Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Yannucci.
Hi Katherine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My wellness journey began in the fall of 2000 in New York City, after being diagnosed with hyperthyroid at 27 years old. At the time, I was working as a full-time Fashion Designer and thought my symptoms were just a part of working in a hectic environment that required me to work late hours with a poor diet and little rest. When I went to see the doctor, I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease and told that radioactive iodine treatment was the best option to help me. At that time, I did not know anything about holistic medicine and so I decided to have the radioactive iodine treatment which then reversed my hyperthyroid into hypothyroid. My symptoms got worse. I started gaining weight, having muscle pains, feeling tired, and depressed. Luckily, my supervisor recommended that I start practicing yoga in order to counteract the symptoms I was experiencing. I fell in love with Yoga and soon realized how medicinal this practice was for my body, mind, and soul.
In January of 2004, my love for yoga led me to enroll in a teacher training course in Miami, Florida, where I first learned about the beautiful science of Ayurveda and how it supported the practice of yoga. I started to teach at local studios and spas in Miami, while also implementing “Yoga for Lunch” into the corporate world. In addition, I taught private clients at their homes and businesses.
During this time of learning to teach Yoga, I started to go through fertility challenges, as my husband and I were trying to start a family. We went through seven years of fertility treatments that were hard and devastating. It was this experience that empowered me to look into more holistic and natural methods of healing like Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. My mind opened up so much as I tried different and non-traditional methods of healing.
In 2015, I decided to return to school and study Ayurveda, in order to become a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Ayurvedic Health Educator. Soon after, I decided to open a Yoga and Wellness Studio named KASA Yoga and Wellness where I made it my mission to teach and empower others to take control of their health with a holistic approach based on the ancient practices of Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, and Reiki.
If it wasn’t for my health journey, I would not be here now, advocating for all of these holistic practices that supported my internal healing. I find it my responsibility to share these practices with others through local and online programs, classes, workshops, and consultations. My continuing studies and personal health experiences have led me to teach and share in a way that blends all of these practices to maintain wellness, prevent illness and restore health of the mind, body and spirit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I even remember asking one of my meditation teachers, “Why does this journey have to be so painful?” Her answer was, “You know you are on the right path when it isn’t easy.” This answer was profound and has helped me on the spiritual path.
The biggest struggle that I learned the most from, was my struggle with fertility. I wanted to be a mom so badly and I was willing to do anything to make that dream a reality. Going through 7 years of fertility challenges was the hardest thing I ever experienced but it was also this experience that helped me to learn so much about myself and that placed me on the spiritual path of Yoga and Ayurveda, so I am thankful.
After these years of struggle and learning to surrender, my husband and I decided to adopt two beautiful children in Cali, Colombia. They are a blessing and are my best spiritual teachers till this day.
As you know, we’re big fans of KATICA, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business name, KATICA, was born from my family nickname, which means “pure.” KATICA is about coming home to oneself through the practices of Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, and Reiki.
I practice as a:
– Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner
– Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500)
– Global Retreat Leader
– Master Reiki Practitioner
I am certified through the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and Yoga Alliance and specialize and am known for my Ayurvedic Wellness Programs and Global Retreats that I have offered in Costa Rica, Peru, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Florida. In 2025, I am hosting retreats in India and Spain.
What sets me apart from others is that I offer all-inclusive Wellness Retreats that include yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic sessions, nutritious meals, and cultural immersion. These are transformational programs that help build community in beautiful locations all over the world, giving each participant long-lasting tools to continue living a life of optimal health.
Brand wise, I am most proud of birthing my 6-Month Mentorship Wellness Programs during the pandemic of 2020. This program is led online with the ability to have members attend from all over the world, making it very accessible.
Offerings/Services:
– 6-Month Wellness Mentorship Program
– Corporate Wellness Programs
– Global Wellness Retreats
– Ayurvedic Consultations
– Online Workshops
– Local Workshops
– Yoga Classes
– Reiki Sessions
I want readers to know that my passion for Ayurveda and all things wellness, shows through my offerings and programs and the relationships I develop and nurture with my clients and students.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned along my journey is how there is always something I can learn from every experience, especially the hard ones. I share this with my clients, students and retreat participants all the time, “When something is really hard in life, ask God or the universe, what am I to learn from this?” When you ask that question, it shifts the energy of the experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KaticaWellness.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katicawellness
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/katicawellness
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katherineyannucci
- Other: www.instagram.com/katicawellnessretreats
Image Credits
Victor Gonzalez Douglas J. Yannucci
