LACEY GASAWAY
Q: What’s your occupation? Explain your career, your accomplishments and professional highlights.
A: I am a holistic movement professional. I utilize the teachings of Pilates, yoga, dance and more to help my clients feel their best. I began practicing Pilates after a spinal injury, which taught me the importance of building strength along with flexibility to bring balance to the body. My knowledge allows me to teach intuitively and meet my clients where they are. I am proud of the extensive education and mastery that is needed to offer my services.
Q: Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
A: 10 years ago, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which motivated me to finish my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and help fight this disease through movement. I spent five years working at The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center in Kansas, and that experience made me who I am today. I had also been a lifelong competitive dancer, and I always struggled with body image issues. With The Movement Apothecary, I have been gifted the chance to build a safe, inclusive space for every(body) to move and feel confident in their own skin.
Age: 28
Occupation: Owner and founder of The Movement Apothecary
Q: Tell us something unique about you.
A: I have visited over 40 countries, and my goal is to hit every continent. I love to fully immerse myself in other cultures to better understand their perspective on life. We have a specific understanding of the world here in the U.S., and I’m not so sure it’s the best. Traveling has opened my mind, body and soul in ways I cannot express. I did my yoga teacher training in India and feel so grateful for that experience.
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
A: The team I have built at The Movement Apothecary is so exciting. To create a tribe of like-minded individuals who all want to help others heal through movement is a dream. I am also extremely proud of the work I did at The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center. I created three movement programs specifically for that community, and they are still helping people today.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
A: In five years, I will own a movement and wellness collective. My goal is to build local partnerships with those who offer complementary healing methods. Each person would still own and run their own business but share clientele and resources. In 10 years, I will have created the “WeWork” equivalent of movement and wellness collectives, where small businesses in every city can rent space to offer their services while supporting the local economy.
Q: What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Give yourself grace and forgiveness—you are too hard on yourself! Get outside and go for a walk. You will feel better, I promise. Keep journaling and writing poetry. Go to therapy; it’s magical. Remember that everyone around you is going through something that you don’t understand. Be kind. Give your parents a hug.
Q: How have your spinal injury and your father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis inspired your teaching?
A: My father’s diagnosis taught me empathy and to slow down and put myself in someone else’s shoes. My spinal injury brought me back into my body, deep down to the core. Both have taught me to be present and check in with myself rather than push through pain. I move with my clients and practice movements that feel good. Working with the Parkinson’s community has taught me to meet my clients where they are, and to encourage (and congratulate) all movement rather than nitpicking and being disappointed by what we are taught is “wrong.” Moving is a beautiful gift, and I feel so blessed to share it with this community.
Q: What have your travels taught you?
A: Gratitude and rolling with the punches come to mind. When you travel, nothing ever goes exactly how you meticulously plan for it to go. You have to learn to let go of your expectations and enjoy the ride. My best experiences have always come in the most unlikely places: A hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Prague, a secluded beach in Thailand, a karaoke bar in Rome. I have also learned how to communicate with anyone by pointing, gesturing, etc. You don’t always know the language, but there are many ways to communicate besides using words. I have met so many amazing people along the way who have pointed me in the right direction or have even driven me there themselves. I have learned that there are more kind, considerate, loving humans than evil ones in the world. The world is kinder (and less scary) than you might think.
