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

Hi Malaika, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Actually, I believe that risk has played a huge part throughout my whole life and career lol. I have never really had a traditional 9 to 5 job. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue work as a professional dancer… which I did in-fact do! After high school, I went to school at SUNY Purchase Conservatory where I received my BFA in dance and a focus in choreography. After I graduated, I performed and toured with various companies such as the Martha Graham Dance Company, Radio City, and The Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Many would say that a career as a professional dancer is not the most traditional and is often filled with uncertainty and instability, so a career in dance itself can be considered “risky.” When I moved back to my hometown Atlanta, I switched gears from dance movement, into more yogic movement, wellness and eventually sound therapy. Although yoga and various other wellness practices are becoming far more mainstream in western society, it’s still not a typical 9-5 job. Overall, I do think I’ve always taken on an element of “risk” in my career choices… but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I feel that hard work and consistency towards a passion can create tremendous success internally and externally!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a wellness coach based out of Atlanta, Georgia and the founder of Flo & Vibe LLC. I use therapeutic movement and sound healing to empower women, professionals and abuse survivors, shifting them out of fight-or-flight daily demands and deep into parasympathetic state. This results in their increased focus, productivity and inner peace both at work and at the home! By blending sound-healing, yoga and functional movement, I have had the honor of connecting with my clients on a truly holistic level. I offer over 14 years of experience to the fitness and yoga world both in Atlanta and in New York City.

Leading with a mind, body, and spirit approach, it is my goal to guide my clients into living healthier and more balanced lives. Ironically, so much of the work I do now is actually inspired by my own personal setbacks, perceived failures, grief and trauma. Regardless of those experiences, I still believe that everything happens for a reason. For instance, being a caregiver to my mother and grandmother on my own helped me to better understand the importance of self-care and taking breaks when needed. Or to be quite honest, experiencing turbulent and at times highly abusive relationships with romantic partners forced me to understand the consequences of lacking self-worth, the psychology of entering abusive relationships; and in contrast, how to set up healthy boundaries and feelings of self value. I had to build internal strength, endurance, and deal with so many of my own insecurities. On the other hand, this inner work has greatly impacted my intuition, which often helps me connect with many clients on a deeper level. My challenges have become a part of my empowerment journey! It has now become my passion to offer sound therapy, meditation and therapeutic movement to women, professionals, and abuse survivors as a form of self-care. It may sound cliché, but it’s so true that our challenges can also lead us to our destiny. If we are open and receptive, life teaches us the lessons that we really need.

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.
Well, I absolutely love the beltline here in Atlanta! It’s such a lively trail and features amazing restaurants, graffiti, artwork, musicians and a bit of mother-nature along the walk. In terms of a drink, I would check out the James Room, or for tasty pizza, Ammazza is just 2 blocks off the beltline. Training Room is one of my favorite studios for a great workout, and Be Hot Yoga Atlanta is great studio if you’re a Bikram yoga lover! Lastly, Ponce City Market’s Rooftop is always a fun experience and a great view to show visitors!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well there are so many people who have supported and guided me throughout my life path. The encouragement of my friends and family, both near and far, has kept me grounded. They have been my anchors during challenging times and also during my best moments! You guys know who you are and I have no idea what I would do with out you all!

When it comes to the wellness world, there are two powerhouse practitioners in Atlanta who basically introduced to me much of the work I do now… my teachers Leigh Mallis and Jenn Streck. I completed my 200 RYT yoga teacher training with Leigh when I first moved back. She’s truly a powerful teacher and is just so authentic! I love how the structure of her training program is based in Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga/Meditation. I received so much wisdom and knowledge when training with her, which in turn created space for my deep inner work and personal transformation. Without a doubt, she is definitely one of the most sought after instructors in the city of Atlanta.

A few years after, I eventually completed my Usui Reiki training with Jenn Streck. To this day, I still come to her often for 1-on-1 sessions at her holistic wellness studio Full Circle ATL. She has a beautiful studio in the Old 4th Ward/Inman Park area, where she offers private sessions and also hosts a variety of wellness events year round. Her experience in energy work and healing is simply unmatched!

Website: www.malaikafloyd.com

Instagram: @malaikafloyd

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaika-floyd-6ba05861

Facebook: @malaikafloydatl

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqVJ5NwxBDPTw1Kw1aUQhgQ

Image Credits
Chase Burford Photography

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