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

Hi Ayanna, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Be ashamed to die until you have scored some victory for humanity.” -Horace Mann

I first heard this quote while listening to an NPR interview with Neil Degrasse Tyson. He shared this powerful message when asked what quote keeps him motivated. These 12 words immediately resonated with me. What are we REALLY doing, if our life efforts are not uplifting and empowering others? What are we doing, if our work is not pushing society towards a better tomorrow?

I choose to dedicate my gifts to providing individuals of all ages moments of calm, clarity and connection through the practice of yoga, meditation and sound therapy.

This quote is a reminder that my life’s work is bigger than me. It means on my worse day, I have to choose to keep pushing forward. Some part of humanity is depending on me to invite more moments of peace in a chaotic world. I believe generations to come will prioritize mindfulness practices and their mental health because of the work I do today.

I plan to score that victory, before I ascend.

What should our readers know about your business?
Zennia (actually spelled Zinnia) is a flower that is purposed to grow for a season and eventually release seeds for more plants to grow. We are called to do the same! It’s only right that once we blossom, we plant seeds for others to begin to grow. Calm, clarity and connection are the seeds we cultivate through yoga, meditation and restoration.

We are living in a day and age where these types of seeds are scarce. Our mission is to encourage you to invite moments of mindfulness and release wherever you are. We strive to create an experience that fosters a healthy connection to mind, body and spirit. We make yoga and meditation accessible to all ages and stages. Our hope is to bring you one step closer to your best self and ultimately help you grow.

I’m most proud of partnering with non-profit organizations like Smile Train USA & South America, Piedmont Healthcare and the Epilepsy Foundation, hosting yoga & mindfulness classes for fundraising initiatives. We’ve also worked with New Life Church & Community Center in Atlanta, GA, teaching foundational meditation practices to victims of trauma.

When I’m not teaching yoga, entertainment marketing is my playground. While working in the media industry I’ve learned A LOT about people, their growing stress levels, and the dire need for moments dedicated to resting and recharging. Because of this, I have chosen to dedicate my efforts to creating these moments for as many people as possible.

While launching a business months before the 2020 covid pandemic was challenging, not moving on a God given vision would have been harder.

I’ve learned that no part of the entrepreneurial experience is or will be easy, but with clear vision and intentional next steps the dream will come to life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The city of Atlanta has so much to offer! The formula for a great weekend includes a combination of good drinks, tasty food and a run on the beltline. Bar Vegan, Mojave or Fletcher’s Place will leave you satisfied.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Angela who encourages me, my father, Richard who grounds me. Thank you for your never ending love and support.

Website: zennia.co

Instagram: instagram.com/zennia.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zennia.co

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcgOGq8wGHQWFIgjIIWq9HA

Image Credits
Alex Rogers Jordan Mitchell K.Knight Shoots Photography

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