Introducing one of the most angelic, caring and loving humans I have ever met, the one and only Sjana Elise - an internationally renowned yoga instructor, sunshine seeker, travel enthusiast and now published author who's pure zest for life, happiness and health is so inspirational she has a following of over 1.5 million people on Instagram - whom she continually inspires on a daily basis.

A newly published author, Sjana (pronounced See-Ah-Nah) recently launched her first Poetry and Photography book 'You Will Rise' a few months ago - filled with over 150 of her heartfelt poems and beautiful imagery of her travels and natural wonders from all around the world - it's a book that will truly warm your heart.

I first met Sjana a few years ago, when she called around to my house to pick up some of my raw treats I had made especially for her, and boy oh boy was I captivated by her beauty and presence - the light, love and positive energy that this girl radiated was beyond anything I had ever experienced, and as we sat in my kitchen talking for hours about our lives and journey so far, I was in complete awe of all that she has achieved and accomplished at her young age. 

Fast forward a few years and I am now blessed to call her my dear friend and part of my family - she is my number taste tester of my treats, a friend who always knows how to bring the biggest smile to my face, and she is one of my biggest supporters along my journey. My two kids absolutely love and adore her, especially my daughter Lani who looks up to her so much and thinks of her like a big sister. It's so cute!

Today I had the chance to sit down with her and have a chat about her journey so far, and what led her to pursue this dream of hers, while also diving into some fun questions to get to know her more on a personal level. This down to earth, beautiful soul is honestly one of the most genuine and nicest people you will ever come across - and I just can't wait for you to read all about her.

So find a cosy spot to relax, and enjoy this interview.

Love Sally x o

 

 

Tell us a bit about yourself, and what you do?

Hey there! My name is Sjana Earp, I was born and raised in Newcastle, Australia :)

After struggling with anxiety and depression in my mid to late teens, I discovered Yoga as a tool for healing and it became my passion, dharma and I now (pre-covid) travel the world sharing the practice with others!

 

When did you realise that this is what your passion was, or what you wanted to do?

 

There wasn’t one particular light bulb moment - but the combination of many teachings and unfoldings occurring simultaneously over a longer period of time.

I would say a huge shift was within my initial yoga teacher training. Before doing that I wasn’t even entirely sure what yoga was!! I found yoga through IG, and thought it was just random poses - I didn’t know how to flow sequences together, and definitely knew nothing about the philosophy behind it!

 

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

 

Mmm, I’d say the people in my life who I have attracted, and the connections I’ve been able to make. I truly feel that at the end of the day, it won’t matter what we do or don’t do, but it’s the people we want to share it all with regardless.

 

What has been your greatest challenge in life so far, and how did you overcome it/how are you working to overcome it?

 

Anxiety and depression was a huge one. It slowly built up and before I knew it I was completely consumed by it, and it negatively impacted not only me and my internal world, but the people around me too. Learning to start loving and appreciating every moment and breath this life is offering.

 

Describe yourself in five words.

 

I. Am. Because. We. Are.

 

What are you most proud of?

 

Any accomplishment I have achieved with others. It always means so much more when you can celebrate collectively!

 

What are three things you are most grateful for?

 

I’m grateful that every moment is an opportunity for alchemy. We can transform our reality through the power of our mindset and consciously come back into balance with ourselves.

I’m grateful to be divinely guided, yet aware of the role my actions and intentions have on manifesting miracles. 

I’m grateful for every time I was wrong and made a mistake. As these were portals to my expansion and growth.

  

What do you love most about yourself?

 

I love my emotional wounds. I love them first and foremost, and although I don’t always agree with the things my wounded self does, I know she is only trying the best she can to communicate something. So every time I witness her emerge again, I can sit with her and ask her what she needs, and what she is trying to say.
SHE’s the reason I am who I am today.

 

What's your favourite way to move your body?

 

Preferably upside down haha!
I love most movement practices - I grew up very sporty so my body in motion seems like my innate state of being haha!
Yoga, walking/jogging, pilates, swimming, hiking, surfing! (When I say “surfing” I mean flailing around and just having fun - I’m not in any way a “good” surfer haha!)

 

How important is self-care to you, & how do you take time out just for you - to nourish your soul?

 

Self care is essential to my wellbeing. I can’t give to others if I am not functioning at my prime, and to be in such a space, I need to take care of my holistic self - body, mind and soul!

 

If you had a self-care box you could open up when you needed some timeout, what would you fill it with?

 

Three servings of sleep, some Kangen water, a puppy, guided meditations, a masseuse and reiki therapist, a psychologist, a journal, the sunrise, the ocean and the hug from a loved one!

 

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

 

“Your breath is your anchor. Use it.”

 

When was the last time you tried something new for the very first time & what was it?

