Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcela De La Trigg
Hi Marcela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I feel in love with the city, the people, the art, the opportunities, and myself. I was in my mid 20s doing good at my career as a Sex and Health Educator fresh new Daytonian from Texas. I just finished yoga teacher training, going through a horrible break up, and figuring out the next step. I also couldn’t find a yoga studio that was inclusive and welcoming to my identity and budget during all this.
As it all continued, I started to begin to really dance (which includes yoga), buying this 12 ft pole and creating what I wanted in my loft – and that’s where I fell in love with myself. This feeling of being sexy, feeling good and confident was what I wanted to share.
People around me had investment properties, children, relationships and more that they were fostering. I was decompressing and enjoying myself and the bar right next door, meeting and chatting to everyone. But I needed my own project to foster.
I already loved the city and these networks being created. The Dayton Bike Meet was one of these great events happening every first Friday. I was introduced to the Art District at Front Street.
I started to talk about the idea of a studio, changing ideas overtime but finally, one thing led to another – I started to lose sleep and one day a late friend shared, “If you can’t gamble on yourself, what’s life worth.” The next day I called the building manager back and said – I’ll take it. This studio that was vacant for 20 years before MarYSoul is now an intimate, intentional space for you to explore.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Losing relationships, financial struggles, overwhelming lists of tasks have all been struggles. During these past (almost) 2 years of MarYSoul my mom became extremely sick. For over 6 months, I was going back and forth from Texas and Dayton. I couldn’t give up on MarYSoul, so friends and the community helped me while away.
Managing what started out as a leisure project grew into a space that people were supporting and anticipating the next class and event and I did not feel like it was time to stop when it was just popping off.
Relationships grew out of MarYSoul and connected so many amazing people, but in the mix I also shedded relationships that were not supportive. Another struggle is growing MarYSoul at a steady pace that one person can handle! I’m ready to onboard more people!!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am Marcela De La Trigg, owner and operator of MarYSoul Expression Studio. MarYSoul Studio is an intentional and intimate studio focusing on wellbeing, confidence, and connection. MarYSoul is a space to express and showcase your skills and art.
We understand wellness from the holistic approach and encourage the more taboo aspects. We have had dance classes, such as belly dancing and burlesque. We have done art classes from watercoloring to those that use not only paint brushes but also a class called Pleasure and Paint – a class that incorporates bodies as the paint then transfer it onto a canvas, shibari rope jams, yoga, sound baths, mediations, drum circles, private art events and shows, along with all the other forms of art our community wants to showcase.
I am most proud of the artists that come in ready to work and then to see them succeed, is very powerful. I enjoy using my networks to support the artists of MarYSoul.
What sets us apart is that we are able to talk about sexuality, vulnerability, balance ,and more in a safer space guided by BIPOC creatives. We are able to celebrate with each other. You do not have to be a professional but simply want to move and use your creativity. We invite all to join our classes or ask questions and experience what is happening at MarYSoul.
Myself, Marcela, I am an Afro Latina certified health educator and yoga teacher from Cedar Creek & San Antonio, Texas. I have my studies in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and a BS. in Public Health. My most recent career has been in the reproductive health and education non-profit sector. I was able to curate different educational and fundraising events – working with parents and youth as my priority population to empower the conversations around sexual health and relationships. I am most proud of moderating the Black Feminist Symposium at University of Cincinnati and implementing the bilingual Spanish education curriculum.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
A few things that may be surprising are that I am bilingual in Spanish, I learned very young.
I am a pool shark.
My name first name Marcela, is from Selena Quintanilla mom’s name. And my last name De La Trigg – is totally made up from my dad. My dad is a Trigg, but he wanted my brothers and I to be able to create our new legacy so he added De La.
I also had 2 horses growing up, a cow, and a 3 legged dog.
My brothers and I are extremely competitive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/marysoulstudios
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marysoulstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092437804346&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarYSoulStudios
