Hey babe! Tell everyone a bit about yourself!

My name is Kiana Ochoa and I am 19 years old. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I was born premature with a weaker immune system than the average child. This didn’t stop me from being active. I was in many sports growing up including volleyball, football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, gymnastics, cheerleading, and I ran track. I was such an active kid, but before I knew it, injuries began popping up. I have pulled hamstrings, quads, injured shoulders, wrists, and ankles, I even have Osgood Slaughters disease as the result of being overworked. From the age of 5 until my late teen years, I worked my body way too hard, way too fast, and it left me faced with consequences. Through the injuries and having to quit my last sport, track, due to a pulled quadricep, I found a whole new light. This is what guided me to Yoga. I am now a certified Yoga Instructor teaching in Buda and Austin, Texas.

What spurred your interest with pursuing a deep passion for yoga?

In a way, being forced to give up the harsh physical work out, lead me back practicing yoga asana (postures). This small part of yoga still gave my body a challenge, sweat, and brought some flexibility back into this vessel. I also began to feel moments of complete relaxation and peace in savasana (relaxation), something I never felt after a workout, sports practice, or game. My interests in the deeper parts of yoga came naturally the more I practiced. I found myself reading about chakras and learning how to meditate. I started to create a deep connection with myself learning about my mind and body. This taught me that there is so much I don’t know about this body but Yoga offered me the tools I needed to move forward on the journey to myself.

How long have you been on this journey now?

I practiced some as a child, but I have been on this deeper journey for about 2 years.

Who would you say have been your biggest supporters?

My mother has been my biggest supporter and my number one fan. My father, his knowledge guides and teaches me to think bigger than the box and to see things with a different light. My sweet love Aaron, for being my best friend, standing by my side, holding me, loving me, and inspiring me always. My step parents and grandmother support me by loving me. My aunt Ambrosia, so supportive and loving, has actually been a huge part of my Yoga journey, she guided me into my first Yoga teacher training with my amazing teachers Shanon Buffington and Charly Faulkner, for her I am forever grateful.

What are some major things you've learned along the way?

I have learned that the present moment is the most important. Healing is every day work. Letting go will set you free. Everyone I meet is my teacher. Show all life respect and honor, and always love love love!!!

Where do you ultimately see yourself in the future? What is the end game?

I tend not to look so far in the future, for that time doesn’t exist and I am only here now. Having a goal is nice, I would love to teach Yoga all over the world, spend time in Third World countries helping the locals in any way that is needed, and continuing to learn and give people the tools they need on their journeys to self.

What do you love doing when you're not in a balancing position?

I love to paint and get my hands dirty. I love blending colors together and letting go not knowing what the finished product will look like. Cooking and baking have also been consuming lots of my time lately. For me, working with food is so peaceful and requires me to be fully present in the moment. I spend my summers back packing and or camping in the mountains grounding and tuning into nature.

What advice would you give a beginner, or someone considering taking yoga into their daily routine?

Meet your body where you are. Yoga is NOT about how flexible you are or how long you can hold a handstand. Simply showing up, doing the work, and giving your body the time it needs to heal, is a great start. Your body craves movement, and there are many different kinds of yoga. Power yoga, Yin yoga, meditation classes, Yoga Nidra… the list goes on. There will be something you like, something your body says, “yes I need this”, you just have to listen!

And lastly, what motivates you to get down and put your body to blissful action, day in & day out?

Self-love is a huge motivator in continuing my practice. I love myself enough to pause my busy life and practice, for my mental and physical health. I also believe that the only way to heal this world is to first heal myself, this motivates me to spread peace and love through out the world and to everyone I meet. Keep up with her journey on Instagram! @kianasabrie SHOP WHAT'S CURRENTLY IN KIANA’S MAKEUP COLLECTION: I love the Wonderful Shimmer Blush, find similar here Sun Daze Shimmer Eye shadow SunTan With Me Shimmer Eye Shadow - works amazing as a highlighter too! Flat Top Brush, I use this every day. Eye Blending brush, I love this one because its so soft and gentle!!!