As humble and as strong as they come.
Tiziana le Roux is known to the Durban Yoga Community as a kind, charitable and yet such a strong and powerful woman.
Stepping off of the body building stage and onto a Yoga Mat, Tiziana has since made an impression on many Yogi’s in the Durban/Umhlanga area.
Holding intensive Yoga classes, this woman shows no mercy, but pushes you with a smile, to only achieve your best and encourage you to grow.
She also takes joy in teaching littlies and introducing them to the world of serenity though yoga practice.
This mom of 3 sounded like a force, we wanted to get to know and a heart that we wanted to introduce to you.
How and what was the motivation that made you start Yoga?
I decided in 2014 to try a new form of exercise having being in the industry since I was young. Formerly a ballet dancer, gym addict, personal trainer and competitive body builder. Yoga was something I always looked upon as being similar to my dance life and thought it was something I would like to explore more.
How long have you been practising?
I’ve been a yogi for 4years.
What type of Yoga do you teach/practise?
I teach Hatha, restorative and children’s Yoga.
What do you enjoy most about this particular form of Yoga?
Hatha is traditional yoga and for everyone. You dont have to be flexible, fit or a certain body type. It’s for everyone and easy to follow. Obviously it is also graded beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Why is Yoga important to you?
I love yoga as it grounds me and keeps me supple and peaceful..
How do you build relationships through Yoga?
People that do yoga understand the mindset of yogis and somehow we connect without having to ask too much as there seems to be a spiritual understanding.
In what point in your teaching career did you decide- I want to open a Yoga Studio?
I started yoga and was quite frustrated not understanding the full concept of the “art” and wanted to explore the philosophy and background more so decided to do a course in 2015 in order for me to be able to open my own studio.
What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced as a Yoga instructor/studio owner?
Challenges are part of life and I think it’s keeping people interested and motivated . It’s not a priority for some people to do yoga as they don’t see results as quickly as maybe someone that pushes weights. They ya e to understand yoga is a lifestyle and it’s about letting go the ego and accepting self.
What is your favourite memory of opening the studio?
During my teachers training , I decided the only way to learn and understand and develop confidence was to open a studio immediately . So what I did was run a studio from my home which was formerly my gym and ran it on a charity basis. I decided to get a bunch of volunteers to come to my classes and in exchange of my teaching they were to provide food for the SPCA which I collected in my garage. At the end of the year I had the Northglen News come over and photograph my students and our huge collection of food donation. It was a great moment.
What piece of advice can you give to future yoga studio owners?
Never give up on your studio. Even if one person comes. Give them you undivided attention and positive energy they always come to get.
What’s the most difficult situation you run into on a constant basis?
Now that I charge people it’s always a challenge and I don’t like chasing people for payment. At the end of the day I run a business.
How did you decide upon your class offerings, type of yoga instructors and the vibe of your studio?
I plan my classes according the week’s theme, be it twists, inversions, meditation etc I don’t have outside teachers teaching.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still teaching but doing more charity work and helping children more.
What is your greatest achievement in life?
My greatest achievement in life is raising three beautiful healthy, content, daughters, and instilling a sense of love , honesty, compassion and independence in them. Besides that just keeping myself in shape is a great achievement.
What is your greatest strength and does that show through in your practice?
I’m a very determined person by nature and love a challenge. I never give up on what I set my mind to. I’m physically and mentally strong so it does give me an edge in life.
Do you see Yoga as a way of life or a form of exercise and meditation? (please elaborate)
Yoga is a way of life. It encompasses so many aspects of ones life, physical mental and spiritual. One becomes very aware of life and self and how we treat one another and in particular ourselves . To not judge and be hard on one self but to be more accepting. To create a community of like-minded people who resonate an understand peace love and harmony in nature and life itself. Meditation is listening to god, prayer is talking to god so we do both 🙏🏻
Tizi, you’re so inspirational, and Im sure that our readers and followers, after reading this interview agree.
Thats all from me – C