Meet Cheryl Fincher: Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheryl Fincher and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cheryl, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
I recently finished reading The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines. The Fixer Upper couple tell their story of how they met, and the ups and downs that eventually led to the success they have today. It was so interesting to learn that they were really just starting to come into their own with their remodeling and design business when they landed their show. It wasn’t like they had had many years of great success at that point. Throughout the book, they share how they were willing to take risks (especially Chip) and continue to work towards goals and dreams, as they learned along the way. They didn’t sit around and wait for the “perfect time” to take action, and they learned to find joy in the journey as they went. Their story inspired me, especially during this recent time of the coronavirus pandemic when things have felt quite stagnant for me and my business, to look towards the future with fresh eyes and to continue to dream big.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Arizona Wedding Yoga, provides wedding morning or bachelorette party yoga. I go to my bride’s location and bring the yoga mats, mimosas, chocolates, strawberries, and everything needed for a relaxing and fun time! I even bring cucumber slices for everyone’s eyes at the end of class for that spa-like touch. I want bride’s and their friends to feel pampered and grounded for the big day. Classes are designed for all levels so that even those brand new to yoga can participate and enjoy. I truly get so excited for the brides because I know that the whole time leading up to the wedding day, and of course the day itself, is such a special time. I love the opportunity to help them slow down and savor the moments that are happening. This is my second year in business, and it has definitely been a challenge with weddings being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. I can’t imagine how hard that would be for these brides who have been dreaming of their wedding day. I am looking forward to the time when we can all gather together again without fears of the virus!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lived in the beautiful state of Arizona my whole life and have many favorite spots. If a friend were visiting, I would first have to show them around my neighborhood, Agritopia, that I am so thankful to call home. Agritopia is a charming neighborhood in Gilbert with 11 acres of urban farmland in the center, surrounded by tree-lined streets and unique homes. We could take a walk up to The Coffee Shop to sit on the patio for some lunch and then stroll through the community garden to see what’s growing. Next, we could head over to Top Golf to have some fun at the three story driving range and enjoy the view of the sunset from the outdoor patio. The next day I would take them boating at Saguaro Lake. I grew up waterskiing with my family and love spending time out at the lake! I would also want to take anyone visiting beyond the Phoenix area to show them some of the other aspects that our state has to offer. It’s not all cactus and deserts! I would take them up to Sedona to see the red rocks, and on into Oak Creek Canyon. We could have lunch at Indian Gardens Cafe & Market which is a historic general store that now serves some really delicious food, as well as beer, wine and coffee. We would then spend the night at Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek. This is a beautiful property right on the creek that has individual cabins. There is a main lodge building where an amazing four-course dinner is included with your stay. It is one of my favorite places for sure! From there, we could continue up north to Williams to see the historic Route 66 town. While there we could drive through Bearizona to see the bears and other animals, or go to the Grand Canyon Deer Farm to hand feed the deer. Of course, a trip to Arizona wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Grand Canyon! We would make our way back down to the valley and head to Scottsdale for some shopping at Kierland Commons or a spa treatment somewhere like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort to wrap up our time together. Ahh, all this dreaming has me ready to go. Now I just need someone to come visit!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband deserves a huge shoutout in my story! He is pursuing his own dream right now of becoming an airline pilot. During this career transition for him, it could have been easy for him to say that last year was not the right time for me to launch my business. There definitely would have been solid reasons to support that statement, but he has supported me without hesitancy. He is the hardest worker I know, and does whatever he can to love me and our daughters so well!
Website: www.arizonaweddingyoga.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/azweddingyoga
Facebook: www.facebook.com/azweddingyoga
Image Credits
Breanna Marie Photography
Nominate someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.