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

Hi Tiffany, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I founded Evolition, my healing arts practice in 2017. After losing 100 lbs and pulling myself out of a major depression, I made a number of lifestyle changes that I wanted to continue. I had also been through a divorce and was re-starting my life and career, and experienced a strong calling to share what I had learned. Not from a, “I did this and want to teach you how to do it, too,” but more of a, “let’s learn about how to change our lives together.” I’ve been at it ever since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In yoga, we have this concept that the body is made of koshas (layers, or sheaths). Over the decade that I’ve been doing this work, I’ve developed a suite of services that impact all of the layers of the being. For most of my clients, we start with the physical body–as a group functional trainer and yoga instructor, I have skills and experience to help almost anyone move better and get out of pain. Pain-free and strong is a great way to live your healthiest life.

For many, emotional and psychological health issues, like trauma and self-criticism, arise as we’re doing the physical work. I teach classes on emotional health topics like emotional intelligence, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion and interweave these concepts with everything I teach. I offer a compassionate ear to students when they’re struggling, and have seen amazing transformations in people with this work.

I work hard to promote community and interconnection at my studio and within my group classes. Some students form deep friendships with one another, and everyone who comes here knows this is a safe and welcoming space. Social connection is so important to health, and I see the studio as a healthy community Third Space. Recently, I’ve expanded my business to include other instructors with different expertise and skills, and have added energy work to my service offerings.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If it were a week long trip, we’d probably head to the San Luis Valley and visit Joyful Journey Hot Springs! It’s my favorite place in the state and I don’t get there nearly often enough. I have tattoo on my wrist of prayer flags that is inspired by the Tashi Gomang Stupa outside of Crestone, so we’d have to go there as well. A trip to the Elephant Cloud Market and Cafe in downtown Crestone is never wasted, either.

Closer to home, we might take a day in Golden. I try never to miss the Saturday morning class at Golden Yoga Therapy (with Christian Leeby), and brunch right after at the Table Mountain Inn is one of my favorites. With the expansion of the Clear Creek Trail system, you can head out for a gentle stroll or a longer hike right from the city. A trip to Golden Gate State Park, which isn’t too far out of the city, is also lovely; it’s one of my favorite places to meditate with the trees. Hit El Dorado for Mexican dinner on the way back home!

Another day, we’d probably catch lunch and shopping at the Edgewater Public Market and take a walk around Crown Hill Park. I’ve been walking that park for the last 30 years and the views never get old.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friend, mentor, coach, and general partner in crime, Kris Briganti. Kris is a personal trainer extraordinaire, hands down the best at helping women get strong. She walked with me through my initial weight loss and fitness journey, put the initial bug in my ear about beginning to teach, and then taught me how to not only be an excellent fitness instructor, but a reliable professional as well. She’s amazing. You can find her at www.inspirationfitnessstudio.com

Website: https://www.myevolition.com

Instagram: @myevolition

Facebook: @myevolition

Other: https://vimeo.com/myevolition

Image Credits
Several of the photos were taken by Kristina Neb. These include the one that encompasses my work, the one of the group with the stick warm up, the one of me demonstrating a pose in an orange shirt wearing a microphone, and the one of me sitting on the floor manipulating a man’s leg (we are both in purple shirts).

The photo of me sitting on the ground with the two women on the foam rollers and the photo of me holding a older man’s arm an laughing were both taken by Elimar Trujillo 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.