Photo Credit: Dominica Fisher
Life coach, yoga instructor & holistic wellness consultant Mar Soraparu draws from her extensive background to lead the BIÂN team of wellness professionals, conceptualize and develop BIÂN’s dynamic programming and wellness strategy, and oversee Marketing and brand growth. Between designing hyper-individualized member wellness plans and curating a vast collection of studio programming, to developing nutritious smoothie and supplement offerings and supporting the innovation in every element of the club, Mar’s leadership is imperative to BIÂN’s holistic approach. Formerly a finance professional at Nuveen Investments and Guggenheim partners, Mar made a bold career shift to follow her deeply rooted passion for health and well-being. Nearly a decade later, she is the founder of yoga with Mar – a Chicago-based lifestyle, coaching and yoga brand. Mar has worked with individuals across the globe through her empowerment life coaching program, which follows a three-step approach to life: mindset mastery, habit formation and thoughtful action. As an RYT 300 hour yoga alliance certified yoga instructor, Mar has been a highly sought-after instructor by top-rated studios and has worked with both private and corporate clients over the years bringing a powerful message with her work. Her ethos has been to reinvigorate and heighten the energy of her clients by enriching both mind and body to make space for growth and clarity in addition to taking personal responsibility. A University of California, Los Angeles graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology, Mar is also a RobbinsMadanes Certified Life Coach, a frame of mind certified life coach, an optimize coach and is a board-certified coach (bcc) through the center for credentialing and education. Mar’s background coalesces with her authentic excitement to enrich the lives of those around her, making her influence integral to BIÂN as a community and brand.
FWM: You were formerly a finance professional at Nuveen Investments and Guggenheim Partners, how did you shift gears to health and well-being?
Focusing on my health during my time in finance, was pivotal for me. It made me realize how integral it was to my stress level – which contributed to every area of my life and happiness. I recognized that it was a missing fundamental for many adults, particularly in that industry, which sparked my curiosity and interest in making a career shift so I could make a meaningful contribution to the world. It felt somewhat like a calling.
My ability to understand the world of finance and high stress, allowed for me to approach the subject of mindfulness and wellness in a powerful way that was approachable to Corporate America. I felt that it was was a place that really needed it .
FWM: You have worked with individuals across the globe through your empowerment life coaching program. Why are clients are coming to you today?
Clients come to me when they are looking to take their life to the next level. Those who crave more happiness, fulfillment, success and contribution in their life. Those who are going through challenging times and know that there is a functional way to be in the experience and who desire a strategy on how to move forward. My work is focused on habit formation, thought management/mindset mastery and thoughtful action — that instills in clients that they have the responsibility and the ability to be the creator in every area of their lives. That is a powerful realization.
Photo Credit: Alisha Tova
FWM: As an RYT 300 hour yoga alliance certified yoga instructor, you have been a highly sought-after instructor by top-rated studios and have worked with both private and corporate clients. What will people notice when working under your guidance at BIÂN?
As it relates to yoga, I merge coaching into my teaching which results in a unique mind and body experience. I also really factor in the time of day, year, energy of the room as to how I sequence and use music to further support the energy build and release. I also really take into consideration the time of day and year, and the energy of the room as to how I sequence and supplement with music to further support the energy build and release.
FWM: Tell us about BIÂN. There was a lot of mindfulness when designing your sanctuary. What was important to you?
Every Micro step since the conception of BIAN was important to me because the mission is about integrity. It’s a remarkable honor to create a space with impactful offerings for individuals to approach their life in more meaningful and healthy ways. I do not take that responsibility and opportunity lightly and thus, every component of the club was under a microscope.
FWM: Your strategy for wellness is to design hyper-individual member wellness plans. Share your winning strategies.
- Individualization is the key ingredient. I studied multiple coaching methodologies that offer different approaches so I can pull from tools that suit the specific needs and personality of the client. I also am now able to incorporate programming through BIÂN to support my clients in an even greater capacity with strategies around physical activity, nutrition, social, medical care, eastern healing, and recovery. BIÂN is not only a one stop shop but we have the leaders in each respective industry.
Photo Credit: Alisha Tova
FWM: What is your mission for BIÂN?
My mission is shared amongst my partners. BIÂNs mission is to be the leader in wellness and to change the way the world approaches and thinks about their well-being. If we start on an individual level, we can radiate positive change for all of humanity.
