Meet Alexandra “Alex” Grimm | Yoga Instructor + Manager of Uptown Yoga

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra “Alex” Grimm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra “Alex”, what matters most to you?
The principle, mantra or intention that I live by, is to be the very best person within me.  I focus on developing my awareness and to pay attention to the choices and actions I make in life.  I have short comings like everyone else, but I focus on being more compassionate and empathetic to try making my faults a learning opportunity. It is through these interactions and a positive attitude that I can create positive change. Recognizing my own self- worth and being able to establish boundaries of safety, is a an important part of my success. Acknowledging what I believe in and stand for, while always striving for my best is the key for positive growth . I know I am part of a larger community and I must do my part to create a better world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Upon graduation from college, I applied to a 200 Hour yoga teachers’ training program.  The program was intensive, well organized and covered topics such as: communication skills, addressing specific skills of individuals, principles of demonstration, teacher qualities and the business aspects of teaching yoga. During my training Uptown Yoga was hiring a front desk person and I was introduced to the yoga community. Upon completion of the teacher training program, Karma smiled upon me as a door opened to Uptown Yoga’s third studio. Uptown held auditions for new teachers and I was encouraged to audition.  I auditioned and was engaged as a teacher!  This is where I found my voice.  As I taught, I concluded that yoga was meant to be shaped to your body and not the other way around.   As I progressed on my yoga journey, the opportunity to manage the studio, which enlisted the skills of my college minor: business, was offered to me. I accepted and have been managing since 2016. The hours can be challenging, but the reward is rich in doing something that you love and believe in.  Yoga opens you to the beauty in life and teaches you to view the challenges as growth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let me start by saying I grew up in Dallas and I love all that the city has to offer, but these are a few of my go to spots, some are pre pandemic and I haven’t been since COVID.

Mutts Cantina- not only is it outside, my dog, Maven gets to play.

Sachet – gorgeous atmosphere and they have my favorite cocktail the “gin mare”. They do a wonderful job of distancing in the restaurant, and created a little patio area if the weather permits. I have never had a bad meal here.

Oishii- my favorite sushi restaurant. I order ToGo from them almost every weekend in the summer

Slow Bone -hands down my favorite BBQ spot, their fried chicken is a must. I bring my own sauce.

White Rock Lake- taking a walk or bike ride around the lake can be so rejuvenating

Ruins Taco- best tacos ever, another place I have never had a bad meal from. They have a nice open patio and make delicious flavored margaritas. Deep Ellum isn’t my scene much any more but worth a look while your in the neighborhood

Design District- lots of cute art galleries and boutiques

Streets Fried Chicken- wonderful southern cooking

Great American Hero- best sandwiches in Dallas, reminds me of my Jersey roots.

Bobs Steak and Chop House- wonderful steaks, so tender you really only need a butter knife to cut the steak (they still provide a steak knife).

Bishop Arts- cute neighborhood to walk around outside and window shop

Joy Macaroon- macaroon ice cream sandwiches are the best

Roundup- gay cowboy bar on the strip. SO. MUCH. FUN.

Chocolate Secrets- rosemary carmel + ancho chili bon bons

Farmers Market- fresh veggies and my favorite hot sauce, klowns on fire, has a stand here. I usually bring my dog

Klyde Warren Park- park built above a highway is pretty cool and so Dallas

Spa Castle- all day spa day

Sole Therapy- get package D. It includes hot stones.

Session Pilates- I practice my reformer Pilates here everyday except Saturdays. I love all the teachers.

Uptown Yoga- I’m partial to this but best yoga studio in the city.

Trinity groves- beautiful view of Dallas and lots of cute restaurants.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Both of my parents have been extremely supportive within my journey. I started off going to University wanting to become a nurse. While I was in pre-nursing school I realized that wanted to take a more holistic approach to helping people. They encouraged me to complete my Bachelors degree, and move home affording me the opportunity to figure what my next step in life would be.

Jennifer Chitwood, owner of Uptown Yoga, is a mentor who gave me the opportunity to join her yoga community. I began working front desk at Uptown Yoga while completing my teacher training at another studio. Jennifer Chitwood offered me a teaching position when she opened her third studio. Her guidance and vision helped to fuel me and my teaching.

I also would thank my students, for being open, kind, and supportive to one another and me, both on and off the mat. Without my students support I would not have experienced growth.

Instagram: @acgrimm

Other: Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/user/alexandra.grimm?si=TDJ_1FGpTwisPVBj_2Rq7Q

Image Credits
Uptown Yoga