Life & Work with Karla Vallecillo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Vallecillo.

Hi Karla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Buscando Vida LLC is my passion project turned into a Small Business born amidst the Pandemic. After being laid off from multiple jobs, through so much uncertainty, Yoga was my only constant. I dove deeper into my practice, I became a certified Yoga Teacher and began offering free online classes, not knowing where this journey will lead me. Since then, I have had the opportunity to bring yoga and wellness practices to underserved communities in different settings, from virtual spaces to clinics, to local parks and nonprofit organizations.

As a Yoga Teacher, I wanted to create a safe space for healing and connecting, a space where you can explore, learn and experience the healing benefits of yoga through functional movement, mindful breathing, and meditation while making yoga accessible, diverse, and inclusive. Something, I personally didn’t experience as a Yoga student.

Buscando Vida translates to Seeking Life in Spanish. It is a phrase I often heard from my mom growing up in Nicaragua and then moving to the United States in search of opportunities and resources. To her, it meant to always move forward in life no matter the obstacles, to persevere regardless of your limitations and abilities, to explore and find ways to make a living for her family. Years later, it still motivates me and inspires me.

We moved to New York when I was 11 years old. I started working from an early age to help my mom and eventually put myself through college. With her support, I graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Sports Management. Since then I have dreamed of operating my own business, one that provides for my family, but also helps and uplifts our communities and inspires healthy living practices for everyone.

Buscando Vida to me is still about perseverance, but it is also about embracing curiosity to follow your intuitions. It is about the exploration of the mind and body. It is about being present in your journey, the quest of becoming and finding your magic in this world.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The journey has been filled with highs and lows. Entrepreneurship comes with its own challenges of doing everything yourself at first, learning as you go, and of course fighting for your seat at the table. I have been vocal about being more inclusive and diverse in Yoga spaces and while many wellness organizations are on board about making the long-overdue changes necessary, some of the efforts are performative.

However, along the road, I have met people who have supported me and share the same values and what we are able to do for our communities keeps me moving forward.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is that I am not just teaching Yoga postures, we dig deep into the roots, I work with my clients and students to meet their needs, support them in building a sustainable practice, and learn ways to incorporate Yoga in their life. I am really proud to be working with other BIPOC Yoga Instructors and creating safe spaces for our communities to improve their wellbeing and mental health through Yoga practices.

I created Buscando Vida to provide accessible Yoga, to educate and highlight Yoga beyond the physical postures, and to invite others to embrace their curiosity and explore Yoga as a lifestyle.
Through Buscando Vida, you will find wellness and Yoga offerings that are LGBTQ+ inclusive, community events, wellness retreats, Yoga tips, and resources in English and Spanish.

Currently, I am teaching an LGBTQ+ Gentle Yoga series as well as private sessions that are unique to each person’s needs and group classes that include gentle vinyasa and restorative Yoga. My classes and programs incorporate mindfulness, functional movement, strength, and breathwork.
Coming soon in December, I will be launching a 4-week program focused on Yoga and the chakras.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think it’s important to always stay true to yourself and use every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.buscandovida.com
• Instagram: @buscandov.da

Image Credits
Luz Rodriguez