Meet Cassandra Willett | Yoga Instructor/Entrepreneur

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

Hi Cassandra, what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me most happy is the ability to design and live the life I’ve always envisioned. As a wife, mother, and business owner, I cherish the flexibility to set my own work hours, allowing me to prioritize being present for my daughter while nurturing my passion for yoga. Teaching yoga full-time isn’t just a job; it’s a joy and a calling that brings fulfillment every day. Balancing these roles has taught me invaluable lessons in time management, resilience, and the importance of pursuing what truly matters to me. Simultaneously, running my own business allows me to pursue my passion and contribute to my community in a meaningful way.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a business who offers services during the summer months, we give the members of our community the chance to get outside and adventure with us every day. I’m most excited that we continue to grow as a business and we continue to bring new experiences to the community of Sioux Falls. We are the ONLY Floating Yoga Studio in the region with the cleanest body of water.

Is anything easy in life? No, not really so growing this business has had a lot of organic reach meaning the customers who have enjoyed our services continue to let the other members of our community know how great their experience was. Word of mouth has been our best friend. We are here to serve and be of service to those of our community.

Covid times gave us the opportunity to stay open as a business because we were able to socially distance but I would say that was one of our hardest challenges as a new business. Our first year in 2019 was very challenging as well as we were only popping up to different lakes around the area where it was hard for customers to track us and dealing with not the greatest of water quality.

Another challenge we have been facing is the lack of rainfall. All water levels around the city have been pretty low especially the Big Sioux River where we also do River Tours. It has been three years since the river has been high enough for us to paddle. We have had so much interest in the community for this experience, but with the lack of water we have not been able to do River Tours as we would like. We are hoping this summer brings us more water fall to enjoy the beautiful scenery down the Big Sioux.

Like with building any business, I’ve learned that like minded people will be there to cheer you on and keep you going. I’ve gained so many genuine relationships from being on the water and guiding students through their practices of yoga both on and off the water.

I still remember the first year we opened in 2019. We were working out of a trailer popping up at different lakes around Sioux Falls carrying simply only our paddle boards, paddles, and life jackets. Looking out now, we have our home at Lake Lorraine where we have paddle boards, multi person paddle board, pedal board, and kayaks now.

I’ve also learned that if I enjoy what I do daily, it doesn’t feel like work. Mind over matter. I wake up to enjoy the life I’ve created and Flow and Paddle has taught me to continue offering fun times on the water. We have just added tandem kayaks and looking into the future to add Swan Pedal Boats which will be a huge hit for our community in Sioux Falls.

I grew up with a single mother and never had anything handed to me as I grew up so working hard for ANYTHING I wanted, was the only way I knew. No matter how hard life can be, you can make it out of those hard times and you do what you love and love doing what you love everyday. Keep pushing through all the obstacles your faced with and know your purpose.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

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.
My favorite spots in the city would definitely be Lake Lorraine where you can stay stay, play,

I would start our morning off with a Hot Sculpt class at Amy Miller Training(the first hot yoga studio built in Sioux Falls) for an amazing hot and detoxed workout. We would then go to Nautical Bowls for my favorite Blue Bay Açaí Bowl

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, whose unwavering support has been the cornerstone of my journey. He not only helps manage our business but also selflessly cares for our daughter when I’m teaching classes. His encouragement and belief in my dreams empower me daily, allowing me to navigate the delicate balance of being a wife, mother, and business owner with grace and determination. His love and unwavering support are truly the bedrock of my success and happiness

Website: https://www.flowandpaddle.com

Instagram: Flowandpaddle

Facebook: Flow and Paddle

Youtube: @FlowandPaddle3839