 

Probably today! I love being adventurous and normally travel all around the world trying new things! SO with 2020 and covid, I think I’ve had to get experimental with new things in my regular everyday life - new foods, new yoga poses and transitions, new approaches and mental states, new opportunities in business/career. Yeah I don’t often shy away from something new and foreign ahah.

 

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

 

Hugs.
Sunshine.
Time in Meditation.
The practice of Yoga.
Music.

 

What’s one thing you haven’t done that you really want to do?

 

Have kids! I can’t wait to one day be a Mum!
Every cell in my being tells me that is what I am truly here for.
Just gotta find me a nice tall man haha! Any suggestions, direct them my way haha :)

 

What is a random act of kindness you have done for someone else to brighten up their day?

 

I always feel weird answering these questions hahah! It feels so boastful to do something and then share it - Like it takes something away from it being selfless… Generally speaking though, things like surprising friends with appreciation notes and gifts, helping a stranger carry their groceries or paying it forward and purchasing someone else's order ahead of them.

 

What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?

 

I’m not sure actually! I am very open on social media, so people know most things about me already I’d say! 

However, I did compete with my team at The Worlds Cheerleading competition in the USA when I was 16! That was pretty epic! Maybe that?

  

If you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be and why?

 

One of my dogs! And the “why” is self explanatory! That’d be amazing!

 

If you could have lunch with one person (living or passed) who would it be & why? 

 

 My 102 year old self… I’d love to be able to meet her.

 

What's a talent you wish you had?

 

Singing! I’d settle for “just average”, I don’t even need to be good at it! I would like to just be able to hold a note haha! I’m a really shocking singer hahaha! And unfortunately my current lack of skill doesn’t stop me, and it’s painful for anyone within a three mile radius.

 

Who would your celebrity BFF be & why? 

 

 Amy Schumer would be pretty cool! She’s HILARIOUS and I think we’d have good banter haha.

 

Favourite Quote?

 

“those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”

 

Favourite Food?

 

I always say acai bowls, but if there was an acai bowl in one corner, and some of Sal's Healthy Nourished Treats on the other - I would legit choose the treats every time! So I think I need to update my answer ahah!

 

Favourite Beach?

 

Ooh, Kauai has so many secret beauties - but Noosa, Scotts Head, or Tallows Beach in Byron Bay, are always faves! However, there is just something so special and insanely beautiful about the beaches around my hometown - they were my backyard growing up, and some of the most ridiculously beautiful beaches in the world! I was very spoiled to grow up with them!

 

Favourite Book/s?

 

I’m not a huge reader to be honest! I buy books all the time, with the intention to read them (I currently have about 45 unread and unused, dang it!) but I just find it hard to get into them! So poetry books and recipe books are my go-to’s!
Can I shamelessly self-plug Sal’s book “Healthy Nourished Soul”, and my own poetry and photography book “You Will Rise” hehe :)

  

Favourite holiday destination?

 

Anywhere tropical!

 

Favourite podcast to listen to?

 

Ologies, Plant Proof, The Health Code and The Authentic Sex Podcast.

 

Favourite song?

 

Always changing!
Henry Green “Electric Feel” or Juke Ross “Crazy Love” - are eternal winners though! They never fail to disappoint!

  

Favourite singer or band?

 

Juke Ross, Ziggy Alberts, Tash Sultana, Bon Ivor to name a few.

 

Favourite movie?

 

Chappie, Burlesque and Deadpool hahahaha! I love the humour! (although Deadpool is a little gross/violent which I don’t like that part!).

I’m more of a tv series kind of gal! Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Sex and The City, It’s Jess - that sort of thing! 

 

Celebrity crush?

 

I don't now..? I’m not really familiar with or into Hollywood celebrities as such. I’m terrible at keeping up with the Kardashians or most “celebs” to be honest! There's someone, I just can’t think of anyone off the top of my head.

Edited later:

Well the Hemsworth Brothers obviously... haha, and Channing Tatum is just deliciousssss! *insert googley-heart eyes* haha.

 

Finish this sentence - I feel my best when....

 

Am snorkelling naked!

 

Who inspires you & why?

 

Everyone and everything. It’s not one individual person that inspires me, but the ability for any human to be completely raw, honest, authentic, vulnerable and transparent.
That’s true strength, and that’s what I find inspiring.

   

Any advice for women following their dreams, but are afraid to take the next step? 

 

Every single moment is an opportunity. An opportunity to consciously act out of love, or REACT out of fear.
Whichever we choose, is entirely up to us and dictates how the Universe will react to the energy you’re putting out.
When we act from a loving frequency (hope, joy, bliss, abundance) we are met there and will receive that which we are willing to give.
When we act out of fear, we’re also met there.
I think that as long as you’re aware of your intentions and your gut guides you to do it, then it is your dharma, your life’s calling to do it. Release the expectations of what you think it should be, and enjoy the process unfolding exactly the way it does. Trust that you are always exactly where you are supposed to be.

 

 

 

To follow Sjana on her journey or to connect with her, please click here @sjanelise