Name: Frannie Rochat
Family info: Husband and 4 kids - 2 in college & 2 out - in Rye for 24 years
Pets: Dogs - Otis and Paddington
Name and description of your Organization/Business: Yogafreak
How would you describe your work? Freakin’ hot!!
Before working on this, what was your career? I worked on Wall Street - Corporate Bond Desk / Trading
How did you get involved with Yogafreak? Started in London when I was pregnant with my first 26 years ago.
How did you get started?
Once I started practicing yoga, I hoped that one day I would teach so that I could share with other people how it makes everything in your life even better. I have taken a zillion trainings with some of the nation’s leading yoga instructors - Bikam Chudhury, Baron Baptiste, Gwen Lawrence, Eddie Stern, Robert Moses, Jared Mccann, Ghosh Yoga (to name just a few).
I started my teaching career at Midland School with Kindergarten yoga and after school programs. Eventually I began teaching at local studios and started my first yoga studio in my basement :)
I've learned that yoga is a great personal support system.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love helping people have a better day. I also enjoy working with so many talented people the Yogafreak Team is a wonderful and kind group of people. I also really enjoy mentoring teachers, trainees and the interns from the local high schools every spring.
What is the biggest challenge you face?
The biggest personal challenge for me that I wasn’t ready for was/is running a small business, I was ready to teach and share the magic of yoga, but not ready to run a business! I’ve come a long way with the support of my husband/ best friend, my family, friends, and the incredible Yogafreak staff.
Currently the biggest challenge is Marketing. Our studio is hidden around the corner from the CVS in the Rye Ridge Shopping Center, so one of the biggest hurdles is finding us.
Getting men to come to the studio is another challenge! Interesting fact - during COVID there were more men practicing yoga than women. And contrary to popular belief, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE TO DO YOGA.
How did you overcome that challenge? With the help of Ryemarkable Moms! :)
What is your best tip for others looking to give back to the community?
Educate and share your wisdom with the next generation. I feel fortunate to have high school interns every spring. It’s a rewarding experience mentoring and getting to know them.
What are some alternative careers you would have liked to have?
I considered physical therapy, but I am very happy I landed here.
If this is a second “career” for you, do you have advice regarding reinventing yourself?
Believe in yourself, lead with your heart, and if you are trying make things perfect, it won’t be that fun. Be okay with good enough.
Any other fun details about you?
Oh gosh I need more time to think on this one. Fun facts / interests - astrology, reducing my carbon footprint, any outdoor activity, most recently polar plunges with the ‘Bad Sisters’. Spending time with my family and friends. Currently I am reading the Brandon Sanderson’ trilogy (my sons favorite series).
Check out Frannie at https://yogafreak.com/.
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