Born and raised in Hong Kong and Indian by origin, Tiana started practicing yoga from a young age following the spiritual teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda with whom her family has been affiliated with since the 1940’s. A significant part of her development into adulthood has been influenced by his teachings. Prior to teaching yoga, Tiana worked in the corporate world for eleven years, with global companies such as the LVMH Group and The Financial Times.

She began her Ashtanga Vinyasa practice (as taught by Sri K Patthabi Jois) under the inspiration and guidance of her primary teacher, Paul Dallaghan whom she goes back to study with a few times a year. She believes that this was a pivotal point in her life where yoga really embraced her. She has also spent time in Mysore practicing at the source with the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy. She continues to go back to Mysore every year for a few months each time under Sharath's teaching and guidance.

Over the past few years, she has dedicated her studies to developing and understanding the deeper dimensions of yoga through sacred texts and exploring Pranayama.

Tiana is also an environmentalist- often working with Green Groups around Asia and spearheading environmental projects. She has traveled to Costa Rica working with government - run projects to protect and conserve her favourite animal, the endangered leatherback turtles.

L&S: What was the motivating factor behind launching Yoga With Tiana?
TH: To be honest, I had no intention of launching a website. It was my students that fully encouraged this, and this was mainly so they could read the articles I wrote and they could follow where I was teaching around the world. Not long after I launched, more and more people were writing me emails about my articles, that I now write a blog for Asiatatler.com

L&S: You are one of only a few Indians in the world to be authorized in Ashtanga. Explain what that means for you and for your yoga?
TH: I started practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa (asana postures) in 2002/ 2003. It was from this physical side of yoga that I started to learn more about the internal workings of my soul. My ego was bashed a lot, my concentration grew. I was and AM a diligent student faithfully on my mat each and every day. I was authorised in October this year making me one of four Indians (excluding the Jois family), and the first and only Sindhi. It is an honor and a testament to my dedication on the mat. Especially since I had a terrible motor cycle accident in India in 2009. I had to start all over again and this practice has been a new inspiration to me. So while I feel humbled to have received this honour, it remains a stepping stone I am grateful for.

L&S: What are some of your favourite yoga retreats?
TH: There is only one really. Samahita Yoga Thailand. Not to be mistaken with It's Yoga Thailand as this is not what I am referring to. Go to: www.yoga-thailand.com This amazing place is inspirational to me. It's run by two beautiful people, Paul & Jutima Dallaghan. Paul is my mentor and friend and I respect their entire philosophy. Such a beautiful setting for beginners and advanced practitioners. They also have an amazing wellness centre. Reasonably priced but very luxe! Something you don't find easily in the world.

L&S: How would novices or first-timers best approach yoga?
TH: I would say to try a beginners class first. Ask around and find a good teacher from recommendation. Always find a teacher with serious adequate experience.

L&S: Do you have any upcoming yoga events scheduled for the near future?
TH: I do! I am also in the process of moving to Portugal and thinking about setting up my own retreat centre. Right now I am back in Hong Kong teaching at The Landmark Mandarin Hotel. I will be there in and out until July. Happy to be back teaching. I am also planning some workshops and retreats in Portugal in the late summer.

W: www.yogawithtiana.com