressive energy continuously inspire me and push me to grow. Just being immersed in the dynamic vibe of L.A. makes you feel motivated and alive. Here are some of my favorite spots around the city: Laurel Canyon, I lived here for many years, Pace Restaurant has delicious food and great ambiance. Canyon Country Store – so much history here. Lauren Canyon Cafe – my local coffee shop Topanga Canyon: I often stay here when I’m in town—it’s a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. I love having breakfast at Cafe on 27 and indulging in lunch or dinner at Inn of the Seventh Ray, which offers a magical ambiance. Be Love Apparel – love this store in Old Topanga.Nobu Malibu: Incredible Japanese cuisine paired with breathtaking ocean views—it’s a must-visit.Moonshadows in Malibu: A classic spot for enjoying a delicious meal with the ocean right at your feet.Look for Malibu beach spots where you can bring your dogs—there are plenty! Dan Tana’s: This cozy spot in West Hollywood is a classic and always delivers great food and energy.The Beverly Hills Hotel: Perfect for a sophisticated lunch or relaxing in their lounge and piano bar. Nate’n Al’s Deli: A Beverly Hills institution—delicious, comforting, and nostalgic.Sprinkles Cupcakes & Urth Caffé: These are my go-to spots for satisfying a sweet tooth or grabbing a perfect latte.La Poubelle Bistro & Bar: Located on Franklin Avenue, it’s one of my favorite places to unwind with great food and drinks.Honest Ritual in Topanga: Treat yourself to a sculptural facial or one of their amazing spa treatments.Surya Spa: Martha Soffer is an absolute gem—her Ayurvedic treatments are transformative and deeply nourishing.The Peninsula Hotel: My favorite place to stay in L.A. Their brunch is fantastic and worth every moment.Crossroads Kitchen: For a top-tier plant-based meal, you can’t beat this spot.When it comes to yoga, I highly recommend checking out Shiva Rose by my friend Garth Hewitt and Center for Yoga, where many of my YogaWorks colleagues can be found sharing their expertise.L.A. is truly a city that offers endless inspiration, creativity, and soul-nourishing experiences. Whether you’re enjoying its world-class cuisine, indulging in wellness treatments, or deepening your yoga practice, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with here.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my career and yoga journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with phenomenal mentors and teachers. These are individuals who believed in me, often seeing potential I didn’t yet recognize in myself. For this, I am eternally grateful. I truly believe that having great teachers and mentors is foundational to any meaningful path. However, these relationships are not one-sided—they require dedication, effort, and accountability from the student or mentee.
Being “coachable” is key. It involves a willingness to learn, a commitment to growth, and a level of surrender to the wisdom of your teacher. In my experience, these mentor-mentee connections have shaped everything I do, and I cherish the lessons and inspiration I’ve gained from each one.
Here are some of the mentors and teachers who have profoundly impacted my journey, each in unique and invaluable ways:
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: I spent a decade studying with this legendary teacher, immersing myself in yoga philosophy, daily practice, and the art of living yoga both on and off the mat.
Maty Ezraty: Maty, my beloved teacher and one of the founders of YogaWorks, was an instrumental force in my life. During my years at YogaWorks, I learned not only the art of teaching yoga but also the business of yoga. Maty saw my potential when I was young, inexperienced, and seeking direction. Her teachings and legacy continue to inspire me every day.
Annie Carpenter: Annie taught me the intricacies of intelligent sequencing and introduced me to her SmartFlow Yoga system. As a SmartFlow-certified teacher, I owe much of my understanding of mindful and safe yoga practices to her. She remains a significant source of inspiration and guidance.
Melanie Fawer: Melanie introduced me to Pattabhi Jois and led me on my first transformative trip to India. Over the past 25 years, we’ve collaborated and grown together, and she continues to be a guiding light in my life and work.
Julie Piatt (Sri Mati): Julie came into my life later, and her mentorship has been nothing short of transformative. From introducing me to the daily practice of tea ceremony and meditation to teaching me discernment and perspective, her influence touches both my business and personal life. Her mantra, “We are the ones we have been waiting for,” resonates deeply with me and inspires how I approach my work and relationships. I meet with Julie monthly for spiritual and life guidance, and the impact of this relationship has been a true game-changer.
My hope for others is that they, too, find mentors and teachers who inspire, guide, and uplift them. These relationships don’t happen overnight—they require patience, trust, and a willingness to invest in the process. Believe in yourself, stay open to learning, and the right connections will come into your life at the right time.
I love the saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” It holds so much truth, and it also reminds us of the importance of being present and aware enough to recognize when that teacher has arrived.
Website: www.
Instagram: @NathalieCroix
Linkedin: https://www.
Twitter: NathalieCroix
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.
Other: IG also @ShantiYogaTrainingSchool Websites www.nathaliecroix.com
Image Credits
Robert Sturman, Marianna Massey, Derek Goodwin and Patrick Niddrie
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