Rachel Brathen Biography: The Journey of Yoga Girl, Entrepreneur & Wellness Leader

Meta Title: Rachel Brathen Biography – Yoga Girl, Author, Influencer & Wellness Entrepreneur
Meta Description: Discover the inspiring story of Rachel Brathen aka Yoga Girl – yoga teacher, author, entrepreneur, podcast host, and founder of Island Yoga. Learn about her yoga practice, teachings, lifestyle, and global impact.
Slug: rachel-brathen-biography
Focus Keywords: Rachel Brathen, Yoga Girl, Rachel Brathen biography, Island Yoga Aruba, Rachel Brathen podcast, yoga influencer, female wellness entrepreneur, Rachel Brathen yoga journey, Rachel Brathen net worth


Introduction

Rachel Brathen, better known as Yoga Girl, is a world-renowned yoga teacher, author, entrepreneur, and podcast host who has helped millions of people reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, movement, and storytelling.

From her early struggles with loss and depression to building an international wellness brand from her home in Aruba, Rachel’s story is a powerful example of how vulnerability, authenticity, and intention can transform lives.

In this in-depth SEO-optimized article, we explore Rachel Brathen’s biography, her yoga philosophy, teachings, business empire, personal journey, and her impact on the global wellness community.


Rachel Brathen Biography Overview

AttributeDetails
Full NameRachel Brathen
Date of BirthOctober 5, 1988
Age (as of 2025)36 years old
BirthplaceUppsala, Sweden
Current ResidenceAruba (Caribbean)
ProfessionYoga Teacher, Author, Podcaster, Entrepreneur
Known AsYoga Girl
SpouseDennis Schoneveld
Children1 daughter, Lea Luna
Instagram Handle@yoga_girl
Net Worth (Est.)$4–6 million USD
Websiteyogagirl.com

Early Life and Background

Rachel was born in Uppsala, Sweden, and experienced a difficult childhood, marked by her parents’ separation and the tragic death of her stepfather. These early traumas triggered a spiral of emotional and behavioral struggles, including anger, depression, and a feeling of being lost.

After finishing high school, she traveled across Costa Rica, Central America, and eventually to Aruba, where she found her spiritual anchor in yoga and meditation.


The Beginning of Yoga Girl

Rachel’s yoga journey began as self-therapy, a way to process grief, trauma, and anxiety. She trained in Vinyasa and Hatha yoga, and over time began teaching locally in Aruba.

Her social media presence exploded after she began posting authentic, vulnerable, and unfiltered stories, combined with aesthetic photos of yoga in nature. Thus, the brand “Yoga Girl” was born.


Yoga Philosophy

Rachel teaches a style of yoga that emphasizes:

  • Emotional healing through breathwork
  • Mind-body connection
  • Living in alignment with your truth
  • Integrating spirituality with everyday life
  • Sustainability and community consciousness

Her motto:

“Healing happens when you feel. So let yourself feel everything.”


Major Projects and Brands by Rachel Brathen

1. Island Yoga Aruba

Rachel founded Island Yoga, a world-class yoga studio and retreat center in Aruba. The space offers:

  • Daily yoga classes
  • Immersive retreats
  • Community events
  • Guest teacher workshops
  • On-site café (Garden Café)

It has attracted thousands of students and teachers from around the world.

2. OneOeight (Now Yoga Girl Platform)

Rachel also launched OneOeight.tv, a subscription-based online platform for:

  • Yoga & meditation videos
  • Personal development classes
  • Mental health support
  • Community forums

It has since evolved into YogaGirl.com, offering a wellness membership, blog, shop, and tools for self-healing.

3. Yoga Girl Podcast

Titled “From the Heart with Rachel Brathen,” this weekly podcast includes:

  • Deep reflections on life, grief, motherhood, and trauma
  • Guest interviews with experts and authors
  • Conversations on healing, spirituality, mental health, and current events

With 20M+ downloads, the podcast is a staple in the wellness community.


Books by Rachel Brathen

📘 Yoga Girl (2015)

Her bestselling memoir features:

  • Her personal healing journey
  • Yoga tips and sequences
  • Self-help guidance
  • Vegan recipes

This New York Times Bestseller became a foundational book for the modern yoga movement.

📙 To Love and Let Go (2019)

This second memoir dives into:

  • Grief and emotional pain
  • Love, loss, and acceptance
  • Life transitions and growth

It received praise for its honesty, rawness, and spiritual insights.


Social Media Reach

Rachel Brathen is among the most followed yoga influencers globally.

PlatformFollowers (2025 est.)Content Focus
Instagram2.1M+Yoga, motherhood, wellness, vulnerability
Facebook1.2M+Articles, photos, live videos
YouTube150K+Yoga tutorials, podcasts, life vlogs
Podcast20M+ downloadsSelf-help and spirituality
WebsiteYogaGirl.comRetreats, blogs, shop, online yoga

Motherhood & Personal Life

Rachel is married to Dennis Schoneveld, a native of Aruba who co-manages many of her ventures. In 2019, she gave birth to her daughter Lea Luna, and began sharing raw stories of motherhood, postpartum challenges, and family life.

Her honesty has made her a voice for conscious parenting, especially in the wellness community.


Activism and Philanthropy

Rachel is known for her support of:

  • Mental health awareness
  • Domestic violence survivors
  • Animal rescue (through Sgt. Pepper’s Friends, a non-profit she co-founded)
  • Sustainability and environmental awareness

She often uses her platform to raise funds, promote justice, and amplify marginalized voices.


Rachel Brathen’s Net Worth & Business Ventures

As of 2025, Rachel’s estimated net worth is $4–6 million USD, from:

  • Book royalties
  • Podcast sponsorships
  • Retreats & workshops
  • Online wellness programs
  • Product partnerships and her own branded merch line

Her impact, however, is measured more by her influence than finances.


Popular Quotes by Rachel Brathen

“You don’t have to be good. You just have to be here.”

“Healing is messy, loud, painful, and liberating.”

“We are not broken. We are becoming.”


FAQ Section

Who is Rachel Brathen?

Rachel Brathen, known as Yoga Girl, is a Swedish yoga teacher, author, speaker, and founder of Island Yoga in Aruba. She’s one of the most well-known voices in the global wellness space.

What is Rachel Brathen famous for?

She is famous for her books, podcast, yoga retreats, and for creating one of the first major yoga influencer brands on Instagram.

Is Rachel Brathen married?

Yes. She is married to Dennis Schoneveld, and they live in Aruba with their daughter.

What are Rachel Brathen’s books?

She authored two bestsellers:

  1. Yoga Girl
  2. To Love and Let Go

Where is Rachel Brathen’s yoga studio?

Her studio, Island Yoga, is located in Noord, Aruba.

What style of yoga does Rachel teach?

She teaches Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin Yoga, with a strong focus on emotional healing and mindfulness.


Conclusion

Rachel Brathen is much more than a yoga teacher — she’s a spiritual guide, emotional healer, and community builder.

Through her vulnerability, storytelling, and soul-centered teachings, Rachel has touched the hearts of millions and continues to lead the global conversation around healing, truth, and purpose.

If you’re looking to start your yoga journey, heal from emotional wounds, or simply reconnect with your authentic self, Rachel Brathen is a voice worth listening to.

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