Meet LaFonda Cousin | Yoga Instructor & Talent Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaFonda Cousin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaFonda, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
So many things! Travel. Yoga. Wine on the patio. My bestie group chat. Massages. Car karaoke. Naps. Quiet time to reflect and sit with myself. Brunch dates with friends. Inside jokes that still come with the same inconsolable laughter years later. Watching my daughter grow and navigate her independence. Seeing my friends and family find things that bring them joy. Rain. Candle sales. Matching workout sets. Organization. Cleaning. Gadgets. LOL A lot of random things make me happy. There is a distinct calm and contentment and appreciation for the “little things” I think I’ve gained in my forties. It’s crazy, because at twenty-something I swore I was happy in the complete chaos of just being in your twenties. But now, honestly, I feel that what makes me most happy is life. I feel genuinely happy most days. I’m grateful in this space. I feel really blessed.

What should our readers know about your business?

Pardon My Flow Yoga is a virtual yoga studio that provides private and group yoga instruction. We can provide in-person private, couple, and group classes in the DFW area as well. I started Pardon My Flow as an extension of my own personal practice. I loved the way yoga made my body feel. I loved the balance it provided. I loved the sanctity of it. I love both the solitude and the community of yoga, and I wanted to share that with others.

In 2021 I was on a sort of personal journey, but I was unsure what I was searching for. I was 41 and had a daughter that was about to graduate from high school and leave for college. I spent much of my life dedicating my focus to her and realized that I needed to create a space for myself so that I could effectively give her the space to branch out. I practiced yoga casually years before, but a car accident injury and just the pull of life slowly moved me away from it. In March 2021 I randomly did a 30-minute Apple Fitness yoga class, and it was like something opened for me. I felt immediately connected. A few weeks later I signed up for a yoga teacher training course.

Pardon My Flow Yoga is a product of that renewed energy and sense of connection I immediately feel when I step onto my mat. Of course, it’s not magic, so that feeling isn’t every single time I practice. But, for me, things feel more balanced, clear, and grounded when I’m connected to myself in that space.

It has definitely not been easy. I spent much of the time early in my practice telling myself I wasn’t good enough, that teaching yoga over 40 was silly. I reminded myself that I didn’t have a “yoga body”, or that I hadn’t been practicing as long as the yogis I was inspired by, but in the end, none of that mattered. I started yoga teacher training to understand more about my own body and my own practice. I started Pardon My Flow to create space for others to do the same. We believe in progress, not perfection. We believe that emotional, mental, and physical balance fuels self-love and gives way to an appreciation for who you are and where you are on your personal journey. You learn to give yourself the grace we so often give to others.

While I love the community of yoga, it isn’t lost on me that I often practice in spaces where no one looks like me. What sets Pardon My Flow Yoga apart is simply being black-owned in the yoga world, where we (black women) aren’t always featured. Even our logo was intentionally designed to call this out. The intent is to highlight inclusivity in yoga. Yoga for me is a form of self-care and sharing that with others brings me joy. Our purpose is to help create a space of mental balance and physical acceptance, both inside and outside of yoga practice. You don’t have to be perfect on or off the mat on any given day. You just have to show up.

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?
There are always so many cool and unique things to do in Dallas. Shopping at NorthPark Center. Maybe a walk through Deep Elum or a visit to Mike’s Chicken in Oak Lawn. Take in the sights on walk through Trinity Grove and grab a slice of literally anything at The Cake Bar. A visit to Aunt Irene’s Kitchen for a black box. A wine flight at Distinctive Vines. Fuel City Tacos are a must. Cocktails at Whiskey Dallas and maybe a late night stops at Greenville Pizza Co. Yoga and a stroll around Klyde Warren Park, complete with a visit to the nearby Nasher Sculpture Garden or grabbing lunch at one of the food trucks in the area. Early morning trips to the Dallas Farmer’s Market and brunch on one of the many patios in Dallas, like Pangea.

Other things that immediately spring to mind are the graffiti park at Fabrication Yard, the stockyards in Fort Worth, Hip-Hop Brunch at The Common Table, hiking at The Cedar Ridge Preserve, the butterfly garden at Texas Discovery Gardens. Of course, there are plenty of patios and margaritas and interesting places and people all around the city. If you had a friend visiting it definitely would not be a boring week, that’s for sure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daughter, Amari, of course. She is the motivation and inspiration for literally everything I do. And my village is absolutely incredible! My mom, my sister, my brother, my friends. It would be impossible to put into words how much my village means to me, even when my introversion causes me to retreat inward. There is not a single day where I am not encouraged, challenged, motivated and inspired by my circle. They have been so supportive through this journey.

Website: www.pardonmyflow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pardon_my_flow/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lafondacousin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pardonmyflow1