Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Simmonds-Short.
Hi Dana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began with a legendary Bikram Yoga teacher named James “Jimmy Ji” Mahon, Jim was the Founder and original owner of Bikram Yoga Fort Myers for over 20 years.
I walked into Bikram Yoga Fort Myers in 2016 as a semi lost student trying to find their way in life. I had quit my corporate event marketing position as a VP and was deeply craving finding my spirit again and a passion for work that would help the world. Inspired by Jim’s enthusiastic teaching and dedication, I attended Bikrams 9 week Teacher Training in Acapulco Mexico two years later.
Returning back home and now teaching at BYFM my journey continued to evolve and blossom into a beautiful friendship with Jim and the students. Like a lot of stories though, heartbreak fell upon myself and the community.
In March 2023, Jim passed away unexpectedly. As I sat with him when he took his final breath, I knew my life would forever change. My immediate thought was I must keep Bikram Yoga Fort Myers alive. I didn’t know how and I never intended on owning my own school, but I knew everything he taught me was for this moment. A scratch of paper that was always tapped to the reception desk in his handwriting read, “You’ll either find a way or you’ll find an excuse.”
I found my way and have been the Director of Bikram Yoga Fort Myers for the past two and a half years and it has been the biggest and most humbling honor to continue and steward this historical landmark of true health in the Fort Myers community. After 23 years the story continues…
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing smooth about re-opening the doors two weeks after the passing of our teacher and my dear friend/soul father Jim.
With really no time to grieve, I was straight into remodeling and restructuring the business and the pressure was intense. Would people still show up with Jim not here? Can I actually do this? How does this heating system even work ? lol…so much self-doubt, but also so much excitement for the unknown.
I had big shoes to fill, but with lots of help especially from my wonderful husband Phillip, we had a wonderful grand re-opening with a packed room and so much support from the community.
I still struggle with worrying about more new people joining and if it will be enough to keep the doors open. Finding certified Bikram teachers in the community is tough as well but this is a labor of love, so any struggles are embraced with that intention.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Bikram Yoga teacher and Director/Owner of Bikram Yoga Fort Myers.
We specialize in Health. True health, through a system of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises executed over 90 minutes in a heated room (105 F/40% humidity) which was formulated by Bikram Choudhury. This system is known for its scientifically proven abilities to cure chronic diseases, mental illness and overall improvement of one’s life. Many universities such as Harvard have done studies on this system.
What sets us apart and what I am must proud of is that we have stayed true to the traditions and principles of the teaching. Unfortunately, many yoga studios have bastardized this system and turned it into a watered down version purely for profits. They’ve shortened the length to 60 or 75 min and have completely lost all faith in the capabilities of their students and really of themselves. We’ve kept the prescription pure and are now one of the last traditional Bikram Yoga schools in the country, if not the last…
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is like coincidences and I don’t really believe in coincidences.
Divine timing set me up with opportunities to chose one path or another and through my actions, brought me to where I am now.
Pricing:
- New Student Special $50 for Two Weeks of unlimited yoga
- Monthly memberships $160
- Drop in class $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bikramyogafortmyers.com
- Instagram: @bikramyogafortmyers
- Facebook: bikramyogafortmyers
- Other: www.friendsdoingyogawithfriends.com (retreat website)
