Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyndsay Sharpenedstone.
Hi Lyndsay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Lyndsay, I’m from Kalamazoo, MI. I fell in love with yoga when I was 17, and I’ve been practicing now for over 10 years. I felt the calling to teach, so I got my first 200 hour teaching certification when I was 21, and received an additional 200 hour certificate at 28. I discovered Mat Pilates when I was 25 and instantly became obsessed and I got certified to teach. The pace, the focus, the emphasis on alignment – it all helped me move and live with less pain and more confidence by building strength from the inside out. I come from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and my goal for Maajii Wellness LLC is to encourage physical activity and wellbeing in my community in a good way. ‘Maajii’ means ‘to start’ in Anishinaabemowin – and I truly believe that from any age and any background, it’s never too late to start building strength from within.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been smooth so far, however it has been a long time coming. I didn’t start teaching right after I got certified because I simply did not have the confidence and didn’t believe I could do it. I have received so much support from my loved ones, I believe in the importance of this work, and I believe in this message. So I finally feel ready and that I’m meant to do this.
As you know, we’re big fans of Maajii Wellness LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Maajii Wellness LLC is an Indigenous owned company based in Traverse City, MI. I am a certified Mat Pilates teacher and Yoga teacher. Maajii Wellness encourages physical exercise and longevity that is rooted in Anishinaabe values to promote Mino Bimaadiziwn – the good life. ‘Maajii’ is the Anishinaabe verb meaning ‘to start’. No matter your background, it’s never too late to start for you. I currently offer private group classes, one on one, and pop-up events. I offer specialty classes for bridal and bachelorette parties as well. On Instagram and TikTok, I post videos of exercises you can do from home and other yoga/Pilates related content. I travel to teach for now, but will one day open my own studio. I love Mat Pilates because it is accessible and you can take it with you wherever you go.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Find your ‘why’, your purpose, and be conscious of your intentions. If you feel called to do something, don’t let doubt, fear, or comparison hold you back. Just take the leap because you really never know what could happen until you try.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maajiiwellnessllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJZ5eUxb2/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsay-sharpenedstone-26037713b
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maajiiwellness
