As F3 Wellness Connections continues to grow, we want to maintain our personal connection between our team members and clients. So, we’re posting a series of getting-to-know-you style Q&As, to show you what’s behind our passion for wellness.

Next up: Meet Simone Egwu, Registered Yoga Teacher. A former college basketball player at the University of Virginia, Simone finds fulfillment in teaching others to reach their goals in the practice of yoga. Whether drinking coffee, checking out a view of the city, or trying her hand at new baking recipes, Simone embraces life with joy and zest.

So, how did Simone get where she is today and what drives her passion for personal wellness?

Where did you grow up?

All around Maryland and D.C., but I went to high school in Anne Arundel County.

What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

My dad made a really special effort to make sure that I got fun and different experiences as a kid. One year he took me to Disneyworld.

Tell us a few things you love to do in your time away from work.

I love to read and walk my three-legged dog Joe around the city (not at the same time). I’m also currently baking my way through Christina Tosi’s Milkbar cookbook.

Where is your favorite place to spend time around D.C.?

My favorite place in the city is the parking lot of Cardozo High School. It’s the highest point in the city and you get an amazing view of the city from there.

What are a few of the most valuable lessons you learned playing basketball at the University of Virginia?

I learned how to push through no matter how tired I was feeling. I would write a final paper until 2 a.m., and then get up at 5 a.m. for three hours of practice. It was extreme, but now I know I can do anything. I learned how to get along with different personalities working toward a common goal. Finally, I learned that there is very little a good 8 to 10 hour nap can’t help.

What do you do for your “day job?”

I’m a senior consultant at Deloitte.

How and when did you begin practicing yoga?

I started practicing yoga when I finished playing basketball at UVa. I was looking for something low impact and non-competitive after years of pushing myself so hard. I fell in love as I realized that yoga was something I could practice for myself, and no one was judging my performance.

What are some of the benefits of yoga that people should know about?

Yoga is so much more than being flexible and getting into a pose you saw on IG. Yoga is about slowing down and connecting the physical and the mental. Yoga can help you become more flexible, but it can also help you get to know your body and release your attachment to physical achievements as the only measure of fitness success.

What do you say to people who are curious about yoga but are too intimidated to get started?

There is no “good” or “bad” in yoga! You don’t need to be able to touch your toes to be “good” at yoga. As long as your body is in a (safe) shape and the intention to reach your goals, the benefits of whatever pose you’re aiming for are there.

Favorite food: Pizza!

Favorite “cheat food”: Still pizza.  

Coffee, tea, or neither? Coffee forever.

Tell us a little about your family:

I’m an only child. My mom is German and my dad is from Nigeria, so I get my incredible work ethic from them. My mom is going back to school for occupational therapy, and my dad is currently on a mission to revitalize the city of Baltimore (it’s going well so far!). Both of them are my inspiration and I’m so proud of them.

What attracted you to working with F3 Wellness?

Glenn and Sarah are so chill and easy to work with. I’m an introvert so the opportunity to meet with smaller groups or one-on-one with people looking to deepen their yoga practice has been so rewarding. I also love providing hands-on assists, and a one-on-one session is a great opportunity to offer that to my clients.

If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be?

Maya Angelou.

Favorite TV show or movie series to binge watch:

“30 Rock” forever has my heart, but right now I’m into “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Favorite music to work out to: [and favorite to listen to when cruising around town]:

MNEK makes the catchiest upbeat house music. It’s great for working out and cruising around town.