Today we’d like to introduce you to Willow Marcotte.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began as a child when I discovered a book about yoga and meditation in the Himalayas—captivated, I read it repeatedly. Alongside a growing love of poetry and philosophy, these early interests were the seeds that quietly shaped my path. As a teenager, I was drawn to meditation and Buddhist practice, which led me to Ashtanga Yoga and later Hatha Yoga. Meditation became the steady foundation of my daily life, guiding me through life’s changes and challenges.
What began as a personal exploration of balance, healing, and inner connection naturally evolved into a calling to share these insights with others. Teaching opportunities seemed to arise organically, and I found myself stepping into the role of a yoga teacher in hospitals, homes, corporate events, and music festivals. Each space offered a unique way to connect, support, and serve.
Without a master plan, I followed what felt meaningful, took risks, and kept showing up—class by class, training by training—learning through the richness of lived experience. My path has been shaped by the yoga of life itself- through a variety of work and personal experiences that deepened my perspective. Each step has brought greater clarity, confidence, and devotion to this ever-unfolding journey.
In 2017, I took over Sun Yoga Tampa, dedicating myself to nurturing a space rooted in authenticity, accessibility, and heart. My goal was to honor the true essence of yoga beyond physical postures, creating an inclusive sanctuary where all could feel welcome, supported, and inspired on their unique journeys—a place for cultivation, compassion, and community.
I’m a 500-hour E-RYT with the Yoga Alliance, specializing in Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, and alignment-based Hatha Yoga, as taught by B.K.S. Iyengar. My teaching is also shaped by Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and ViniYoga. My nursing background and experience with adaptive yoga for cancer, aging, and neurological conditions help me support a diverse range of students and life journeys.
I offer group classes, private sessions, seasonal events, and workshops—ranging from gentle, meditative experiences to more dynamic, alignment-based practices. I also lead teacher training and advanced education for yoga teachers looking to deepen their practice and expand their skills. Sharing yoga with children is a special joy, encouraging them to explore postures through imagination and play. While I offer guidance, my students become my teachers—continually shaping and inspiring me. I’m a lifelong student, always learning and evolving alongside those I serve.
Through it all, my aim remains: to create spaces where people reconnect with themselves and each other—on the mat and beyond—for a true sense of belonging. Whether you practice yoga to heal, grow, or breathe, there’s a place for you.
Outside the studio, I find joy in nature, live music, biking, reading, and, most of all, time with my family. For me, yoga is not just a practice—it’s a way of being.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—and I wouldn’t trade the bumps for anything. There have been financial challenges, moments of burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure of wearing every hat as a business owner or pursuing a calling. At times, I question if I am making an impact. But these challenges taught me resilience, refined my purpose, and helped me build something more aligned, sustainable, and soulful. Every “no” redirects me toward a more aligned “yes.”
The pandemic was one of the biggest upheavals the studio faced. Like many small businesses, we had to completely reimagine how to serve our community—shifting online, holding space virtually, and trying to stay grounded while everything felt uncertain. It tested our connection but ultimately deepened it. I am so grateful for the support of our community and the incredible yoga teachers I have the pleasure of collaborating with. They are family.
On top of that, we moved locations a couple of times—each move driven by a desire to find the right space to support our community and keep us together. It wasn’t easy, but we took the chance to find a true home, a space that reflects our values and can grow with us. That leap of faith came with growing pains, but it was worth it. We have now settled in an oasis that we call home.
Rising costs and the ever-changing economy have been constant challenges, especially while trying to remain accessible and inclusive while sustaining the business. There’s also the pressure of sharing the message of yoga in a social media world that often leans toward glamor, perfection, and the purely physical. Yoga is so much deeper than what can be captured in a curated image. It’s a lifestyle, a practice of presence and honesty—and finding authentic ways to share that in the digital space has been an ongoing dance.
I’m still learning and still growing, and that’s part of what keeps this work alive. Through it all, my love for yoga and the strength of our community has carried me forward. That connection is what makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sun Yoga is an inclusive and peaceful environment where students practice authentic yoga and mindfulness in a way that supports real self-growth and meaningful connection. We specialize in accessible yoga for everybody—welcoming students of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels.
We offer a wide variety of practice styles, taught with excellence and care, in a sacred space where students can explore not only the physical practice but the inner work of yoga. This supports growth on and off the mat—creating more harmony, stability, and presence in daily life.
As a traditional studio, we honor the ancient roots of yoga while adapting practices to meet modern needs. What sets us apart is our heart-centered commitment to authenticity, accessibility, and community. We believe that while the physical postures are important, they’re just one small piece of the whole. Yoga is not just a workout—it’s a work-in, and transformation often happens in the quiet, subtle moments between the shapes and the breath.
At the heart of Sun Yoga is a thriving community—a space where people feel seen, supported, and welcomed as they are. We’re proud to foster deep connections between students, teachers, and the broader world through ongoing community events, seasonal celebrations, and outreach that extends our impact beyond the studio walls.
We’re here for the seekers, the artists, the caregivers, the quiet ones, the bold ones—anyone looking to reconnect with their inner light and with others on a similar path. Whether you join us for a weekly class, a private session, or a special event, you’ll be met with care, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging.
If you’re curious, come as you are. There’s space for you here—and a community to grow with you.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Start where you are, with what you have, and trust that clarity comes through action. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Let your values lead the way—people can feel when you’re working from the heart.
Surround yourself with community, mentors, and supportive peers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, invest in your growth, or pivot when things don’t feel aligned.
And most importantly—take care of yourself. Your energy is your most valuable resource. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure your work nourishes you too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunyogatampa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunyogatampa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunyogatampa/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willow-marcotte-2995a791
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sun-yoga-tampa-land-o-lakes
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sunyogatampa
Image Credits
Douglas Drysdale, Ilan Robinson, Willow Marcotte
