Meet Mary Carr | Co-founder and CEO at The Underbelly

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

Hi Mary, how do you think about risk?
I never thought of myself as a risk taker until recently, but I keep ending up in high stress spaces, mostly confused and disoriented. I always think, oh, I just want to explore this one thing or I’ll listen to that little voice for a bit. And I follow that pull so intently that when I finally do look up I don’t know where I am anymore.

I’ve had to acknowledge that I do indeed love jumping in and seeing what happens. And just to be clear – the word love is complex here. Risk taking always triggers so many emotions and fears within. It forces me to grapple with imposter syndrome, feelings of not being good enough and deep grief when expectations aren’t matched – but with each of these challenges comes release, a moment when I simply cannot do it anymore and I have to reassess what is truly important, how can I ask for help and where do I need to let go.

Risk taking has also unearthed an unwavering commitment to deep curiosity. I like finding patterns and learning new skills. I find joy in collaboration and team building. And most importantly, it’s restored my capacity to believe in something I can’t see but know exists. Building something that didn’t exist before with a team – it stretches my spirit and my faith.

I’m enjoying finding the magic in risk taking through creativity and collaboration with the world around me. It asks that I put myself out there, loosed of guarantees and control, forced to embrace the possibility around and within, opening to the vulnerability of curiosity.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Underbelly is a virtual yoga studio offering classes that invite you to come as you are. We carve out a space to tune into your own inner knowing – you’re the teacher you need. Come flow with us and find yourself. We seek to meet you today and offer wellness now.

We are not offering aspirational self-care or before-and-after-photo fitness. You are exactly what you need right now and are deserving of wellness today.

We launched our app four years ago and it has been a journey, filled with challenges and triumphs. In no way would I describe it as easy, but it is the most profound work I’ve had the privilege of doing. Showing up and meeting the moment as you are requires a commitment to the very service we’re offering – that I stay centered and grounded.

I’ve learned that I’m still learning, always. But that it is imperative to stay curious and to trust myself and my team. I’ve learned that to be clear and direct and transparent is kind; that leadership is different from management and requires personal conviction and vision-driven values.

I would love for the world to know that The Underbelly is a place where they can come and find themselves. Where they will be given permission to set down their responsibilities, put aside the ways they perform for others and find empowerment from within. I would love for everyone to find a resting space from the arduous journey of being human on the mat at The Underbelly.

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 Durham, NC and it is full of so many amazing opportunities. My favorite spots are along the Eno River. There are great hikes and swimming holes to pack a picnic and luxuriate in all day. We also have a vibrant downtown full of delicious restaurants – I love Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings and Sweets. Start with spicy noodles and finish with a selection from the most beautiful dessert counter you’ve ever seen. Pizzeria Toro serves up pizza that is a masterclass in balance and restraint and be sure not to skip the kale salad. I would start every day at Cocoa Cinnamon with a latte or one of their seasonal iced espresso tonics, I want one now. If I have kids with me, I love the Museum of Life and Science. It is full of interactive spaces, dream playgrounds with treehouses and ropes courses, I could sit on a bench in the butterfly house all day. It’s also the perfect place to drive to the coast for a day or the mountains for a long weekend. Durham is my favorite place on earth.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jessamyn Stanley is my business partner, teacher and friend. We worked together in the restaurant industry and she reached out when she wanted to launch an app for her own yoga content – I’ve been challenged by this work and have grown immensely. The gifts of working with a visionary are vast. Jessamyn sees the expanse of the future and works tirelessly to move the world to that end. It’s irresistible and you can’t help but dream along with her and work harder than you knew you could to get there.

I’ve also been profoundly impacted by the book The Rise by Dr. Sarah Lewis delving deep into how failures are actually ways in which we’re simply becoming. It’s not a stopping point but an invitation to pivot.

I’ve also enjoyed reading and listening to Brene Brown speak on leadership and vulnerability.

Website: https://theunderbelly.com/

Instagram: @theunderbellyyoga

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-carr-388019126/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunderbellyyoga

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JessamynStanley