Inspiring Conversations with Nicole Gheorghe-Doering of Dope Yogi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Gheorghe-Doering.

Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I began my yoga journey early in life when I was just 8 years old! My mom is a long-time yogi and would take me to yoga classes with her. It wasn’t until college that I really started practicing regularly myself, and at a time when everything felt too hard and overwhelming, yoga was my lifeline.

I got my 200-hour YT certification in 2012 and have been teaching ever since. Along the way, I’ve done many other trainings, and currently am registered as an E-RYT 500. After years of teaching and practicing in the Nashville yoga community I decided to go my own way and that’s how Dope Yogi was born! Dope Yogi is an online virtual yoga space and community. We offer many different styles of yoga for all different levels including vinyasa, restorative, gentle yoga, hiit/yoga fusion, and meditation.

Our goal is to make yoga accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. We have flexible pricing for anyone who cannot afford to pay full price and are working hard to bring yoga to everyone — not just those who are privileged enough to be able to afford it

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, I’d say it’s been pretty smooth, but of course, I’ve had my fair share of challenges. The main struggle I would say was being able to break away from yoga studios that undervalue yoga teachers and staying connected with the community that I had already built in the process of creating my own business. I believe that there’s room for everyone at the table to succeed and shine, but unfortunately, not everyone in the yoga industry feels the same.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Dope Yogi is an online yoga community, unlike any other virtual yoga space. All are welcome and everyone is important. We make a real effort to connect with all of our members on a personal level and to make everyone feel seen and supported.

With Dope Yogi members find a space that promotes inclusivity, community, and connection.

We offer weekly live virtual classes through zoom, and we have an on-demand video library of over 240 classes with new content added each week. There’s a variety of styles, so there is truly something for everyone. Classes range anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes and are accessible from anywhere in the world whenever it’s convenient! Members also have access to yoga challenges, virtual workshops, and educational series like chakras, mindfulness, whole-body strength, etc.

What sets us apart is that, unlike most every other yoga studio, we offer memberships at whatever is affordable for you. Our membership rate is typical $50/month, but we know that this isn’t realistic for everyone. So for anyone who needs a break, we work with you to make sure that can receive all the benefits of a yoga and mindfulness practice at the price point that doesn’t break the bank for you.

We are a community. We are human beings. We understand that life is hard, and what I know is that yoga doesn’t fix everything, but it sure can make things feel more manageable. — I would say this is also what I want the readers to know — That yoga doesn’t have to be only for those who can afford expensive yoga memberships. Yoga is and should be for everybody. Many yoga studios say “everyone is welcome” but do not actually reflect that in the pricing and styles of yoga that they teach. Dope Yogi is a space where no matter your body, level of practice, or financial situation – you are truly welcome.

I would say I’m most known for my expertise in technique, alignment, and the creativity of my flows. I teach at a pace that is sustainable for all bodies with an emphasis on mindfulness and deep breathing. Students often say they leave my class feeling challenged, refreshed, and empowered.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My mindset. I believe that people are inherently good and I always try to see the good in people and situations and the world around me. I truly believe that my positive outlook and free spirit have gotten me to where I am. I’ve had many challenges in my life like everyone has – but through all the adversity I’ve experienced, I’ve never stopped looking ahead and giving it my best shot.

Pricing:

• Single Parent Membership: $20/month all access
• Student Membership: $20/month all access
• Regular Membership: $50/month all access
• Flexible Membership: Anyone who cannot afford a full-price membership can email info@dopeyogi and will receive a link to sign up at a price that they can afford

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: dopeyogi.com
• Instagram: @dopeyogi

Image Credits:
Lindsey Kanes