Meet Cleve Willis | Bikram yoga studio owner, Musician, & Actor (Stewart Talent)

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

Hi Cleve, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I could only pursue a creative life, there was no choice.
The idea of going to a 9-5 job I knew from an early age, elementary school that was not going to work for me. I was jumping on my bed listening to Van Halen “jump” pretending I was on stage already. The music and tv (acting) and at that time skateboarding could fill me up , and was also my escape. I was the MTV generation, gen X. Thankfully owning a hot yoga studio (Still Hot Yoga) though maybe not as creative, it is a a non traditional schedule, I am lucky that I am as passionate about it as much as my creative endeavors. I get to see others enjoy the space much like how I other enjoy art, whatever might be. I would actually consider Yoga an art form physically and mentally with the movement and the stillness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It was the opposite of a smooth road for me. I got lucky, did the work, and eventually turned things around, but I didn’t do it alone. I was young, immature, and still trying to find my way personally in an industry that is incredibly difficult to make it in. I credit the tough love of some of my industry peers but also my commitment to getting my shit together. It took me a lot longer than it did most, despite being clean. I relapsed several times in my early efforts at sobriety (wreck room, original Cotton Club, and Outer Edge), and hanging out in the music scene probably worked against me in that aspect. NO Regrets
Early on, one of my most memorable struggles was finding confidence in my vocal abilities, which took years. However, the faith others had in me as a frontman outweighed my own insecurities, and I ultimately began to find my voice and feel comfortable in different environments. Performing on stage was the most comfortable place for me, especially when finding my real rock voice later on. Now I am so proud of the old band Rockets To Ruin, we all got more & bigger opportunities because of that band, my new solo stuff , 2024 new band Ghost Of You , and I have also started painting abstract art.
I am not a brand, more like I get to create music with incredible musicians and producers, and getting to own Still Hot Yoga which is a privilege with Ahoo Sarab, The yoga studio is a local brand in Decatur for sure S.H.Y 22 years old.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Funny, this actually happened last week Oct 25th , folks were in town to see our friends play the Tabernacle (Marvelous 3) , we were chatting about the atl music community from back in day, so I would first take them to see the old school places the history of what was a vibrant and incredible music scene and culture. I would show them where all the places were. Downtown, midtown, L5P. etc. like the old cotton club, the old Masquerade , the famous murder Kroger used to be, club anytime, backstreets, The Clairmont, The Point, Little 5 pub same as 9 lives saloon, and of course The Highlander. Don’t get me started.
Then:
1) Still Hot Yoga ( I say laughing and serious )
2) The Star Bar
3) Smiths olde bar
4) Folk Art in Decatur , Corner Tavern, & other local restaurants
5) Banjo coffee, The Corner Cup
6) The Earl (East Atl.)
7) just killer local spots that are somehow still standing

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow , great question, too many amazing people have affected my life, so much that I get emotional trying to think of everyone.
My grandmother, The Atlanta Music community from the late 80’s, ( early mid 90’s when my time started ), til mid 2000’s and of course STILL HOT YOGA community, & the recover communities. To name the folks that deserve immense recognition for my story, my path is too many people for this article.

Website: https://solo.to/clevewillis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevelandwillis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clevelandwillis

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/still-hot-yoga-decatur

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CleveWillis

Other: https://www.stillhotyoga.com


https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7783628/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk (ACTING)

Image Credits
Kael Vox
IG vox.the.vamp