About — Collective Charleston

About Sam

Raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, I spent my youth exploring the trails or barefoot in a creek searching for salamanders with my sister. My love for nature and moving my body was sparked at an early age. No matter where life takes me, both continue to bring me ease.

My mom introduced me to yoga & other forms of Eastern Medicine at a young age. I found these forms of mindfulness & movement practices both therapeutic and calming. After back to back car accidents when I was 18, these therapies became my lifeline to process the physical & emotional trauma my body had experienced. These accidents also greatly influenced my studies while at Rhodes College. The Study of Psychology captivated my interested, allowing me to better understand my own struggle with PTSD & Depression, specifically how they affect my physical body & emotional self. I wrote my Senior Thesis on Stress Induced Eating Disorders, specifically analyzing the correlations between social, economic, and environmental stimuli.

Graduating from Rhodes College in May of 2015, I returned home to Asheville to continue my understanding of the intertwined nature of movement & mindfulness. I received my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training through Asheville Yoga Center and knew that I had found my home.

My personal journey as a health & wellness practitioner blossomed from that first training. I would make my way to Charleston, where I taught with a number of incredible studios and further connected with the city’s wellness community. I graduated from Trident Technical College’s Massage Therapy Program in December of 2018. I immediately joined the talented team at Lotus Healing Center, located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Shortly after, I received a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for my 300hr Yoga Teacher Training with Authentic Movements. Once again, I knew I was on the right path.

“Work hard at work worth doing” is one of my favorite Leslie Knope quotes from the hilarious Parks & Recreations. My parents would agree with the quote above as well. As small business owners, my parents led by example. They illustrated to me that your work & your passion can be one and to never stop pursuing what brings you true joy. This continues to be my North Star.

Collective Wellness LLC & Collective Cooking LLC are a collaboration to promote lives of balance, joy, and well-being.