One of the most fun, rewarding, and sometimes awkward, disappointing, and time-consuming parts of starting Strategy Girl has been getting others involved. I’ve spent quite a bit of time reaching out to people I know and admire, and even more time reaching out to people I do not know and admire! One of those people was Mary Beth LaRue. I am so grateful for her taking the time to share her story with us, as we all seek to rock our own definition of bliss!

Name: Mary Beth LaRue
Location: Silver Lake, Los Angeles
Education/Training: BA in Journalism, 1000+ hours in Yoga
Current role(s): Founder of Rock Your Bliss, Yoga Teacher, Writer

How did you determine what you wanted to study in college?

I’ve always loved to write. Ever single I was in the second grade I was hand writing out a “Gazette” for my grade and photocopying it at my dad’s drugstore. It was an interesting time to enter journalism as the dawn of the internet age had totally changed the landscape. I worked for the Daily Iowan at the University of Iowa and got so much experience reporting. This led to me getting some stellar internships.

What led you to National Geographic after college?

I first interned at JANE magazine (RIP amazing magazine!) in Manhattan and then I got an internship right afterward at National Geographic Traveler. The Editor in Chief actually offered me a job at the magazine and held the position for me while I went back and finished my last semester of college.

I am curious how (and when) you got into yoga, and your path to becoming a yoga teacher, and if that journey at all paved the way for you to found Rock Your Bliss?

Well.. once I was sitting at a desk 40+ hours a week I felt pretty sure that wasn’t my path. I still loved to write but felt so envious of the writers out in the field and freelancing. I started practicing yoga several times a week as a way to get back into my body. I fell head over heels in love with it and signed up for my first yoga teacher training after just six months of practice.

What’s your coaching philosophy in a few sentences?

Tools that work. Where soulfulness meets spaciousness and applicability.

What makes this work most fulfilling for you? What about most challenging?

My business partner (and best friend) and I joke that owning a company called Rock Your Bliss holds you pretty accountable to do just that. It’s both fulfilling and challenging to be in this work day in and day out. Though I can’t imagine anything better!

Is there a “biggest hurdle” you see women face as they work toward finding their bliss? And if so, how can seeking out guidance be beneficial?

After college, I felt a lot of “shoulds.” I should stay at this job. I should like this. It kept me stuck in a cycle of people pleasing and living my life from other people’s values. By working with a coach you can get really clear on where you are holding yourself back or might be stuck so that you can use that energy for designing a life you love.

What general advice do you have for young women who are feeling “stuck” in life (in their education, career, regarding their wellness goals), or unsure how to best navigate reaching their goals generally?

See above!

Do you have a mentor? Who do you look to for inspiration and support?

Yes! I work with my coach Shelli Lawrence every single week and she has helped me shift so many thought patterns and ways of being that weren’t serving me.

Any final words of wisdom to young women who are strategizing to reach their career goals?

Stay true to you. Even if it feels you are moving a bit more slowly, by being true to your path you’ll create a career filled with purpose.

If you are open to connecting with our readers, how can they reach you?

Yes! Instagram – @marybethlarue and @rockyourbliss. Website – www.rockyourblissmovement.com. Email – mb@marybethlarue.com

 

Thank you so much, Mary Beth!!!