Introduction

Rachel Brathen (born 5 October 1988), widely recognized as “Yoga Girl,” is a Swedish yoga teacher, author, entrepreneur, and social media influencer who transformed the global yoga industry with her authentic storytelling, innovative teaching, and digital community-building. Known as one of the first pioneers of stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga, Rachel has built an empire that combines mindfulness, entrepreneurship, and service.

Her journey from Sweden to Costa Rica, Aruba, and eventually back to her homeland reflects a life dedicated to wellness, community impact, and conscious living. With bestselling books, a successful yoga studio, nonprofit work, and millions of online followers, Rachel Brathen continues to inspire people worldwide to embrace balance, healing, and authenticity.

Early Life and Journey into Yoga

Rachel Brathen was born and raised in Sweden. After completing her secondary education, she felt a deep urge to explore life beyond her comfort zone. Moving to Costa Rica became a turning point, where she immersed herself in yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices.

By 2009, Rachel combined her love for the ocean with yoga practice, becoming one of the first instructors to create and teach SUP Yoga (stand-up paddleboard yoga). This creative approach attracted international attention and laid the foundation for her global career.

Rise to Global Influence

Rachel’s rise to fame came through her Instagram platform, where she began sharing yoga tutorials, mindfulness tips, and deeply personal stories. Her candid voice resonated with millions, earning her recognition as one of the most influential voices in modern wellness.

In 2015, she published her debut book, Yoga Girl, which became a New York Times bestseller. Through this book and her online community, she popularized the phrase “yoga every damn day,” which became a global mantra for consistent practice and mindful living.

In 2017, Forbes recognized her as one of the world’s top fitness influencers, highlighting how her influence extended beyond yoga into lifestyle, wellness, and entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Rachel Brathen is not just a yoga teacher—she is a visionary entrepreneur and changemaker:

• Island Yoga Aruba: A thriving yoga studio and retreat space in the Caribbean that became a hub for students worldwide.
• oneOeight: An online yoga, fitness, and wellness platform funded by one of the most successful yoga-related Kickstarter campaigns (raising $100,000 in 24 hours).
• 109 World: A nonprofit organization co-founded by Rachel, combining yoga retreats with humanitarian and social impact projects.
• From the Heart Podcast: Launched in 2017, her podcast became a top-rated show on iTunes, focusing on topics such as spirituality, motherhood, self-discovery, and entrepreneurship.

Books and Publications

Rachel has authored two major books:

• Yoga Girl (2015): A New York Times bestseller blending memoir, yoga philosophy, and practice guidance.
• To Love and Let Go (2019): A heartfelt memoir exploring love, loss, grief, and gratitude.

Both works reflect her authentic storytelling style and have inspired readers to embrace vulnerability and transformation.

Advocacy and Public Discourse

Beyond yoga practice, Rachel Brathen has engaged in meaningful conversations about cultural appropriation, inclusivity, and the commercialization of yoga. She has openly reflected on how Western practitioners should respectfully approach yoga traditions, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with teaching and sharing an ancient practice.

Her willingness to address these critical topics has positioned her as a thought leader in ethical wellness entrepreneurship.

Personal Life

Rachel married Dennis Schoneveld in 2014. For many years, they lived in Aruba, where they managed Island Yoga together. The couple later relocated to Sweden with their two children, balancing family life with global influence.

Rachel often shares insights on motherhood, mental health, and self-care, making her journey relatable to a wide audience.

Legacy and Impact

Rachel Brathen, or “Yoga Girl,” has transformed how yoga is experienced in the modern world. She represents a new era of wellness leaders who integrate:

• Authentic storytelling through social media
• Entrepreneurship in wellness and lifestyle spaces
• Community building across digital and physical platforms
• Service-oriented projects that create real-world impact

Her influence extends far beyond yoga poses—she has redefined how personal practice, business innovation, and social responsibility can align.