Yoga Bliss And Wellness Center Opens In East Islip

Patch recently spoke to the owner of the new Yoga Bliss and Wellness Center, which opened just last month on Main Street.

First-time business owner Shazi Luqman talked about her new store and what she learned in opening her first business.

Read the full interview below:

Patch: Tell us about your business.

Luqman: We have state of the art equipment in the studio and a specially built Yoga Wall that is not offered by our competitors. So this makes us unique. You have to see it in person and use it to experience the magical effect.

P: How did you get your first start in this business?

L: I have been practicing yoga for the past 17 years and teaching Meditation. I been teaching in different studios every week. I became more serious about it in the last seven years when I hurt my knee 2010, I was worried that my yoga days were over. Later, I spoke with my doctor about my fear and he smiled, reassuring me that yoga was the best therapy I could offer for my knees. Not only does the practice help to strengthen my body, but it also serves as a focal point of peace and happiness in my hectic life. I have completed my yoga instruction certification and have become a teacher to help both myself and others. While I have started leading my own classes, I also taught in YMCA.

Along with the all certifications I especially went for Cancer Recover Yoga Certification because about 15 years ago I went through a very dark time, I found myself in a 'unknown territory'. I was fortunate enough to dodge the bullet because my Cancer was benign. Still I had to go through surgery on both side of my breast to get rid of the lumps.

So far I studied the following and received teaching certificates:
Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (200 Hour Program)
Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (500 Hour Program) Breast Cancer Recovery Certificate
Reiki Healing Master Certificate
Meditation Instructor

My goal was and is to help others and I believe in Healing energy, so I went for Reiki level 1 training and after that loved it so much couldn't stop my self and went for further training. Now I'm a Reiki Master and train others for level 1,2 and Master training. I have been treating my private clients since.

I still attend yoga classes at different studio to continue developing my skills and continuing my further education in yoga , because I think as a yogi you never stop learning.

"Time serves you as you serve the TIME "

P: Is this your first business venture? What other projects have you worked on?

L: This is my first business and because I really believe in the power of yoga and benefits, I couldn't think to be in a better business than helping and healing people in my own community.

P: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Best advice was given to me was that dedicate yourself and do something you really love. If you will follow your heart then the whole universe helps you accomplish your goals.

P: What’s your favorite part about being a business in East Islip? What makes East Islip special?

L: First of all, no one else offers the type of studio I do within 15-mile radius what I am offering. Secondly I have all different levels and specialty needs yoga classes which are not offered by others.

P: Did anyone influence you as a business owner? How?

L: No. I just knew it was the right time because I am bringing something new for my community.

P: Did you ever make a business mistake and later on were glad you made it?

L: I am new on this path , but so far I can tell you that I had only good experience with the community and people I come into contact with.

P: Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

L: I want to make a difference in peoples life by educating them in this type of yoga techniques. It will help not only in regular yoga benefits but also in mental and spiritual healing. What people don't know about me that I am a nature lover, people person and love to travel.

P: What advice would you give to a business owner just starting out?

L: Follow your heart and work really hard on your dream to make it come true. Like there is old line from the movie Fields of Dreams, "If you will built, they will come." You have to believe in yourself for others to believe in You!

Yoga Bliss & Wellness Center is located on 35 West Main St. in East Islip and is currently hosting free classes for cancer patients in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month on Wednesdays.

Photo: Facebook.com/Yoga Bliss & Wellness Center