Tracie Vlaun was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with Tracie.

Tracie Vlaun Cover Story Celebrity – February 2025 Magazine Edition

How do you introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Tracie Vlaun, and I’m a passionate entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and parent. I co-own a business with my husband where we design meditation and movement spaces for private homes, corporate offices, hotels, and private yachts. Our goal is to create environments that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Alongside that, I’m also the host of a podcast called Raising the V, where we dive into everything from parenting and life lessons to fitness, love, and wellness. I’m a classically trained violinist and pianist, so I bring my love for music into my fitness training—teaching cardio yoga  called AEROGA ™ based on music, which I believe makes movement even more enjoyable and transformative.

Above all, I’m a firm believer in the power of balance, positivity, and taking chances to live life fully. My family is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m constantly inspired by the journey we’re on together.

Childhood to Adulthood – How was your transition from childhood to adulthood and what are the bad and good things you remember?

My transition from childhood to adulthood was rather abrupt. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit—from a young age, I was the girl setting up lemonade stands on the weekends and selling everything from wrapping paper to Girl Scout cookies. Hustling came naturally to me.

At 14, I was discovered by a modeling agent while shopping at the mall, and soon after, I landed my first job with Elite Model Management for Bloomingdale’s. That opportunity propelled me into the workforce at an early age, and unlike most kids my age, I wasn’t hanging out at the mall or going to school dances—I was heading to photo shoots. But was I disappointed? Not at all. I loved every moment of it!

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

As a Black woman from the South, my journey has been shaped by the challenges of facing racism, prejudice, and gender-based discrimination. Growing up, I often found myself navigating spaces where I was one of the few, if not the only, Black person in the room. I’ve experienced the sting of being underestimated, dismissed, or even outright judged because of my race and gender. In the South, where history and cultural expectations often create barriers, I had to learn early on to be resilient and to rise above the negativity.

As an adolescent navigating this world, I also dealt with the cruelty of ‘mean girls,’ ‘mean boys,’ and even mean adults. The social challenges of high school were compounded by the sting of exclusion and judgment. I would often find myself in tears in the bathroom, or hiding in the library during lunch, seeking an escape from the emotional agony my peers would inflict. It was a painful experience, but one that taught me valuable lessons about my own strength and resilience. It has shaped my ability to face adversity and remain true to myself, despite how others may try to bring you down.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through these struggles is the power of balance. Balancing my drive for success with my own mental and emotional well-being became essential. While the world often presents obstacles, I believe it’s important to remain centered and not let negative energy or mistreatment dictate who you become. I’ve realized that staying positive in the face of adversity—whether it’s bias, discrimination, or simply being overlooked—doesn’t mean ignoring the hurt, but rather choosing to rise above it with grace and strength.

Rather than responding to mistreatment with anger or bitterness, I’ve adopted an approach of resilience and grace. I focus on finding solutions, maintaining my dignity, and setting boundaries. If I encounter prejudice or discrimination, I take a moment to reflect and act with intention. I find that responding from a place of inner peace and self-awareness allows me to maintain my sense of self-worth while also setting an example of how to handle challenges in a constructive and empowering way. It’s not about letting others define me or my worth—it’s about staying true to who I am and creating my own narrative.

This balance of positivity, grace, and resilience has been key in navigating the world, and it’s something I strive to bring into every aspect of my life—whether it’s in my business, my family, or my personal growth. I also use these lessons to advocate for equity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for others, so that everyone, regardless of race or background, can thrive and feel empowered.

What do people usually not know about you?

Most people don’t know that I play five instruments. I’m a classically trained violinist and pianist, and I also play the organ, bass, and guitar.

As a child, I played the piano, violin, and organ for my church and even led the choir, children’s choir, and orchestra from time to time. Music isn’t just something I do—it’s in my bones!

What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry and in life?

During my modeling journey, I discovered yoga as a way to manage stress, stay fit, and balance my emotions. While in Cape Town, South Africa I deepened my practice and began my journey as a yoga teacher.

From there, I met my husband, and together we created my own yoga modality called Aeroga—a practice designed to channel energy, emotions, and healing in a unique way. Later, we expanded our vision and co-founded our training methodology, the Vlaun Method.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge movement, mindfulness, and healing into something truly transformative—not just in the industry, but in life.

