Welcome to Lessons In Cool, a new series all about the people we’re constantly inspired by. They are tastemakers, curators of style, thought leaders, and well, just cool.

Meet Phyllicia Bonanno, she’s a yoga instructor with Sweat, a sound bath facilitator, and an all around source of inspiration and good vibes. We first came across her work on Instagram and (you could say it’s been love since the very first scroll) and knew we had to know more. We’re excited to dive deeper into her wellness philosophy, beauty routine, and find out what cool means to her. Read on for more from Phyllicia...

Name & occupation:

Phyllicia Bonanno, Sweat yoga instructor, wellness influencer, and sound bath facilitator

How did you get your start as a yoga instructor?

At first I did not want to teach yoga. I just did the yoga teacher training to expand on my own knowledge and personal practice. However we all know—when something is meant for you, it will always be yours. and so teaching called to me and I started teaching a few classes at local studios and then it evolved into virtual offering as well on large platforms such as Sweat.

Where does your passion for wellness come from?

When I was a child my mother suffered from addiction and I was raised by my grandparents. I had a lot of pent up anger, resentment and feeling of being unwanted and not loved. In high school I was searching for a way to release and let go. I was always an artist so I had that form of expression but I needed something more. So I looked into yoga and loved the connection of the mind and body. I started going to a local gym and have implemented it into my life ever since.

I’ve always known how important it is to take care of yourself from the inside out. Yes, yoga is a physical practice, but it digs deeper as well. I consider my body a vessel of love and purpose. And I only get one body, so I vow to take care of it and treat it with the highest love, respect, and kindness.

What do you love most about what you do?

The connection to people worldwide. Through this virtual space I get to connect to people on a global level through yoga and wellness.

First thing you do in the morning:

Set an intention for the day.

Biggest challenge?

Remembering that I can not do everything. There is only so much time in a day, and only so much energy within me—I can not do it all even if I want to. It's okay to say no. Because if you drain yourself then you have nothing to offer.

Biggest inspiration? Who inspires you?

My grandfather is my forever inspiration. He lived a beautiful life and was always so happy. He would greet anybody and everybody as he walked down the street and he loved with his whole heart. He was always there supporting me in my dreams and would push me to continue. I just wish he could see all that I am doing now and how much I have grown and evolved. He worked so hard, and laid the foundation for me to be who I am. And I hope to continue that and lay foundations for others to come, to lift up others to help them follow their dreams.

Last person you texted:

My husband, Brian. It was a text about getting a child's couch for one of my cats lol

Most scrolled app or site:

I’ve been using AllTrails a lot recently for hiking. I love getting outdoors and exploring nature.

What are the 5 products you can’t live without:

Jones Road Mascara and Eyeliner. These are my two favorites—not sure what life would be without my winged eyes and fluttery lashes. Also Cool Gloss in Nude Beige and the Hippie Stick for all-over moisture.

Your style icon?

I don't really have one person I go to. I just kinda dig deep into myself and always question what would a goddess wear? I love wearing long flowy dresses, articles of clothing that I can move freely in but still feel feminine and sexy. I love showing the curve of my back and shoulders, clothing that offers an appreciation to the female form. I also wear tons of activewear.as I am a yoga instructor and being active is part of my lifestyle. For that I prefer clothing that does not restrict me and feels like a second skin. Always with pops of bright pastel colors that compliment my skin and reflect my spirit.

Advice you’d give your younger self:

You are loved, you are beautiful, you are enough, you are enough, you are enough...and that everything is going to be okay.

What does “cool” mean to you?

Cool is a way of being, like your aura releases a refreshing soft mist, an essence of your being. Cool is when you are living in your truth, being authentically unapologetically yourself and walking in your life path. When you are cool, people want to know you, to understand you, to be in your energy because it is vibrational and has a strong pull. Being cool is inspiring and motivating to yourself and all those around you. Being cool is shining from the inside out so that it's almost blinding... but the kind of blinding light you want to keep looking at.

For more from Phyllicia, follow her at @phyllicia.bonanno