Say hello to Brigitte Kouba. You may know her as Gigi Yogini.
One afternoon I fell down the wonderful rabbit hole that is the internet and stumbled upon Gigi’s site, gigiyogini.com. And I have to tell you, it was love from the first click. Her video, “Bakasana for Big Booties,” had me saying “Amen, sister.”
About a week later, I found myself in one of Gigi’s classes, feeling completely blissed out.
Discovering Gigi Yogini was like discovering a self love guru. She inspires all women to love their bodies and appreciate the way they move.
So please, sit back, relax, and some Q & A with the fabulous Gigi Yogini!
1. Describe a day in the life of Gigi Yogini.
Wake up early. Cuddle with my sweetheart. Drink coffee. Walk the dog. Teach Yoga. Write. Do business. Cook dinner. Express gratitude. Sleep like a baby.
2. What led you to yoga?
I copied my mom while she practiced when I was three. Then I found it again while in college after being an athlete for years. I was hooked. It was fitness and spirituality wrapped into one. I couldn’t be happier.
3. What made you decide to become a yoga teacher?
I wanted to inspire women to love their bodies. I also loved the idea that we can control our emotions and energy. I thought about teaching for years but it wasn’t until I went on a sub-par yoga retreat with a poor teacher that I finally said, “That’s it. I need to do this NOW.” I came home and signed up for my first teacher training. The rest is history.
4. What do you love most about teaching yoga?
I love creating opportunities for people to surprise themselves. I believe we’re all a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for. So when I teach, I aim to build confidence in my students. I want them to feel good about themselves.
5. What is the most challenging part?
Being a successful yoga teacher is a hustle. It requires a lot of book keeping and behind the scenes work. As an independent contractor, I’m constantly creating new opportunities, working for different entities, sending invoices, and it requires a tremendous amount of organization and resilience.
6. Do you have a favorite yoga pose?
Savasana.
7. What’s in your fridge?
Almond milk. Carrots. Grapes. Greens. Left over quinoa. String cheese.
8. What’s on your ipod?
Reggae. World music. DJ Drez. MC Yogi. So much music!
9. What do you love most about living and teaching in Santa Monica?
When you’re involved in the Santa Monica scene, it feels like a small town. I bump into people I know all over the place. It’s great.
10. What’s your favorite quote?
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”- Mahatma Gandhi
11. What inspires you?
Sunsets. New Cultures. Oprah. Documentaries. Smiles.
12. What brings you joy?
Hiking with my dog. Reading the New York Times on Sundays. Date night with my man. Playing with my nieces and nephews. Dancing like a fool. Lunch with my girlfriends. Goal setting and achieving. So many things bring me joy. It’s what I do…I’m committed to practicing joy.
