We had the good fortune of connecting with isabela fortes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi isabela, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
That there is no such a thing as a solely “business/career” our personal life always gets in the way!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and very early in life I decided to travel the world in search of enlightenment. After peregrinating from the heights of the Himalayans to the heart of the Amazon Forest, living in an Ashram in India I discovered that soul searching does not go very far without physical health. After quite a few (more like A LOT) health setbacks both myself and my kids and not finding the answers I was looking for within the medical establishment, I decided to be my own advocate and began studying how the body works. Now I am proud to say that I am put all my findings together. I use science, experience, constant research and a little bit of woo woo inspiration to design an unique approach to nutrition and lifestyle. I am BOARD CERTIFIED HOLISTIC HEALTH EXPERT & FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC NUTRITION PRACTITIONER CERTIFIED IYENGAR YOGA TEACHER & CERTIFIED YOGA THERAPIST I started my journey to holistic health in 2004 in Rio de Janeiro where I found the first Wellness Center (Nirvana SPA) that offered yoga, pilates, a holistic SPA, I opened one of the first organic cafe’s of Rio. It was a great success. I later got diagnosed with thyroid cancer and ended up focusing my efforts on getting well and had to take a step back from being an entrepreneur. I ended up moving to the US and focusing my energy more on functional nutrition and helping women like me, meaning high performing healthy minded women dealing with constant anxiety and fatigue to break through the fog so that they can operate at their potential and have energy to master life! There is always a root cause and feeling more or less, although “common” should not be considered “normal.” I currently coach clients on their pursue of health and wellness and teach yoga in Southern California where I live with my family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to on of the gorgeus San Clemente Beaches and make a bonfire. Downtown San Clemente has great restaurants as well as our neighbors city Dana Point and Laguna Beach where we could check out some fantastic art galleries. Always worth a trip to go up Ortega Hwy and get wet on the water falls on the Cleveland Forest. I love going to the Sambazon Cafe down in Cardiff and exploring Encinitas Beaches and perhaps a walk at Swami’s gardens.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Iyengar Family and Gurumayi are behind my sucess.

Website: www.theyogini.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_yogini/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-fortes-066660a7/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyogini/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoS0-jUK_93tBYlk-G_Fblg

Image Credits
anastasya tabunova

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.