Recently, VoyagePhoenix Magazine interviewed Sarina Gomez, founder of Medicated Mavens. VoyagePhoenix is a local publication focused on finding hidden gems in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. We couldn’t agree more that Medicated Mavens is a local gem, providing students with invigorating yoga classes, sound therapy, herbal healing and other methods to empower themselves in daily life.
Check out Sarina’s inspiring story and interview below:
Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarina Gomez.
Sarina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always felt the calling to teach. I’ve been an instructor most of my life and have taught yoga, dance, and meditation in a variety of forms. From ballet to young kids at studios in Chicago, to large groups on international cruise ships, the calling has allowed myself to grow along with my students.
Though I was able connect with many people, I had lost the connection to myself. I struggled with different types of mental illness and sought remedies, usually in the form of prescriptions recommended by my doctors. Unfortunately only made things worse. I was desperate.
I found medical cannabis later as a last resort. I had always been “anti-weed” but I found the plant made me feel better. In fact, much better – and my cornucopia of prescriptions were suddenly not needed anymore.
Medicated Mavens was born by merging my call to teach and the desire to create a space for people without judgment. It’s a way for people to enjoy a gift from nature through responsibility, intention and healthy practices.
Originally started as a single class in a residential backyard, has transformed into a community of teachers and healers around the state. I love it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anytime you involve cannabis and business the journey is going to be difficult. When I started in the business in 2016, it was nerve-wracking. We knew we were complying with the law at our events, but cannabis is notorious of “gray-areas” and being arrested felt like a real possibility.
Since then, we’ve become recognized in the Phoenix community (smoothing out the road), as we’ve branched out to other forms of healing to empower people including cacao ceremonies, essential oil pairings and other fun classes like burlesque chair-dancing and body paint yoga at local studios.
Please tell us about Medicated Mavens.
I often describe Medicated Mavens as a “mobile studio”, though we have recently settled down with a more dedicated space, Totem Yoga in Central Phoenix, which we now call our home. We offer monthly group classes for people of all shapes, beliefs, skill level and attendees can expect an experience involving movement, sound healing, essential oils, light shows and more. There’s so much laughter, people have fun.
Yet, we haven’t lost our “mobile” roots as our community involvement keeps us on the road – you’ll usually catch us teaching classes all over – from conferences to campouts.
What sets us apart from other brands in this space is our variety. We don’t teach one style every class, it’s an ever-rotating experience that continues to grow as we talk with our students and apply what the seek. Medicated Mavens is a community, and it’s what I love about it.
What role has luck had in your life and business?
Good luck is all around us and I try to remind myself it usually comes in the form of allowance. I do my best to allow good luck to come by saying yes to the things I’m challenged by and no to the things that’d don’t serve me. In my experience, this attitude helps luck swing your way.
You can also read this article on the VoyagePhoenix web site.