We had the good fortune of connecting with Miriam Burlakovsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Miriam, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I saw so many amazing women: my friends, my yoga students, and students I work with struggling with body image.
They’re missing out on aspects of their lives that could be tremendously joyful, fulfilling, and helpful to the entire world because they are insecure about putting themselves out there.
I knew I had to do something, so I started teaching virtual yoga classes and researching the psychology of positive body image. I started posting short tutorials and received really great feedback from women in the community. A business coach suggested I put all the pieces together into a cohesive course People could work through step-by-step.
I developed a 3- month course that consists of on-the-go audio lessons and meditations with live group coaching.
It has evolved into an app, a podcast, and (in progress) a book! I’m having so much fun impacting lives and guiding transformational change!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Mindful Miri Method stands apart from other programs in the health and wellness industry because it: – Targets the root cause vs. symptoms
– Focuses on attitude vs. food
– Based on empirical research
– Made for a busy woman’s schedule
– Features, short, consumable, on-the-go lessons
– Uses a “Health at Every Size” approach
– Workouts, meditation, psychology lessons, journal exercises, accountability, and support – all in one place on the Mindful Miri App!
Mindful Miri Method is about teaching women to love the skin they’re in… Right now. We are different than the rest of the weight loss programs out there because we focus on healing from within.
It’s about feeling great wherever you are now. Many of us have lost and gained weight and still been miserable inside.
Despite the glorification of slimness in our culture, being slim is not a magic wand. Physical health should not come at the detriment of mental health. There IS a way to feel healthy and balanced – inside and out.
I wrestled for a long time with whether I could teach positive body image – having struggled so much of my life with it. But someone told me that if I could teach the solution to my own biggest struggle, it could change the world. So that’s what I decided to do!
I am most excited about giving women permission to take care of themselves. There is so much glorification of burn-out/ workaholic culture and martyrdom among females and I hope to empower women to replace that with radical self care and ownership of their wellness: both mental and physical.
The process of starting a business and all that it entails has been eye opening and exciting to learn. But the real battle was my own inner work. It was terrifying putting myself out there so publicly on social media. Overcoming “imposter syndrome“ was probably the hardest part, but knowing I’m helping other women feel less alone in their struggle made it all worth it!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would have us meander the neighborhood of River North, or RiNo, which features street art, cideries, craft studios, art galleries, and live music galore!
We’d use Denver’s bike sharing program, B-cycle, to traverse the Cherry Creek Bike Trail, and to get around town to eat, drink, and admire art at Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, Denver Art Museum, and Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art.
Must-eat/drink venues: Beast + Bottle, Tavernetta, Oskar Blues Brewing,
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
During my divorce, my therapist recommended I look into Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction founder, Jon Kabat-Zinn. His books have given me comfort in dark times and laid the foundation for my mindfulness work.
One day during a camping trip, my dear friend Naomi Neilson, asked if she could join me for my yoga session. I led her through the asana practice and we had so much fun that I was encouraged to finally pursue my yoga teacher certification. Thank you, Naomi!
And of course, I couldn’t do anything without my unbelievably supportive and enthusiastic husband, Neil. He is my biggest supporter, advisor, and confidante. Thank you, Love!
Website: www.mindfulmiri.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_miri/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindfulmiri
Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/@mindfulmiri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmiri
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4jKZ7i5ZjCXmfAfWxFWsnA
Other: Tik tok: @mindfulmiri
Image Credits
Melissa Jean Photography