In this enlightening episode of "Let's Talk About It with Jimmy Mortgage," host Jimmy sits down with Saisha, the dynamic founder of Thick Thigh Yoga, for an in-depth conversation about wellness, body positivity, and the transformative power of yoga.
Saisha shares her fascinating journey from being a special education math teacher to becoming a yoga instructor and wellness coach. Her transition began when she sought ways to help her students manage testing anxiety through mindfulness practices. This exploration led her to discover her true calling in yoga instruction, particularly in serving diverse communities in Jamaica, Queens, where she found purpose in teaching "black and brown bodies" like her own.
Throughout the conversation, Saisha emphasizes the importance of body positivity and inclusivity in wellness, drawing from her personal experiences and observations of how the fitness industry has evolved since the 1990s. She discusses how diet culture and media representation historically created negative self-image issues, especially for those who didn't fit conventional body types. In response to these challenges, Saisha launched an inclusive swimwear line in 2024, offering sizes from 2XS to 6XL, designed to make everyone feel comfortable and confident.
The discussion delves into practical aspects of managing work-life balance through mindfulness and self-care. Saisha advocates for finding even small pockets of time – as little as 15 minutes – for self-care practices, whether through yoga, meditation, or other forms of movement that resonate with individual needs. She emphasizes that wellness doesn't require lengthy time commitments but rather consistency and intention.
Looking ahead to 2025, Saisha shares exciting developments in her business, including an upcoming retreat in Brazil (co-hosted with her Black on the Mat podcast partner), a new spring swimwear collection, and an accessible yoga course designed to reach those who might not be able to afford one-on-one coaching. Her recent sold-out Cartagena retreat in April 2025 demonstrates the growing demand for her inclusive approach to wellness.
When discussing personal preferences, Saisha reveals Thailand, particularly Phuket, as her favorite international destination, where she recently attended an international event. She also recommends Victoria's Theater in Harlem as a standout dining experience, praising its combination of live jazz, excellent food, and elegant atmosphere.
A particularly meaningful moment in the interview comes when Saisha explains the significance of her Monstera (hurricane plant) tattoo, which symbolizes resilience – thriving despite storms and challenges. This metaphor perfectly encapsulates her approach to both personal growth and her business philosophy.
Saisha's business offerings span a wide range of services, including one-on-one coaching, group yoga classes, corporate events, wellness retreats, and custom journals for self-reflection. Her approach emphasizes accessibility and meeting people where they are in their wellness journey.
Where to Find Saisha thicthyoga.com
https://www.instagram.com/thickthighyoga/
https://www.youtube.com/@thickthighyoga
https://www.thickthighyoga.com/links?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHKe40U6NHGgvlnoUGbRAeioSgvpoPJBlVpz_y6n0-mPwL2d-3H-lv3Ek_aem_dkQKhEoNwoTZ_iJV4XpYWQ
Additional platforms: Threads, Twitter
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