Wait, You Teach Wellness Now?
The story of how I gave up a steady paycheck to become a wellness instructor.
정다솜 Soaming
I did ballet for six years as a kid, and in high school in the States I was on the cheer team and ran sprints for track. Since then I’ve been lifting for ten years and tried just about everything else: Pilates, soccer, group training like F45, boxing, swimming, rowing. Moving my body is how I got to know myself. Then I found barre, got certified, and now I teach it.
Most of my classes are in English, but I teach in Korean too. And class doesn’t stop at barre. After we move, we take time to write and check in with how we’re really feeling.
I’ve worked in marketing, community building, education, sales, and business development at an international foundation, startups, and large companies. Now I bring that experience into designing classes with brands and companies.
I started SOAMING LAB to share good energy with more people and build a wellness community where everyone can find their way back to themselves.
I’ve handled everything from the pitch and sponsorships to recruiting and teaching, creating classes with brands and communities.
At Egattoc Library, a wellness space in Jeju, we wake the body up with barre, then take time to look back on the thoughts and feelings that carried us through the year.
Before barre, we check in with how we feel, in body and mind. After class, we notice what’s changed. I pitched the class to AYWA, a yoga studio in Pangyo, then planned and ran it together with Conch and Crycheeseburger.
A barre class in English for internationals living in Korea, followed by dinner and some mingling. It was right before Chuseok, so for a lot of people far from home, it was a nice way to make new friends.
A small group of eight. With so few people, I could work with everyone on their form, so even total beginners felt comfortable.
A mat Pilates class over Spatial and Zoom, with everyone joining from their living room. A little experiment in working out together, wherever you are.
Twenty-four women met every week for six months for sculpt and mat Pilates. Working out is hard to stick with on your own. Together, it became a habit.
First, I listen: who it’s for and what you need. Then I design the program around that.
Barre for people who spend their days at a desk. I’ve worked in an office myself, so I know that kind of tired, and I build classes that fit real workdays. All you need is a meeting room with chairs. After we get moving, we can add a team-building or stress-management session. Afterward, I send a wrap-up report on how participants responded.
Wellness programs for residents, international residents, and staff. I start by getting to know your organization and community, then plan around the people taking part.
One-day classes and wellness events. I handle planning, brand partnerships, sign-ups, and the day itself, so your brand shows up in a way that feels natural.
One-day classes for individuals, taught in English and Korean. First-timers are always welcome.
Pick what fits your goals.
The story of how I gave up a steady paycheck to become a wellness instructor.