What are your upcoming major events – Unforgettable Moments or products/services that you want to promote/inform?

Exciting things are on the horizon! I’m launching a podcast called Raising the V—so stay tuned!

One of the major things I’m excited about is the launch of my podcast, Raising the V. It’s going to be an incredible platform where we dive into important conversations about raising children, love, life, fitness, and fashion. It’s something I’m really passionate about because it combines so many aspects of life that matter to me, and I believe it’ll offer a unique perspective to our listeners.

My husband and I also design movement spaces for wellness and meditation in private homes, yachts, and corporate buildings, bringing mindfulness into everyday spaces.

In addition, I host global wellness corporate events and retreats, offering immersive experiences that inspire transformation. I also provide online coaching to help individuals elevate their well-being from anywhere in the world.

Big things are coming—stay connected!

What are your food preferences and physical attributes?

I have a deep love for food—it’s not just about nourishment, but also about the experience and connection it creates. I’m passionate about cooking at home, and it’s something my family and I do a lot. There’s something so special about preparing a meal from scratch, experimenting with new ingredients, and sharing it with loved ones. We focus on using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, and I find great joy in exploring different cuisines and flavors. It’s become a way for us to bond, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Cooking at home also allows us to prioritize health and well-being while still indulging in delicious, comforting meals.

I’ve always had a dream of opening my own restaurant, inspired by my dad’s famous BBQ ribs. His recipe is something that’s been passed down through the years, and I’d love to share it with others. The concept would be simple—home-style cooking with a focus on comfort food, the kind of meals that bring people together around the table. The menu would be full of heartwarming, hearty dishes, just like the ones I grew up enjoying. While I’m not sure when I’ll bring that vision to life, I definitely see it happening later in life as a way to combine my love for food and the memories of family meals.

Your love life, relationships and family?

My husband and I share a deep connection, both personally and professionally. Our relationship is built on trust, respect, and a shared vision for the future. We truly complement each other—while we may have different strengths, we work seamlessly together to bring our ideas and passions to life.

As business partners, we design meditation and movement rooms and create wellness spaces that reflect our commitment to helping people lead balanced, fulfilling lives. We bring our unique skills and perspectives into these projects, which helps us create spaces that are not only functional but truly transformative. There’s something incredibly rewarding about building a business together, as it deepens our bond and allows us to combine our talents to make an impact in both the wellness and design industries.

Running a business together can definitely be challenging at times, but it’s also a huge privilege. It’s a constant learning experience, and I’m grateful to have someone I trust so much by my side through every project. We’ve also learned how to balance our personal lives and professional aspirations, making sure to always prioritize our relationship and enjoy the journey.

On Raising the V, we’ll be diving into two powerful and interconnected themes: raising our kids and raising the ‘vibe’—the energy, the intention, and the vibration we bring into our lives and our work. As parents, we’re passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment for our children, where they can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. We’ll explore everything from the challenges of parenting in today’s world to the values and lessons we want to instill in them.

At the same time, we’ll talk about how we raise the ‘vibe’ in our business, Raising the V. It’s about more than just the work we do—it’s about the energy and intention we put into every project, every interaction, and every space we create. Whether we’re designing wellness rooms or hosting corporate retreats, we aim to create spaces that elevate the people who experience them. By raising the ‘vibe’ in both our homes and our business, we are fostering a life that’s balanced, harmonious, and full of positive energy.

The podcast will be a blend of personal stories, insightful discussions, and practical advice for parents and entrepreneurs alike—showing how raising kids and cultivating the right ‘vibe’ are two sides of the same coin.

What expert advice would you like to give?

One piece of advice I would give is to always prioritize balance—whether it’s in your personal life, your career, or your relationships. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and the pressure to constantly perform, but true success comes from finding harmony. This is something I’ve learned over time, especially as a parent and a business owner.

Another key piece of advice is to stay true to your passions and trust the process. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or pursuing any goal, it’s important to follow what truly excites you. You won’t always have all the answers right away, but persistence and a strong sense of purpose will guide you through.

And finally, I encourage everyone to create spaces—both physically and mentally—that support your well-being. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, design environments that nurture your mind and body, and make time to take care of yourself. Your health and happiness are the foundation for everything else.

Your social media handles and website

• Website: www.v-artofwellness.com
• IG: @tracievlaun
• @vartofwellness
• @chrisvlaun