In honor of Women’s History Month and the launch of Vital Proteins new Collagen Water™, we’re kicking off a weekly series on Lively called "How I Uncap My Potential," where we feature amazing women doing incredible things in their field. Today, we’re spotlighting Mary Beth LaRue, the co-founder of Rock Your Bliss. Get to know LaRue, who created the feel-good yoga and coaching community with her best friend, and find out what she’d tell her younger self.
Lively's Interview with Mary Beth LaRue
Lively: When did you begin practicing yoga?
Mary Beth LaRue: I began practicing yoga when I was 22. I'd flirted with it a bit in college but wasn't ready. When I truly found yoga, I was working as an assistant online editor for National Geographic and was at a desk all day long. As great of a job as it was, my body wasn't accustomed to sitting still and looking at a screen. I started practicing every single day, sometimes twice a day, and my life completely changed. I was more present, more joyful, and way more tapped into my intuition. My gut told me I wasn't meant to sit at a desk so after years of journalism school, I left and started teaching and freelancing. I'm so grateful to my younger self for making the brave decision.
L: That's amazing. What inspired you to start Rock Your Bliss?
MBL: My best friend, Jacki Carr, and I saw how much we needed vulnerability and authenticity with other likeminded women as well as tools for, well, rocking your bliss. Our first retreat was over five years ago in Sayulita, Mexico and we've since led dozens of retreats, workshops and online programs.
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L: What was the biggest obstacle you faced when creating Rock Your Bliss?
MBL: Probably fear and doubt in the beginning. Is what we have to say valid? Will people want to be a part of it? But it really took on a life of its own and is a flourishing community of women.
L: What has been the most rewarding experience with your business and your career so far?
MBL: Seeing the power of believing in my dreams. I'm still in total awe every time I teach a crowd of thousands or a room of ten people. Holding space and doing what I love is so rewarding no matter the venue, no matter the student.
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L: What advice would you give to your younger self?
MBL: Follow your intuition. My gut has told me to leave jobs, teach yoga, move to Los Angeles, become a mama through foster care. My life doesn't look like anyone else's I know and I'm so grateful for that. My intuition always leads me to the most embodied version of my life.
L: Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in starting their own business?
MBL: To spend time listening within. With social media, it's so easy to compare and essentially try to mimic someone else's path. This doesn't work, and it never will. Keep a notebook with you (not a phone!) and write down your ideas and inspirations for what you are doing. Keep stroking that flame within because it's what will keep you lit up all throughout your career. I've been teaching for 12 years and am not even slightly tired of doing what I do! Just getting started.
L: How do you Uncap Your Potential?
MBL: I started from a quiet, intentional space – meditating, writing, doing things that bring me back to me – and I always check in with myself throughout the day. What do I need as a woman, mother, entrepreneur, etc.? And then I give myself that. No one else can do it for you. Nobody.
L: How do you incorporate Vital Proteins into your daily routine?
MBL: Every morning, I start my day with a blended coffee comprised of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, cacao butter, and coconut milk. I'll usually have a Matcha Collagen Latte in the afternoon as well. And I love, love, love the Collagen Shots. Zen is my favorite. I use Vital Proteins a lot!