Unfinished Evolution

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Well, this is new. Putting my thoughts and ideas in writing is not something I am overly confident in, nor do I feel fully ready to share the inner workings of my mind. But, here we are. We have all heard these inspirational quotes, or spoken them to a friend: “Start before you’re ready.” “Step outside your comfort zone.” “We can do hard things.” I feel it is my time to listen to this wisdom, and just start typing! If you are here, thank you for witnessing me.

My intentions for this blog are multi-faceted. First, I wanted a space for us to get to know each other a bit better. I am really big on community and connection and this is one way I want to foster a sense of closeness with my people, (aka you). Furthermore, I have a plethora or curiosities about the yoga and wellness industry that I plan to share, as well as some helpful resources I think you will benefit from. I hope you find this blog to be interesting, inspiring, silly at times, and entertaining. If grammatical errors trigger you, this is your formal warning, I am not here to be perfect, I will make mistakes. My invitation is for you to meet me where I am at on this blog journey, as I know like all things, it will evolve.

Anyway -

I think a valid place to begin, is with a little peak at my past. So to start, let’s go back to the beginning.

Hi, my name is Rachelle! I grew up in Squamish BC, before it became what it is today. It was a sleepy town, mostly mom and pop store fronts, and definitely no yoga studios. I was a pretty awkward and nervous kid, and was never labeled book smart, unlike my genius older brother. My childhood memories are actually pretty blurry, until about the age of 10. What I do recall from my early years, is my obsession with felines (I have a vivid recollection of pretending to be a cat on numerous occasions- in public to boot! (I have since evolved to being a dog person). I was an intense momma’s girl, and hated conflict (still have a huge aversion to debates and arguments of any kind).

When my parents separated I moved with my Dad to Prince George halfway through grade 6. Being a pre-teen/teen was rather messy, and though it would be an interesting read, this is not the place to peel back all the flavourful layers of that time. What I will say, is that I got in quite a bit of trouble, and I am truly fortunate to still be here living, and thriving. I experimented with hard drugs, self mutilated, and had disordered eating habits before entering high school. At age 15 I was not living at home, and barely making it to school. School was hard. Not just the subjects, but the social construct. Sadly, I know I am not alone in the issues I faced. Being insecure, feeling “not enough,” believing my worth relied on how little I weighed or how flawless my skin was, is not shocking, I think many of us go through these rough phases.

Much to some peoples disbelief, I did not grow up a dancer or playing sports, I was not top of my class or Miss. Popular, and I did not have a big community or family for support. I actually failed PE. I did however, much to the surprise of a handful of people, graduate on time. Then, days after, I moved away from Prince George with zero idea where my life was going and absolutely no aspirations to follow.

I spent my early 20’s doing what many people in early adulthood do - I was “finding myself.” I made a lot of poor choices, was a bad friend, a tad bit reckless, and full to the brim with angst. Some big pivotal moments for me was moving to Vernon BC and becoming a server. I came out of my shell (probably helped that we were encouraged to drink on shift, and the amount of Jagerbombs I consumed each night would loosen anyone up.) I had A LOT of fun in the service industry and waitressed in every type of establishment'; from Humpty’s Family Restaurant (in the smoking section- yuck) to On the Roxxx Show Lounge (I’ll forever admire the strength it takes to pole dance), to fine dining, and lots in between. When I was in Vernon, I fell for a man much older than me in age (maturity level about the same) and we moved to Fort MacMurray to make the big bucks. Shortly after our engagement, and nursing myself back to health after getting breast implants, I found out he was….. drum roll please… CHEATING!! Shocking I know! Anyway- I was crushed! But, this heart ache put me on a path I am so grateful for.

I left the looser, took my money, and traveled! Something I will never regret, and always encourage people to do of any age is to spread their wings and fly far far away. My first solo trip was to Thailand, I was 22. Flying into Bangkok, I WAS TERRIFIED!!! Truly, the Rachelle who stepped on that plane, and the Rachelle who stepped off- Different humans! I learned to trust myself, and that empowerment transformed me into a fiercely independent and confident person. I witnessed some things traveling through South East Asia that will forever humble me, ground me, and fill me with gratitude. I met a handful of amazing people on that trip and went on to visit them to places like Catalina Island, Ireland, Italy, France, and Australia. The travel bug is mighty my friends, get bit and you are a goner, in the best way possible.

