Meet Saraphina Mesmer | Yoga Teacher Trainer, Belly Dancer & Clothing Designer

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

Hi Saraphina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over the past 18 years of teaching Yoga, a lifestyle rooted in well-being has remained a constant thread. It’s inspiring to work with people who are supporting their own and others’ well-being. While that may be a relatively small portion of the population, I deeply appreciate the people in my life from this community—those who bring harmony and balance to one another.

Work-wise, I started by making and selling upcycled clothing to complement the physicality of teaching Yoga. I’ve always enjoyed transforming what already exists into something new. Later, I became more involved in supporting Yoga teacher trainings at studios, while also practicing and performing as a belly dancer. My sewing shifted toward costume design. These creative projects—dance and design—help keep my perspective fresh amidst the steady rhythm of weekly yoga classes.

In Ayurveda, balance is traditionally defined in thirds: one-third work, one-third rest, and one-third play—an equation for a healthy and joyful life. Yoga, as a practice, requires repetition. But repetition can dull inspiration if it isn’t renewed. Singing Kirtan, dressing my community, and dancing are how I reignite that spark and invite play back into my life.

During the pandemic, as Yoga centers closed, friends and I gathered outdoors and in creative spaces like Shiva Sai Mandir (a home-based temple) and A Lighthouse, a private healing arts hub with an outdoor dance studio. These connections got us through and created a lasting network of mutual support. Community has also been essential in sustaining and regaining balance through challenges. Sharing Yoga privately and in co-working spaces helps me reconnect to the roots of these practices and watch them morph into something alive and responsive to each setting.

This year, I launched a second upcycled clothing line called TERRAPHINA, influenced by minimalist design. These are singular pieces—skirts and gowns with solar arm or leg coverings—sewn from pre-existing clothing. The vibe blends post-apocalyptic shique and futuristic elegance, grounded in a philosophy of consuming less. Think urban-bohemian in shades of white, slate, and black. My dance sisters have stepped in to model, turning these creations into a joyful collaboration.

TERRAPHINA primarily uses donated materials from fast fashion sources, repurposing them to offer an alternative to how clothing is acquired with lower consumption and greater uniqueness. While fast fashion has its benefits, it’s also a significant contributor to pollution. Upcycling offers a slower, more sustainable approach, with grassroots production and local selling, it’s affordable avant-garde fashion. You can shop by messaging TERRAPHINA on Instagram to order a look similar to any of the designs, customized to fit you. Try pieces in person at our upcoming trunk show at Illuminate on 6/28 https://app.actualize.earth/illuminate and the runway show on 9/13 at Tetra Lounge www.tetralounge.com.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the core of all my work are the principles of realignment, resourcefulness, and transformation. My passion for sharing Yoga and dance with people of all skill levels taps into the innate intelligence of the body and mind, helping to shape consciousness and guide people toward better alignment with themselves.

I’ve been able to share Yoga with people of all ages and backgrounds. Working with middle schoolers in an after-school program has been a beautiful reminder of how Yoga empowers and supports authenticity. It’s deeply rewarding to witness students who start out shy gradually step into confidence. Supporting Yoga Teacher Training—first at Samadhi Yoga Sangha, and since 2020 at Rooted Heart Yoga and Wellness is a responsibility I hold with care: to keep alive the teachings and practices that have shaped and enriched so much my life. Each group becomes a little community of its own, forming friendships and networks of support. That’s my favorite thing to witness.

Dance is also a big part of both my professional and personal life—both as creative expression and physical release. I discovered belly dance in collaboration with friends singing Kirtan in 2011. That blossomed into seven years of belly dancing with live psychedelic rock bands. Since then, I’ve danced at weddings, parties, and most recently with Devi Dance Collectiv, a fusion-style belly dance troupe. Our group originally came together through ecstatic dance, and we incorporate that spirit of personal expression into both our classes and performances.

I currently host a weekly class that blends belly dance and ecstatic dance. It’s a joyful time where we move together, support one another, and collaborate with incredible DJs.

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.
The 715 on Welton St on Goth night! Awesome DJs and reminds me of a slumber party / dance party.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my dear friend Nafeeah Kim Johnson, who founded Shiva Sai Mandir in Denver. She encouraged my passion for authenticity in how I work and live.

Website: https://saraphinayoga.com

Instagram: @terraphina @saraphina yogadance

Linkedin: Saraphina Mesmer

Facebook: Saraphina Yogadance

Youtube: Saraphina Mesmer

Other: TERRAPHINA events coming up

Trunk Show at Illuminate Saturday June 28th – https://app.actualize.earth/illuminate
Runway Show at Tetra Lounge Saturday September 13th – tetralounge.com

Image Credits
Green Earth Photography