#SmallBusinessSaturday
Portia Oliver | Mindful Little Yogis
This week’s interview is with Portia Oliver, founder of Mindful Little Yogis…my own son has recently started practicing yoga at pre-school and absolutely loves it, he loves seeing how long he can hold the poses and enjoys trying to teach his little sister. I can definitely see us doing more Yoga together as a family and Portia is evidence of the benefits…
“A yoga loving Mum of two with a busy household of three dogs, 2 guinea pigs, countless fish and a husband! Having turned my life around through diet and fitness, from an over active thyroid condition and depression to a drug free, vegan and gluten free lifestyle. I was lucky enough to discover yoga and mindfulness in my 30’s, but how fantastic would it have been to have been aware at a young age? I am now on a mission to spread my journey with the world and get more young people hitting the mat!”

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family
I am a 37-year-old Mum of two adorable children. My daughter Arabella is 11 and plans to be an Olympic Gymnast and my son Theo is 7 and hoping to one day play for Barcelona Football Team, so only small dreams. I also have a very loving and supportive husband of 14 years. We are a very active family and like to always be trying some new circus skill or outdoor activity. Myself and my husband have always been into fitness and have individually taken part in lots of events, including Tough Guy and the London Marathon. I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition after having my children and this led me onto a few years of anti-depressants, until I found yoga. My love for yoga grew very quickly and I noticed my children’s interest spike too. But most importantly it made us all deal with things better as a family. This led me to my new business of yoga and mindfulness.
What is your business — what do you do and what made you decide to set up?
After qualifying as a yoga teacher, I decided I want to reach more young people and set about starting up classes for children aged 2 plus in my local community centre and the local primary school. This has grown considerably and I now offer my classes to adults and children, with people hosting events, one to one sessions at home, schools, festivals, workshops and yoga parties! The list goes on and on. I have also spent the last few months writing a children’s mindfulness diary, which I cannot wait to get out into the world and would love to see children using in school.
How do you balance running your business with taking care of yourself and your family?
I am so lucky to have a job that I can incorporate into my role as a Mother. My children come to my classes and have seen great benefits in their own bodies as a result. They also love that I work with their friends. As I have always maintained a healthy lifestyle, my family expect to find me up by 5.30am most days and sweating, then meditating in the front room before they wake up expecting breakfast. I try and keep my admin time and sitting at my desk to when my children are at school, as I am always nagging them about too much screen time. One thing that I think to any Mum is essential and that is making time for yourself. When you are doing so much for others and are the core of the family home, you need to be at your best. I always try to incorporate things that are just about me into my week and always make sure I do not put pressure on myself to have the perfect house, that’s spotless or the ironing basket empty. My life is for living and those jobs will not take president.
What are your top tips for maintaining a healthy #MumLifeBalance?
* Eating a healthy diet
* Making time for yourself
* Listening to your children and making sure you make time for them.
* NEVER beat yourself up about anything!
If you had an extra hour every week what would you do?
If I was on my own I would meditate or draw, with my children I would play a game or make something together. We love creating in the kitchen!
If you could pick any other mum, celebrity or otherwise, to have a drink with, who would it be and why?
I am inspired by any Mum that has managed to keep their child grounded in today’s world, especially those in the limelight. I have been fortunate that my children have made some wonderful friends over the years and their parents have been so supportive of my business and my journey. I would welcome the opportunity to have a glass of wine with any one of these ladies anytime.
Find out more about Portia and her business by checking out her website or social media pages:
www.rtiaoliver.co.uk
www.facebook.com/mindfullittleyogis
www.facebook.com/portiaoliverwellbeing
www.instagram.com/porsche_anna
