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

Hi Lily, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Honestly the most important factor for me is that I love what I do. My success is not hugely financial, but I’m grateful that I get to work for myself, follow my own schedule, and share the teachings that are guiding my life. I never started teaching yoga or sharing ayurveda to get rich, but I make enough to allow me to live comfortably. I have learned along the way how to be creative and resourceful, and turn my passion into something that serves other people as well as fulfills me. I love that taking care of myself to me counts as work, as integrating my teachings into my daily life helps me to improve my offerings. I love that I can write off additional trainings in things I love to learn and experience. I love that I get to dream up incredible events that people love and I love to create. I especially love the feedback I get from my work; statements of gratitude and fulfillment from people who work with me or come to my trainings or consultations. This is what makes me feel most successful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I consider myself an artist as a self-employed yoga and wellness teacher and Ayurvedic coach, since I am constantly creating my offerings in tandem with sculpting a beautiful life for myself. Although it’s an unconventional career, I love that this path requires ongoing engagement and evolution of me as a person. Because my goal is to share what I find most illuminating on my own journey to radiant health and wholeheartedness, part of my “job” includes my own experimentation, practice, and unveiling of myself as a human being.

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.
I live in a tiny town called Mancos in Southwest Colorado. It’s considered the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. Mancos is incredible for its small town community vibe, beautiful spots in nature where you can really get away from it all, and its history. The little downtown is rich with a weaving of history with evolution. My favorite places in town are definitely Absolute Bakery Cafe for delicious pastries and breakfasts, and the Fenceline cidery for socializing in a family friendly atmosphere. I also love that there are like 4 art galleries in one block! From town you can see a beautiful silhouette of Mesa Verde to the West and the San Juan mountains to the east. I love getting out of town to hike in the mountains. The Big Al trail is one of the first stops when I’ve got visitors for it’s easy stroll through the high aspens to a overlook of the sacred mountain Hesperus. I love walking through the pines at Chicken Creek to a little reservoir for swimming in the summer. And in the evening the Mancos Brewery is a great spot for outdoor music and wood fired pizza.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my parents for their unconditional love and support for following my dreams, no matter how unconventional or alternative they may be!

Website: www.lilyrussoyoga.com

Instagram: @yoga.art.lilyrusso

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaArtLilyrusso

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LilyRussoYogaARTLife

Other: Podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourinnerradiance

Image Credits
Evie Joy Photography Smiley Coyote Photography Jasmine Amara Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado 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.