We truly feel privileged to have had the chance to learn more about Bhavisha Pankhania, her honesty in the interview shone through and resonated with the entire Made Wright team. Canadian born Bhavisha gave up her corporate career of ten years, to pursue her now flourishing career in yoga, here, she opens up about how her practice has seen her through the hardest of times, how it's supported her growth as a mother, and what her advice is, to those just starting their own yoga adventure.
Here Bhavisha is wearing Sophia Black
Bhavisha looking back on your upbringing, what were some of the key influences or experiences that shaped your path? Were there any specific moments or lessons from your childhood that stand out as pivotal?
I had the best childhood. I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I grew up with my twin sister and two brothers. I remember my immigrant parents working really hard to give us the life they never had. I was surrounded by so much family, eighteen cousins - the
We love seeing your yoga practices over on Instagram, and the variation of clients who you clearly bring joy to. What inspired you to start practicing yoga and pursue it as a career? Can you share a bit about your life before yoga and the key moments that led you to embark on this path?
I was in corporate banking for ten years, never did I think I'd ever do yoga full time. I come from a family of yoga teachers so the interest and influence was always there but the discipline was lacking. I needed to explore the practice further for myself. That took me to my second training in India which definitely pushed my boundaries mentally and physically. I found such a beautiful balance between my corporate work and yoga. Yoga allowed me to completely escape the normal stresses of daily life, the good stresses and the bad. It was a tool to help me navigate life.
Yoga seems to not only be an amazing form of physical and mental exercise, but also a way of life. How has practicing yoga shaped or influenced your life and well-being? Are there any specific moments or changes, that highlight its impact on your daily life and outlook?
Yoga has allowed me to feel grounded and connected with myself. It has helped me heal through grief. I react less and let go more. Life is beautiful and really simple. My outlook on life is that it's short. Live every moment in the present, really be here in the now. The past is gone, the future hasn’t arrived yet, all we have is now.
Our Isla Dusk set offering a moment of peace and breathwork
For someone new to yoga, what advice would you give on how to start practicing? Are there any beginner-friendly tips or essential principles they should keep in mind?
For someone new to yoga, I'd say dive right in... explore as many classes as you can, even the challenging ones, you might surprise yourself. When you really resonate with a teacher your journey will deepen beyond words. It's a journey of the self.
Reflecting on your own journey, what advice would you offer to women who are just beginning their own yoga career? Looking back, what key skills or mindsets do you think were crucial in helping you achieve long-term success and fulfilment?
I would say start teaching, don’t wait… Do the karma classes, get the exposure, teach friends and family. Practice will make you more confident. We all have to start somewhere, and we are always learning and growing as teachers, our journey is never really over. I will always be a student.
Managing a successful career while raising a family can be incredibly challenging. Can you share some of the strategies or routines that work for you, to maintain a healthy balance between your professional achievements and personal life?
I am very lucky to have a wonderful supportive husband. I'm so grateful my work allows me to work around my kids. I will always be a mom first, but also my children know that mommy works hard and loves what she does and that is important to me. I need them to see that if you follow your dreams anything is possible.
Many of us here at Made Wright London are working parents, and the juggle is real! How has being a working mum changed you, both personally and professionally? What changes have you noticed in your approach to work and life since becoming a mother, and how have these changes influenced your success and well-being?
The juggle is definitely real. My time is valuable just like anyone else's, and you can’t get it back. I live by that. If it's not worth my time, I won’t do it. I create healthy boundaries that allow my business to grow. I need to work for myself, for my mental health, for my own personal growth.
As a mother of two children, what values or principles do you prioritize in your parenting journey? How do these values shape your decisions and interactions with your children on a daily basis?
I talk less and listen more. My girls are absolute gems. I couldn’t have asked for better kids. The sky's the limit and they can do or be anything they want. The only person standing in their way will be themselves. I encourage them to do as much as they can and try new things.
In today's world, many are striving for a more non-toxic lifestyle. Is this something you prioritize in your daily life? Are there any practices, or principles that you swear by to create a healthier living environment for you and your family?
I absolutely swear by sustainable living. Always trying my best to be as organic as I can, non toxic skin care, bedding, clothing, household goods and cleaners. I'm that girl that reads all the labels!
We know that yoga is particularly great for mental wellbeing. What tips would you give to people looking to reduce stress and anxiety in their daily lives? Are there specific techniques or practices from yoga that you find particularly effective?
My biggest tip would be breathwork. Low, slow, deep breaths. This will activate the parasympathetic nervous system and bring you balance and ease. An easy go to breathing practice is a four count inhale and a four count exhale always with the mouth closed, so using our nasal passage.
Follow Bhavisha on IG @bhavishayoga
