JUST HERE FOR THE SAVASANA
Recently at IFF we have been taking our yoga practice more serious by joining a studio in the city along with an at-home guide via the YogaStudio app. I've been at it for a few years and Haley is a bit of a neophyte so we are learning the ins and outs of meditation and strength training together.
It is impossible not to immediately become aware of the benefits of yoga once you begin so we wanted to share a few of our favorite yogi tools to help inspire your personal practice! And let's be honest, there's no greater incentive that those last few minutes of Savasana heaven. #Namaste.
MIDWIFERY STUDY: STERLING KITCHENS
In keeping with the theme of this month's pregnancy posts, we wanted to spotlight our fine-feathered friend, Sterling, a student of midwifery and an all-around badass chick. With her extensive knowledge about women's health and wellness as well as good coffee, she knocked our Q&A out of the park. Check out her responses below + our stylized shoot to showcase her inner and outer beauty.
Tell us your name: Sterling Kitchens
Hometown + Current city: Everywhere and Macon, Georgia
Profession: Holistic full spectrum doula/student of midwifery
Inspiration: I am an advocate for sexual and reproductive health. I vehemently believe in a woman’s right to choose regardless of where that choice falls on the spectrum. I came to midwifery as a platform to support women with unbiased and evidence-based information as they encounter these decisions. I’ve witnessed pregnancy, labor, and birth to be such a powerful and sacred state it seems odd to automatically pair it with allopathic and paternalistic medicine. The full spectrum of reproductive rights belongs in the hands and bellies of women.
Current practice: I am currently attending Birthwise Midwifery School. My education and clinical apprenticeships will prepare me to attend homebirths of women with low-risk pregnancies. I will be graduating in a year or so and upon graduation; I will sit before a national board and apply for my license to become a certified professional midwife (CPM). I hope to create a small practice with a sister midwife.
Describe yourself in one word: "Lithe,” as suggested from a kind friend.
What makes you tick? Equality. Community. Sharing a French press. Vulnerability. Predictable jokes.
Personal mantra or quote: Assume positive intent.
Favorite form of release or hobby: Bath time all the time.
Pick a Superfood: Garlic!
Best indulgence: IPAs and coffee… but not together.
Trend you are loving: My new year’s resolution is to revisit what “sustainability” means in my life, specifically my relationship with food. For the past couple of years I have been trending toward whole foods, prepared simply, and shared with good people…I’d like to continue that: eating intimately.
Favorite form of exercise: I recently joined The Compound in Macon. It is such a supportive community. We do interval training; sometimes it makes me want to cuss, but my thighs thank me for it.
Holistic health to you: For me holistic health is self-care that I am forever growing toward. It’s recognizing and acknowledging the relationship of my mental, physical, and emotional health is directly influenced by what I engage and indulge in.
FINE FEATHERED FRIEND: SUSANNAH
At IFF, our mission is to showcase the movers, shakers and makers in health throughout Georgia. Our friend Susannah Maddux, founder of Goods Public Relations and an instructor at Hometown Yoga, is one of those said shakers. The thing we love most about Susannah is her authenticity -- from her work as Macon's biggest cheerleader to her passion for public health -- she is truly a bright light to everyone she encounters! Read below about her love for yoga, Macon (did we mention it's Cherry Blossom season) and soon-to-be motherhood.
Tell us your name: Susannah Maddux, Founder of Goods Public Relations + yoga instructor at Hometown Yoga.
Hometown + Current city: Monroe, NC / Macon, GA
Inspiration for managing your own biz? For myself: My first boss Allison Beale, my sister, and all the women in the world who wake up every day and change the world. For others: Be flexible and eager to learn from others; ask for help; collaborate often; find a mentor; create and know your team of support; learn from failure; reinvent when necessary; laugh at yourself; show gratitude to others; make time to let go and nourish your creativity; try things.
What is the goal of your company? Short: To get in on and share a good thing when I spot it. Long: To promote and tell the story of small business, brand, or cause via thoughtful, detail-oriented efforts.
What makes you tick: Serving others, collaboration to create good, diversity and inclusiveness, brilliant design, grand vision with obvious fruits, faith, yoga, thoughtful PR, beautiful music, preserving history, storytellers and their stories, artists and their art, selfless people, passionate people, the pursuit of a perfect playlist, NYC, travel, good coffee, shiny things.
Mantra: No day but today.
Best indulgence: Dark chocolate, red wine, a book + a bath… and the occasional new handbag or Alexis Bittar earring.
Health trend you are loving: The local + real food movement.
Describe yourself in one word: Lively!
Preferred pose: Currently: all hip openers. For life: Backbends and Savasana.
How has practicing yoga influenced you? I've been practicing for ten years. Yoga gives me better breath, more space, and releases worry. It makes me shake it out and feel less crazy. It is an absolute must.
What is your go-to source for pregnancy info? What to Expect When You’re Expecting and my mom + sister guidebook.
What moment are you most looking forward to as a mother? Giving more love.
LIFT. TONE. BURN.
Have you been to the barre lately? The past few years, the ballet body has made a resurgence and rightly so due to the rigorous but results-driven workout behind it. Pure Barre is a total body workout that utilizes the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements which proves to be one of the fastest, most effective ways to change your body. But beyond the trend, we wanted to learn more about all that PB can offer. Read below for the interview with our friend, Whitney Berry, owner at Pure Barre Macon.
Tell us your name:
Whitney Berry
Inspiration for starting your own biz?
My Dad is a small business owner and from an early age, it has always been my dream to own my own business. Having the opportunity to see him have a positive effect on the lives of others, both clients and employees, was something I always admired and wanted to bring to others one day.
What is the goal of the company?
My goal with Pure Barre Macon from the beginning has been to create a fitness center that was not just about the workout, but to create a sense of family where everyone could feel welcome and be challenged to reach personal goals for themselves while bringing a great sense of well-being.
Personal mantra:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty and find the best in others; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived-- this is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Pick a superfood:
Avocados!
Health trend you are loving:
Regular Massages
Favorite form of exercise:
Pure Barre is my absolute favorite form of exercise! I was born with a joint condition that has caused me to undergo two shoulder surgeries and limited my ability to do some workouts. When I found Pure Barre I was immediately in love, because it was the most challenging workout I had ever done. With only slight modifications I was able to complete the full workout. My love for Pure Barre began just over two years ago and I can honestly say I have never once been bored during a workout and they have not become any easier, if anything they become more challenging the longer I do them, because I have gained a better understanding of my own body and know how to push myself to achieve maximum results.
Preferred pose:
All thighs. I still find my shakes in every class!
Best piece of advice received during your pregnancy:
Stay active. It truly affects your physical and mental well-being during pregnancy. And fingers crossed will make delivery and recovery much easier as well!
