Meet Dawn Rivers | Yoga Teacher & Mindset Coach

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

Hi Dawn, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I’ve discovered that within me lies an unwavering determination, a resolve that refuses to entertain the notion of giving up. Instead, I embrace the concept of ‘pivoting.’ When faced with challenges or something that doesn’t quite align, I embark on a journey of reimagining and restructuring.

A pivotal moment occurred in October 2022 when I made the decision to close my yoga studio. While it wasn’t yielding the desired profits, I recognized the need to reassess and evolve. I had two choices: to persist in reviving the studio, investing immense effort, or to bet on myself and explore new, uncharted business horizons. I chose the latter path.

In the past year, I’ve navigated the emotions of bidding farewell to cherished relationships, a physical retail space, and revenue streams. But amidst the farewells, a new spark ignited within me. I found fresh excitement in sharing my passion for movement, mindfulness, and mindset through coaching and consulting. It’s been a thrilling journey, partnering with corporations, agencies, and school districts to create positive change.

In the face of challenges, I’ve learned to pivot gracefully, like a yogi transitioning between poses, always moving towards growth and resilience.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m absolutely thrilled about my latest venture, DMR Coaching & Consulting. It’s been a conscious and transformative shift from teaching yoga to coaching, a decision that has shaped my last decade in profound ways.

Over the past ten years, I’ve informally coached numerous individuals, and in 2019, I took a significant step by initiating a mentoring program for aspiring entrepreneurs. At the heart of this program lies a framework inspired by the ancient wisdom of yoga, drawing insights from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. I’ve aptly named this curriculum ‘The Business of Yoga.’

But the journey doesn’t stop there. I’ve expanded my mentorship program into full-fledged coaching, with exciting plans on the horizon. In 2024, we’ll be launching a group membership, expanding our reach and impact even further!

At DMR Coaching & Consulting, our mission is clear and resolute: to empower educators to conquer burnout by harmoniously merging the realms of movement, mindfulness, and mindset. Our transformative guidance equips educators with the essential tools to nurture unwavering resiliency, enabling them to not just overcome challenges but thrive both professionally and personally.

What sets us apart is our unique approach, one that kindles a sustainable passion for teaching, fosters holistic well-being, and rekindles a profound sense of purpose in every educator we have the privilege to serve.

As for the journey, it’s been anything but easy. Challenges have been part and parcel of the process, but they’ve served as invaluable stepping stones. The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been powerful, teaching me the art of adaptability, resilience, and the true essence of mindful perseverance.

What I want the world to know about DMR Coaching & Consulting is this: We are here to be the beacon of hope for educators, to rekindle their love for teaching, and to guide them on a path of sustainable well-being. Our unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern coaching techniques sets us apart, and we’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of educators, one mindful step at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were in town for a week, I’d make sure they experience Cleveland’s vibrant and diverse spirit to the fullest. Here’s a little itinerary for our unforgettable adventure:

Day 1 – The Rhythmic Beat of Rock and Roll:
– We’d kick off the adventure at the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, immersing ourselves in the history of music legends.
– For dinner, we’d savor the delectable vegan offerings at Cleveland Vegan on the west side, setting the tone for a week of culinary delights.

Day 2 – The Theatrical Magic:
– We’d head to the Cleveland Play House for a mesmerizing Broadway play, indulging in the world of theater.
– Post-show, we’d explore the city’s nightlife, perhaps discovering hidden gem jazz clubs or cozy bars.

Day 3 – Mindfulness and Movement:
– Supporting independent, Black Woman-owned yoga studios would be a priority, a testament to your commitment to empowerment.
– We’d indulge in rejuvenating yoga sessions, aligning our minds and bodies.

Day 4 – Culinary Delights:
– The Vegan Club at Shaker Square would be our dining destination, where we’d relish more vegan cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds.
– We’d explore the local food scene, sampling diverse flavors throughout the day.

Day 5 – Sports Spectacle:
– Depending on the season, we’d catch the energy and excitement of a Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, or Guardians game, immersing ourselves in the city’s sports fervor.

Day 6 – Hidden Gems and Artistic Pursuits:
– We’d spend a day discovering hidden gems in the city, exploring local art galleries, and perhaps attending a live music performance.
– It’s all about embracing the creative and artistic side of Cleveland.

Day 7 – A Farewell with Flair:
– As our unforgettable week comes to an end, we’d enjoy a leisurely brunch at a charming local cafe, reminiscing about the memorable moments we’ve shared.
– We might explore one more unique neighborhood or landmark before bidding farewell.

Cleveland has no shortage of fun, interesting, and exciting experiences to share. It’s a city that offers a rich tapestry of culture, art, music, and culinary delights.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My heartfelt shoutout and immense gratitude go to my two extraordinary children, Brittany and Brenton. Their unwavering support has been the guiding light through the twists and turns of my transformative journey.

In 2019, I made the bold decision to transition from being a school librarian to a full-time entrepreneur, and their support has been nothing short of remarkable. They rolled up their sleeves, quite literally, by helping me paint my former yoga studio. They not only attended my yoga classes but also became passionate advocates, sharing my work with their friends.

Their digital savvy came to the forefront as they willingly dived into the world of website creation and copy editing for social media, blog posts, and more. Even during challenging times, they stood by my side, going the extra mile, even helping me move furniture when it was time to close the yoga studio.

Their unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of motivation and strength. My journey wouldn’t be the same without their love and support. To Brittany and Brenton, my eternal gratitude and love.

Website: https://www.dawnmrivers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnmrivers/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmrivers/

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

Image Credits
Nicholas Brillas, Johnathan Wymer, Aireonna McCall Dulpè