Ever wish there was something different on the agenda at baby and bridal showers? Nicole Ann Fonovich, a Chandler mom, launched a mobile yoga studio that incorporates yoga practice into special events like bachelorette parties, baby showers, bridal showers and kids birthday parties. How neat is that?
Nicole first stepped on a yoga mat 22 years ago and hasn’t let nine back surgeries, depression or any other challenges that have come her way, stop her from getting on the mat. Three years ago, her dedicated yoga practice morphed into more than self-care; it transitioned into her career and Nicole Anne Yoga was born.
Not wanting to be constrained to a brick and mortar studio, Nicole launched a mobile yoga studio that brings yoga, meditation and other holistic practices to locals across East Valley homes, especially during celebrations.
Keep reading to find out how Nicole manages not only to practice self-care, but has built her entire business model around prioritizing her wellness routines.
Name: Nicole Anne Fonovich
Age: 45
Location: Chandler
Children: Lucas (11)
What was your motivation to pivot your career to being a Mompreneur?
I loved working from home and being with my son when he needed me, especially when he was a baby. It has also worked really well with my back disability. I can do a lot of work from my bed (on my phone) when I have been bedridden or unable to move well. And, whenever I am unable to teach, my team is able to step in and teach for me.
Were you able to take maternity leave?
No, my last employer (now 10 years ago) did not offer maternity leave. I had been working a 2nd job in the evenings and on weekends saving up for this loss of income.
How do you make time for self-care in between all that you have going on?
I build my self-care into each day, then build my entire schedule around that. My self-care includes: yoga, pilates, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, pool time, an occasional float spa trip, and time to read. I also practice nightly meditation (Yoga Nidra); if I miss a day, I am off balance.
What do you teach your child about success and failure?
I believe that there are no failures, only lessons. We have a list of house rules written that specify this. I don’t teach success, just structure.
How has motherhood impacted you personally and professionally?
Motherhood has been the greatest gift, yet the most challenging job I have ever had. What I quickly learned was that being a mother and a mompreneur means that I do not get days off (from either one).
Learning to juggle both my son at home learning online now during COVID stay-at-home practices while I’m also working and teaching classes virtually from my living room has been enormously challenging, to say the least.
Tell us a little bit about your family
I am a single mother of one 11-year-old amazing boy! He is multi-talented, but isn’t that what every mom says about her child? He started playing piano at the age of 5. I remember that at one of our parent-teacher conferences, his teacher told us that he has a photographic memory and so he has now been reading at a high school level since he was in the 3rd grade.
Lucas wants to be an astrophysicist when he grows up and honestly, I am not even sure what that is! He told me this a few years ago with complete conviction and I believe him.
We also have two Cavalier King Charles dogs named “Trooper” and “Vader.” Yes, my son is a huge Star Wars fan!
For some fun chit-chat, now!
- Favorite East Valley date night activity? Alamo Theater for dinner and a movie
- Coffee order? Venti Latte with Almond Milk
- Best mom advice you’ve been given? We are just their guides.
- Favorite family tradition? Measuring my son on his closet door in his bedroom. I write down his height, grade, and teacher for the year. We have done this every year since he was in pre-k.
To keep up with Nicole, you can find her on Instagram and Facebook.
