Sam's Story

Born in Ohio, Sam lived in the Czech Republic and Rwanda for six years before returning to Miami in 2017. Her journey has taken her across multiple countries and has allowed her to visit over 45, yet her most transformative discovery was inward when she moved back to the United States in November 2014.​

 

With her late mother’s guidance—who introduced her to the Bhagavad Gita and Autobiography of a Yogi—Sam embraced the ancient teachings of yoga, which continue to influence her work and life today. Before embarking on her wellness journey, she dedicated herself to international development, empowering orphaned youth at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda and creating educational programs in Prague that focused on 20th-century European history, including Holocaust studies. She has always been drawn to learning about new cultures. ​Sam studied international relations, business, and international law.These experiences profoundly shaped her understanding of global connection, human resilience, and the importance of nurturing both the individual and collective soul.​

 

With a background in various yoga disciplines including Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa with a dedication to mindfulness and self-care, Sam's teaching style is inclusive and accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Her classes are known for their soothing yet invigorating flow, providing a space for students to connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. Sam's mission is to empower individuals to embark on their own transformative journeys through yoga, with her warm and nurturing approach.

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The launch of Cafe Namaste.

 

Sam created Cafe Namaste in 2019 as a three-month series combining yoga and healthy brunches centered around plant-based food and alcohol-free options in downtown Miami. Her vision was to provide a space where modern professionals could connect beyond the yoga mat, especially in a downtown environment where it can be challenging to meet new people.

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With no event experience, what began as a temporary series has since evolved into a holistic brand offering wellness programming, creative experiences, and community-driven initiatives designed to inspire and uplift. While Cafe Namaste was born from a desire to integrate wellness into everyday life, Sam remains deeply committed to preserving the integrity of the meaning of Namaste and honoring its origins.

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Recognizing that "Namaste" translates to "I bow to the divine in you," she infuses Cafe Namaste with a sense of respect, reverence, and inclusion, always mindful of the cultural traditions from which it arises. Sam ensures that the practice of yoga within her spaces maintains authenticity, rooted in the teachings that honor the ancient wisdom of India, while striving to be relevant, inclusive, and wholesome.

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Inclusivity is a core value of Cafe Namaste. Sam is dedicated to creating environments that invite people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences to come together in community, respecting the traditions that yoga is built upon. Her approach ensures that while wellness evolves in a modern context, it remains tethered to its cultural and spiritual lineage. Through this balance of innovation and reverence, Sam continues to cultivate meaningful connections and foster personal and societal well-being, both locally and globally.

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Her love for vibrant living and color, especially hot pink and yellow, is reflected in the design of Cafe Namaste, symbolizing joy, energy, and creativity. These colors create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through the doors.

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Beyond the Mat

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Sam is a lifelong learner who values education and personal growth. She completed her 500-hour yoga teacher training in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method at Miami Life Center under the guidance of Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor and recently spent time studying with Yoga Educator, Prasad Rangnekar on Meditation and Pranayama in Dubai. She has embraced the teachings of yoga and has been dedicated to sharing her journey with others since returning to the U.S. in 2014.

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In her free time, Sam enjoys photography, reading, attending wellness classes, visiting museums, experiencing live music, and continuously expanding her knowledge. Her passion for home design allows her to create inspiring spaces that foster connection, beauty, and creativity.

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Through her work at Cafe Namaste, Sam empowers others to embark on their own journeys toward wellness and self-discovery, inviting them to explore the transformative power of yoga and holistic living. Café Namaste also emphasizes community involvement, hosting regular philanthropy and volunteer days that encourage participants to give back and connect with others, reinforcing the belief that wellness extends beyond the individual to encompass the collective well-being of the community.