Meet Akili Yasmine | Certified Yoga Instructor and Signed Beauty Model
We had the good fortune of connecting with Akili Yasmine and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Akili, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Worth by Jada Pinkett Smith has been one of the best books I’ve read in the past year. One thing that truly bothers me is how much we, as humans, judge one another—especially in the age of cancel culture. Jada has been judged so harshly in the media and by the general public, often reduced to drama and headlines. But when I read her book, I saw a woman who reclaimed her story with honesty, vulnerability, and strength.
Her transparency was deeply inspiring, and I believe every woman could see parts of herself in Jada’s journey. By the time I finished the book, I felt empowered, reflective, and honestly, eager to read it again. It gave me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to *embody* self-worth and value ourselves beyond external narratives.
Next on my list is *Living in Wisdom* by Devi Brown, and I’m even more excited to dive into it because I’m starting a book club! I can’t wait to explore these kinds of transformative stories in a community setting where we can reflect, learn, and grow together.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as a yoga instructor and wellness practitioner has filled me up in ways I never knew were possible. In many ways, stepping into this path felt easy—not because there weren’t challenges, but because it felt like coming home. When something is aligned with your soul, it carries a sense of familiarity, like remembering a language you’ve always known.
And yet, the parts that weren’t easy were the moments of transformation—shedding versions of myself that had served their purpose and growing into expanded versions of who I’m meant to be. That process is uncomfortable. My biggest hurdle wasn’t just external obstacles; it was the inner metamorphosis, the journey from caterpillar to butterfly. I had to challenge old thought patterns, face trauma and insecurities, and grieve relationships with people who didn’t understand my path.
But the greatest lesson I’ve learned is what it truly means to walk in what looks like blind faith, but what feels like total trust in God. There were moments when I couldn’t see the full picture, when stepping forward felt like walking into the unknown—but every time, I was caught, guided, and reminded that I am never alone in this work.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that wellness is not about perfection—it’s about intention, presence, and self-acceptance. My goal is not just to teach yoga but to create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, to heal, to expand, and to remember that they are worthy of softness, joy, and peace.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would make sure they got the perfect balance of relaxation, movement, and amazing food. Here’s how we’d spend our time:
Day 1 –
– Settle in with a grounding **YIN Yoga class at Freedom Sanctuary**—the perfect way to shake off travel fatigue and sink into a peaceful state of mind.
– Enjoy a warm, revitalizing **yoni steam session at Place of Kai**—a nourishing and deeply restorative experience to reconnect with the body.
– End the night with a cozy homemade dinner and herbal tea to ease into the week.
Day 2 – Outdoor Serenity & Soul Food**
– Start the morning sunbathing and having a light picnic at **Grant Park**—a perfect spot for deep conversations and relaxation.
– Grab a bite at one of Atlanta’s amazing vegan or soul food spots (like **Local Green Atlanta** or **Slutty Vegan**) to indulge in some flavorful, feel-good food.
– Evening intention-setting and journaling over homemade herbal mocktails.
Day 3 – Movement & Hidden Gems**
– Wake up and **flow through a HOT YOGA class with Gen at Keep It Moving Yoga and Barre**—one of my favorite ways to build strength and sweat out stagnant energy.
– Head to **Sweetwater Creek Park** for a refreshing, scenic walk to connect with nature.
– Refuel with an amazing meal at **La Montana** in Douglasville—my favorite hidden gem with delicious, comforting food.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I want to give a huge shoutout to Kay of Place of Kai—she was the first person I met in the world of healing, and I consider her one of my first teachers. Her authenticity, wisdom, and the way she wholeheartedly supports people on their healing journeys have been such an inspiration to me. I’m forever grateful for her presence in my life and the impact she’s had on my path.
I also want to recognize Genevieve of Keep It Moving Yoga and Barre. In an industry where some people are in it for money and ego, Gen provided my first yoga home. She showed me what it truly means to be a yogi—not just in practice but in the way she cultivates a community. I’m deeply grateful for the inclusive space she has created and for offering an incredible Yoga Teacher Training experience that helped shape me into the instructor I am today.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to all of my students—you remind me every day why I am so grateful to be aligned with this work. Teaching and supporting others on their healing journeys is one of the greatest honors of my life, and it reinforces just how important this work is.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solfulakili/
Image Credits
@raphael_baker
@thewellnessspotatl
@emanieshante_
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
