Celebrating Kent Mums in Business: Happy Nat Yoga

Hello lovely people 😊

It’s that time again.

Time to celebrate another amazing Kent Mum in Business.

There are so many wonderful businesses here in Kent which are owned and run by incredible local Mums…

…and I think it is so important to celebrate them and their achievements!!

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This month, I'm thrilled to introduce you to the incredible Natalie Brothers, Kent Mum of Two, yoga teacher and the proud owner of Happy Nat Yoga.

I recently spent a lovely morning with Natalie, we spoke about her wonderful business and I got to see her in action (there was even a point where she ate a chocolate bar from between her toes- you’ll have to visit her page to see why!!)

I have to say, I am not sure whether she was able to get in the ‘zone’ with me yakking on (sorry!!) but I could have stayed and chatted all day.

It is clear that Natalie is incredibly passionate about her work and that shows in everything she does.

Tell us about your business and what services you offer? 

I am a yoga teacher, running my business called Happy Nat Yoga, I currently offer group classes and 1-2-1 sessions that focus on a flowy dynamic style (vinyasa), with a focus on improving mental wellbeing.

This is the bulk of my business, running private sessions in people's homes, groups in studios, gyms and village hall spaces that I hire.

I also run community charity classes, where people pay what they can afford and money goes to charity, I haven’t actually done one for a while but I do offer community discounted prices.

I have always wanted to make yoga accessible and affordable to everyone.

I did do chair yoga for a while and still can, though I am just venturing out in to Kids yoga, and am planning this year to build an online space for all ages. 

The dream one day is to train as a yoga therapist.

For me yoga is not just about the physical part, the physical activity. Yoga is so much more than just exercise.

When I did my training, it was the philosophy element that really drew me in, which is why in majority of my classes we set an intention.

A word.

A feeling to focus on.

I want everyone who attends my classes to know it is a safe space for them to feel, and just be with themselves whatever challenges they maybe facing.

Yoga for me, and what I want people to get from my classes, is a form of healing, physically & mentally.

Whether it's just releasing stress from a bad day or making sure you talk to yourself kindly, this is the part of yoga that should be accessible for everyone.

Is there a story behind the name you chose? 

Yes.

When I had the idea of becoming a yoga teacher I was in a bad place, suffering with depression and living at my parents.

I practiced yoga every day, online on YouTube for free. I ended up starting an Instagram page to document and share my yoga journey and how healing I found it.

Before I even became qualified I knew I wanted to focus on mental wellbeing in my classes, using intentions and real stories to help other people.

I wanted people to know they could live happy fulfilled lives even when life gets tough through the power of yoga.

Yoga basically keeps me grounded and able to cope with life better, making me more happy.

It was originally Happy Mat Yoga and then I changed it to Nat quite quickly (as my name is Natalie 😊) and I didn’t want people to think I was selling mats, though maybe I could one day.

Basically we can’t be happy all the time but yoga can make life better / a bit happier or finding what it means to be happy, which is unique to everyone.

What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does?

I like to think that I offer people an inclusive, non judgemental space. That’s my aim anyway.

I want to be inclusive, accessible and affordable to everyone, creating place where people can be themselves and try not to feel intimidated by yoga and the yoga scene.  

I often share my own personal struggles when setting an intention in class or in my newsletters or social posts, in hope that others can feel seen or validated.

When someone attends a class, reads a post or blog of mine, that they matter, their mental health matters and they shouldn’t feel bad or ashamed.

Maybe I am too open sometimes, but I think that opens and honesty is what makes me unique and keeps people coming back.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I would say it comes from my family and just day to day living.

There is mental illness in my family. I have and continue to be an advocate for some of my family members.

When I was struggling, it really was yoga that saved me, I know its a cliché but it did.

As I go through life, day to day, raising my children, I focus in on my feelings, what I’m trying to process and plan my classes, run my business on what’s happening in real time so I can teach classes honestly and authentically. 

What is your favourite part of your job?

Knowing that I have made a positive impact on someone.

Feedback is everything and hearing people say it directly to me, them trusting in me and telling me they really needed that class and feel so much better.

That is just the best part. 

If you would like to know more about the wonderful work that Natalie does, please visit her website here and give her a follow (and your support) on social media:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Claire xx