Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerri Saulmon
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in the heart of Cajun culture, some of my happiest memories are of lively family gatherings, where I danced atop my relatives’ feet to the rhythm of zydeco music. That sense of joy through movement stayed with me as I grew older—sneaking into dance clubs as a teenager to groove to the 80s hits, and later, discovering Austin’s vibrant dance scene in the 90s. It was in that city that I fell in love with the expansive world of two-step, swing, and Latin dance, and where I first encountered yoga—introduced by a tall, burly man in short shorts. At first, I was skeptical, but little did I know, that yoga class would become a cornerstone of my life. A special thanks to that “yoga guy” for changing everything!
In Austin, I was also asked to be a “Go-Go” dancer at a new 80s dance club, and of course, I said yes. Dancing on a raised island in extravagant costumes, I lived out the dream of a 23-year-old reveling in the thrill of the moment. But my movement journey didn’t stop there. Shortly after, I began teaching dance lessons—everything from Two-Step, Zydeco, and Salsa to Polka, Merengue, and Country Waltz, all with the goal of helping others feel at home on any Texas dance floor.
When I moved to San Antonio and became a mother, my life took a turn toward more grounded, home-centered practices. With two young sons and a bustling family life, my movement took on new forms—kitchen dance parties, yoga when I could fit it in, and outdoor adventures in nature. As a middle school teacher, I recognized the power of mindfulness and began bringing it into the classroom to create a calm, peaceful environment where my students could thrive. It was there that I discovered the transformative power of stillness—a lesson that resonated deeply with me and sparked a personal commitment to my own mindfulness practice.
After teaching middle school for 10 years and watching my sons grow into amazing teenagers, I felt a strong pull toward a new chapter—one that would bring together all my passions: teaching, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and nature. I earned my Yoga Teacher Certification, and what began as a way to share my love of movement with family and friends quickly blossomed into something much more meaningful. Today, through my business Dragonfly Yoga and Dance, I’m able to honor my purpose—spreading the joy, freedom, and transformative power of both movement and stillness.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Whew, yes—there have definitely been challenges along the way. But each one has been an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
The first obstacle was listening to that quiet voice inside me, urging me to follow what truly brings me joy—what lights me up. It was a big step to trust that inner calling, but I’m so grateful for my friend Lyndsay, who helped me recognize what that was. And to all my incredible friends—my tribe of amazing women who continue to support me—I can honestly say that they’ve been one of my greatest assets. They remind me to trust myself and my instincts, which has made all the difference.
That brings me to the second challenge: confidence. In the early days, I struggled to fully trust my intuition. Instead, I found myself listening too much to the “shoulds” of others—what I should do with my business, how I should grow it. But I’ve since learned to follow the creative ideas that come to me, no matter how unconventional they might seem. One example? Hug Busking. Yes, I go out in public and give free hugs! I was told it was a crazy idea, but I trusted myself, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences. Now, hugs have become part of my practice—before yoga, before dance, before everything—and it’s such a joyful way to connect and set the tone for anything. That simple act of kindness spreads, and my confidence has grown because of it.
Then there’s the challenge of owning a business without a formal business degree. There have been moments when I felt overwhelmed by the “business side” of things—marketing, finances, logistics—but I’ve come to realize that the key is being willing to learn and ask for help when needed. Not having a business degree is not a barrier to living my purpose. If anything, it’s been a reminder that I am capable of learning and growing in every aspect of my life, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a yoga teacher, dance instructor, and mindfulness guide, I curate holistic wellness experiences that are as unique and dynamic as the individuals I work with. Whether through public yoga and dance classes, special events like Women’s Soulful Sway dance gatherings, or private sessions, I create transformative opportunities for movement, stillness, and connection.
In my public classes, I offer a welcoming space for individuals to explore the power of yoga and dance, blending mindfulness and movement to promote balance, strength, and relaxation. I also host collaborative events like Women’s Soulful Sway, where I partner with other wellness professionals to create a soulful, community-driven experience that encourages self-expression, connection, and joy through dance.
For those seeking more personalized guidance, I design creative private sessions that meet the unique needs of each client. From combining dinner with dance lessons to offering nature walks followed by grounding yoga and earthing practices, I tailor each experience to nurture both body and mind. These sessions are an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with oneself in a meaningful way—whether that’s through mindful movement, deep relaxation, or exploring the healing energy of nature.
In addition to working with individuals, I also bring my expertise into businesses, where I guide staff in practices designed to enhance focus, reduce stress, and cultivate mindfulness in the workplace. By offering customized wellness programs, I help employees develop healthier habits that lead to greater productivity and overall well-being.
At the core of my work is a deep belief in the importance of self-care. My goal is to support others in creating a balanced life—one where movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection are integral to daily well-being. Whether in a group class, private session, or corporate workshop, I am honored to guide others in their journey to live with greater intention, joy, and vitality.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One of the most surprising and rewarding aspects of this journey has been the profound growth I’ve experienced myself, and witnessed in the beautiful people who allow me to guide them. It’s truly humbling to see how they open up, expand, and transform as they embrace the practices we explore together. I’m deeply grateful to each person who trusts me to guide them, allowing me the honor of holding space for their growth. It’s through this shared experience, often inspired by the natural world around us, that deep, meaningful change unfolds. Whether in a quiet moment of stillness on the yoga mat or through the freedom of movement in dance, nature’s rhythms always seem to be present, reminding us of the interconnectedness we share with ourselves, each other, and the planet.
I feel so fortunate to witness these shifts, knowing that we are all growing together. The journey is one of kindness, love, and a deeper understanding of how we can show up for ourselves and the world around us. As I look ahead, I’m filled with excitement for all the love, growth, and adventure still to come.
Pricing:
- Class (public)= free to donation based
- Private= $100 up to 6ppl
- Events= TBD
- Corporate= TBD
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dragonflyyogaanddance.com
- Instagram: @dragonfly_yoga-dance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerri.saulmon
