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

Hi Stevie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business, SoulFlow Studios, in 2024 after leaving an almost decade-long career in Public Relations and Communications. This dream started in 2018 during my time as a publicist for the Serenbe community, as my team and I had goals of launching a podcast. I had taken a few audio editing classes in college, so with the help of YouTube and other online resources, I basically became a self-taught sound editor. I learned how to record in-person and remotely, what equipment is best, how to upload and distribute content, as well as the technicalities of editing long and short-form audio. I have always loved and appreciated the art of storytelling through various media, so experiencing the shift from helping others tell stories, as publicists do, to having the ability to directly tell stories through sound design and editing was huge for me. Unfortunately, I hit publicity burnout HARD in about 2023. My mental and physical health were taking an immense toll on my well-being, and I needed to take a step back to observe what was draining me and what was fueling me. Luckily, I got my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification in 2020, so I decided to quit PR and Comms completely to pursue what truly fuels me: teaching yoga and audio editing. Now, two full years later, I teach 10-12 yoga and pilates classes per week while serving a fantastic roster of 10+ podcasting clients for my audio editing business, SoulFlow Studios.

Young woman with long hair wearing a black beanie, sitting on a red chair, smiling with eyes closed, hand near face.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s interesting that the more I find myself, the more my work naturally aligns.

SoulFlow Studios has allowed me to find my voice when it comes to working with clients and actually doing creative work. During my PR career, EVERYTHING was monitored, edited, and then approved before anything could be sent to a client (there are reasons for this, of course); however, the opinions and preferences of others clouded my ability to express my own opinions and creativity. I was CONSTANTLY seeking the approval of others, so much so that I felt I lost my own voice. I was afraid to speak up; I followed the guidelines provided rather than expressing my own creativity and what I thought could be successful. I felt extremely disconnected from my own being because everything I was doing was under the constant control of someone else. Plus, I was working insane hours that kept me from the things I loved outside of PR. Launching my own audio editing business has allowed me to take ALL of that back: my time, creativity, autonomy, and decision-making power.

The decision to quit the stability of a 9-5 was frightening, to say the least, and honestly still is today. What helped was taking a step back and assessing where I was in my life while observing what drained me and what gave me life, energy, and joy. Teaching yoga and pilates is my absolute passion, but I knew I’d need something to supplement along the way, as I didn’t want to get burnt out with teaching yoga, either. Podcasting allows me to do everything I want: to serve clients in a way that feels authentic, stay stable financially, explore passions outside of work, and build my own brand rather than someone else’s.

I’ve learned that the key is searching for balance over perfection. Now, I’m able to teach as many classes as I want during the week while editing for clients in between, and I feel more balanced than ever. I have full control over how and where my energy is utilized, and that is the most liberating feeling ever. Since launching SoulFlow, I’ve been able to bring in just about the same amount of income while having more time for life. This business has given me the freedom to gain my 300-hour yoga teacher training certificate, making me a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher, which is something I never thought possible. Had I not made the leap and started this podcast editing business, I think I’d still be very stuck in a pattern of disconnecting from myself and what I really want out of life.

Through SoulfFlow, this is how I want both my podcasting clients to feel: completely liberated to create whatever they want to create with full support from an authentic team. My job as an editor and teacher is to hold space while working WITH clients, rather than against them. I want them to feel confident, empowered, and aligned to meet their goals authentically rather than what society and social media want them to do or be. It’s all about stepping into authenticity together.

Person sitting on a folding chair with legs extended, head tilted back, in a minimal studio setting.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gosh, I LOVE Atlanta. First, I’d take them to some of my favorite restaurants to explore the local food scene. Maybe coffee from Sean’s in Candler Park, then lunch or dinner at Del Bar (my absolute favorite). Then, I’d say let’s go take a yoga or pilates class at M3 Yoga & Hot Pilates before we take a walk down the Beltline or through Piedmont Park (so typical ATL, I know). I also love just driving around to explore all of the art and culture that’s around the city. We’d probably end up at Krog Street Market or Ponce City before calling it a night.

The next day, I’d absolutely take them on a nature day around Serenbe. We’d probably start with a hike to the waterfall, then lunch at Halsa. I often take myself down here to disconnect from the city while reconnecting with nature. I have spent my 20’s healing in these woods, so I always love the opportunity to share that with someone else.

We’d probably venture back into the city for some sort of concert or show at The Fox to end the weekend! I love live music in any capacity, so I’d definitely share the music scene of Atlanta with anyone I could.

Person with long hair taking a photo of a plated dessert at a table in a bright room.

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?
There are SO many people who have supported me throughout my journey. I would first like to recognize the marketing and development team at Serenbe. They hired me right out of college with little experience and taught me EVERYTHING I know about this world today. From teaching me the intricacies of PR to holding space for me to learn how to podcast has truly launched my career. I’m especially grateful because we also experienced a full-circle moment when I launched SoulFlow Studios in 2024, as I reconnected with the team and they rehired me to edit the two shows I helped launch back in 2018, as well as several new shows we’ve launched together! I have so much appreciation for everything Serenbe has provided me with over the last ten years (including all the time in nature – that is priceless).

I would also like to shout out my sister, Sammy Kesner, who really pushed me into launching this business. When she called me up one day, saying, “I want to launch a podcast, and I want you to be our editor”, that was the deciding factor to leap. She knew I was deeply burnt out, wanting to reclaim my time and work-life balance. She gave me the confidence and knowledge to quit my 9-5 while also becoming my very first client! We launched Before I Do, a wedding-planning podcast, in 2024 to support her business, Jackson & June Events.

Next, I want to thank my support system at M3 Yoga & Hot Pilates and Serenbe Yoga for all of the love and work they’ve given me, even before my career transition. During times of deep uncertainty, owners Nick & Matt (M3 Yoga) and Heather (Serenbe Yoga) have given me classes, work, and emotional support that have led me closer to certainty. I am forever grateful for all of you. You led me back to myself.

Lastly, I want to thank my fiancé, Cameron, for loving and supporting me along this journey of growth and exploration. From witnessing how burnout affected me, holding space for discomfort, to emotionally supporting a career transition, he has been there every step of the way. He has fueled my confidence and decision-making power, and I could not have made this career switch without his love. Thank you, I love you.

Website: https://soulflowstudios.com/

Instagram: hi.steviee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-seay

Person performing a yoga pose against a wall, with shadow cast on the wall, in a room with warm lighting.

Gray and white cat lying on a wooden desk with headphones, next to a computer monitor displaying a music editing program, near a window.

A man and woman stand close together on steps in front of a large arched window, holding hands and looking at each other.

Three women sitting at a wooden table with laptops, smiling in a room with large windows and a piano in the background.

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