Hey sweet soul,

I wanted to share something personal with you.

I’ve been named a finalist for Yoga Professional of the Year in the 2025 AUSactive National Awards Program.

This came as a bit of a surprise, and certainly I don’t see myself as “the best” or “most accomplished” yoga teacher out there. But I entered this award not to prove anything, but to honour the journey I’ve walked over the last 18 years… and hopefully open more doors to serve others in deeper and more sustainable ways.

For me, yoga has never been just about what happens on the mat. It’s about life, healing. Growth, and purpose. I’ve seen yoga support people through anxiety, illness, grief, transformation, as well as simply allowing people to live better day-to-day (having experienced all this firsthand too).

Being named a finalist is a small reminder that this work matters not just to me, but to the broader health and fitness industry. And I hope it’s one more step toward helping people trust yoga as a legitimate, evidence-informed, and holistic path to wellbeing.

If you’ve been part of my journey, whether in a class, a program, or quietly cheering from the sidelines, thank you. Your presence, your practice, and your trust mean more than you know.

With love and appreciation,

Sami xo