Meet Sabrina Mata | Yoga Teacher

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

Hi Sabrina, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
I believe the single most important decision I made for myself, aside from my work, was believing in my own power. It is necessary to keep my focus on my goals and not get distracted by outside noise. I trust my intuition and respect the pace of my own journey, while avoiding comparing my progress to others in my industry. Where we put our attention, energy flows. I have invested a lot in self-improvement and stayed authentic throughout my own story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It was a challenging and transformational journey for me to become a successful yoga teacher in California. As an immigrant who came here for a living abroad experience, I never thought yoga would become my career. Although I always loved practicing, I had different plans before moving to LA. However, as I started to study alongside practicing, everything changed within me and yoga became the way I could communicate, the community I belonged to, and the place where I found that my voice mattered. At first, few people believed in me when I took the Yoga Teacher training. I remember some of my colleagues suggesting that I could work in Brazilian or “Spanish” communities because of the language barrier. However, I knew it was just a matter of time, and I continued to invest in trainings and work opportunities all over LA.
Nowadays, I am very selective with the places I work at and the brands I am associated with. Building a personal brand requires a strong foundation of principles and values, and a consistent work ethic guided by discipline, integrity and endless knowledge.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is one of the best places in the world. From the sands to the mountains, in California we can definitely enjoy the beach and the snow lifestyle. I could suggest great spots for a plant based delicious meals as Planta in Marina Del Rey, Gracias Madre in WEHO, Shojin Vegan Sushi in Downtown LA, or a shitake salad at Nobu with an unforgettable Sunset view in Malibu. We have a lot of Vegan options here. I love it. A classic concert at Hollywood Bowl or a unique performance at Greek Theater. Walking through the charming Abbot Kinney street in Venice for shopping or having a glass of wine at Gjelina. There are a lot of beautiful yoga studios everywhere, the well known hiking in Hollywood and bike rentals available at the beach areas. For the art lovers, Lacma and the Broad museum are my favorites. I could be listing a long interesting itinerary of amazing things to explore in the City of Angels.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had the privilege of learning from amazing individuals who have helped shape my teaching style and inspire me on my journey as both a teacher and entrepreneur. Among them, Annie Carpenter stands out as a key figure in my development, as I completed 100 hours of Yoga Training with her even after completing a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Yogaworks. Additionally, Seane Corn’s classes have always motivated and inspired me. Beyond yoga, there are other women who have influenced and motivated me in the wellness industry. Mentorship from creative individuals is essential for personal and professional growth.

Website: www.matawellness.com

Instagram: sabrinamata

Facebook: Sabrinamata

Image Credits
Livia Wippich her IG @wippich (pic in a black dress smiling and in a black white floral yoga outfit); Black and White Pics (mirror LA – IG @mirror.la) Alexis Peterson her IG @alexispetersonphoto (pics out side ocean in a white dress and yoga on the beach)