Eventually my wad of Fort Mac cash was beginning to dwindle. I needed to sink my roots somewhere, and the only place I figured I could afford and have some sense of community, was Prince George. At 24 I returned and wow, how I much I had grown since the girl who left 6 years prior is quite astonishing. At this time, I had been single(ish) for 2 years and still pretty raw from Mr. can’t keep his dink out of everything that walks. I began working at the Westwood pub where I eventually met my current love. He came in with a thick upper lip rug and I was smitten. I told my friend working I thought he was a hunk, so as friends do, she wrote him a note saying I wanted to ride his moustache. Classy, I know. We started talking and I quickly found that he scratched the itch for what I was looking for. We just celebrated 10 years together in November. He no longer has a moustache.

Anyway, a few years goes by of slingin drinks and I start to get a bit antsy in my pantsy, and have a full on melt down that I don’t know what I am doing with my life. I was 27 and feeling lost. I knew deep down that I was meant to do something really special, I just didn’t know what that looked like. So, while ugly crying to my friend, she mentioned I should become a yoga teacher. And, just to be clear, I was not “into” yoga at this time. I had been to less then 4 classes and was rather unenthused. But, for whatever reason, it peaked my interest. So, I reached out to the Yoga Teacher Training that my friend mentioned, and low and behold, there was one spot left, and the investment was how much I had saved for school. Stars= Aligned.

Now, something you need to know about me for all of this to make the most sense, I am “a YES person.” When I see an opportunity, my first inclination is to say yes, and then see what happens. This has served me well, I suggest you try it on from time to time. We all have an inner compass, a deep wisdom, a quiet spirit guide, and when we start paying attention to when we are called to do something, and trust the path, we will be rewarded.

So yeah, 8 years ago this spring, I said yes to a yoga teacher training, then I said yes to further education, and then yes to every teaching opportunity that came my way and 7 years ago this summer, I said yes to buying Sunset Studio. I have fallen so deeply in love with holding space, and witnessing connections that people make with themselves, and others. I like the practice of yoga, but am head over heals obsessed with facilitating and sharing the practice.

The first few years of owning Sunset Studio, I was just treading water. I knew nothing of how to run a business and what my margins should be and how to market our offerings. All I knew for certain, and have continued to be clear of, is the intention of what Sunset Studio stands for. From day one, to today, the most important thing to me is that when people come through the studio doors that they feel welcome. Like I said, community and connection is really important to me, we are all humans on this planet just trying to make it through the day, and I want Sunset Studio to be a place where folks feel comfortable to show up just as they are. We all deserve to have a safe place to feel, to move, to breathe, to connect, and to feel completely welcomed and supported. I am proud to say I believe that for the majority of people who try us out, feel that Sunset Studio is their Haven.. And, for those who do not, it is my sincerest wish that they find a place where they feel they belong.

Last year was eventful to say the least! With many months of behind the scenes work, Katrina Molendyk ( a long time instructor with Sunset Studio) and I created a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program that we offered hybrid style (in person and online). It was so rewarding sharing our knowledge with the trainees and has been awe-inspiring watching them go off and lead amazing classes! We are thrilled to offer our “Within Reach Yoga and Movement” Teacher Training again May-August 2025. Click here to learn more about it

My passion of holding space, weaved together with my love of travel is something I have been manifesting for a while. In August 2023, it happened!! I took my first yoga retreat group to Jasper Alberta and had the best time. I honestly could not have asked for a better first retreat experience, the offering sold out in 48 hours and the folks that attended all jived so well. When I announced that I will returning annually, I was so thrilled to see 9 repeat attendees from the year prior sign up right away! The Nurtured by Nature 3 Night Yoga Retreat August 30-Sept, 2nd is Sold Out, but you can get on the waitlist here

Okay!! So that about sums it up. A quick look into my past. I debated back and forth on how much I should reveal, what is necessary to share, and which details are important for where I want to take this bog. Uncertain on how this will be received, I am working on letting go how much I care what other people think. So much of my pain, insecurities and shame come from the fear of being judged, so this is my practice on showing up authentically and as a human- flawed and a continuous work in progress. I am so proud of who I am, the growth that I have nurtured and the resilienceI have cultivated.

So as the first entry is coming to an end, I want to celebrate that this really is just the beginning. This is a new adventure for me and I am so excited to see where we end up. I have a lot of ideas I look forward to sharing with you and some insights I think you will find helpful. I would LOVE to hear from you and build this community. If you have any requests or questions please comment below or send me a message. Best way to reach out is through IG find me at @rachellesunset

NEXT ENRTY: WHY I HAVE STOPPED CLOSING MY YOGA CLASSES WITH “NAMASTE”

xo-Rachelle