Shauna Smith Yates’s clients exercise, stretch and box their way toward better health. In April 2016, the owner of downtown Pilates and fitness studio The BodySmith added Rock Steady Boxing classes to help those with Parkinson’s disease battle their symptoms. Now, over 30 boxers are on board. After being hired as director of education for Stamina Products Inc.’s fitness product Juvo Board, Yates’ business became the world headquarters for teaching about the device. In her spare time, Yates teaches stress-relieving boxing lessons to women recovering from addiction at Synergy Recovery Center.
What was your first job? Assistant ballet teacher at Miss Shelly’s School of Dance in Tulsa, Oklahoma
What do you miss most about the 1990s? My Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper – everything was so organized. I should get one to carry to work.
What did you learn the hard way? Most of the time, it turns out, Mom was right.
What’s your greatest regret? Usually my regrets come in the form of “I shouldn’t have eaten that whole James Funky Brownie concrete” or “I regret that second glass of wine!” Life is too short to think on regrets. I embrace what has been and see a regret as an opportunity to learn and to change.
What historical figure do you identify with most? I asked one of my longtime clients, friend and business mentor, Jeff Schrag, to answer this for me. He says Dollie Madison. His reasoning: “Because you both can bust balls while maintaining a sense of elegance.”
