Hello, I’m Donny Starkins!
My goal is help anyone who is willing and open-minded to dive in and do the inner work! My work is to challenge each client to explore their edge, unlearn old patterns of thinking and living, discover their greater purpose, and develop an every day practice of intention and presence. I believe in a co-active approach to coaching, working together “as one” to achieve the life YOU are worthy of and have always deserved.
My students know me as the calm and focused coach/teacher that helps make even the most difficult of scenarios possible to work through.
I intend to create a safe, connected and inspired experience for all levels, no matter what path you are on.
I aim to teach, inspire, and empower others to own their greatness and step into their purpose.
Here is How I Got Here:
2002
Early Life & Baseball Aspirations
Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, baseball was everything to me. My dad played at Arizona State University, and following in his footsteps became one of my biggest goals. I worked relentlessly, eventually earning the opportunity to play Division 1 baseball at both the University of Nebraska and Arizona State.
But my journey was far from smooth. I endured seven surgeries on my left knee, one of which—a cadaver meniscus transplant—was botched. That injury not only cut my baseball career short but also left me searching for a new sense of purpose. I hit rock bottom.
That’s when my mom introduced me to yoga. At first, I wanted nothing to do with it. I remember saying, "Yoga is for girls and hippies!" But little did I know, that resistance was the beginning of a transformation that would change my life. 17 years later, here I am—not just practicing but also teaching around the world! Trust me, this was not part of the plan.
2005
A New Game, A Different Field
When my playing days ended, I found myself in a completely different world: sales, recruitment, and business development. The rush of closing a deal, the challenge of connecting with people, the grind, it all felt familiar in a way.
I climbed the ranks quickly, landing top sales awards, promotions, and even national recognition. But deep down, something felt off. I was successful on paper, but I wasn’t fulfilled.
2012
Life Had Other Plans
Then everything changed. I stepped away from the corporate hustle and took on one of the most meaningful roles of my life - becoming a foster dad. Around the same time, I was introduced to yoga & meditation, not just as a practice but as a way of being. These practices changed my life and are the foundation of my own recovery and mental health journey.
What started as a physical challenge soon became something much deeper. Yoga helped me reconnect with myself, broke through the limitation of my mind, taught me how to breathe the right way, and for the first time, I saw a path that truly aligned with who I was meant to be.
“As I Began to Love Myself, My Relationship With Everyone Else Changed.”
- Donny Starkins
2013
Finding My Purpose
I took a leap. After earning my 200-hour yoga certification, I started teaching privately, at events, even for special needs children and refugees.
Every class, every student, every moment reinforced what I already knew: this was where I was supposed to be. This was home! The same passion I once had for baseball and business was now channeled into helping others transform their lives. It saved my life, so “how dare I not” give it back way?
Now
Coaching Beyond the Mat
My journey has brought me here, where mindfulness, movement, and personal growth intersect. As a coach, I guide individuals through change - helping them break past mental barriers, shift their perspectives, and step into their highest potential.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, but I’ve learned that sometimes, the unexpected paths lead to exactly where we’re meant to be.
The Love Yourself Collective
At the heart of The Love Yourself Collective is a commitment to healing, growth, and community. We focus on addiction, depression, anxiety, and mental health, creating a supportive space where individuals can confront these challenges, heal, and transform through shared experiences and mindful practices.
Healing is an ongoing journey, and it's essential that we continue to show up - not just for ourselves, but for each other. With the right tools and a strong community to lean on, growth and transformation become possible.
A supportive community and a structure of accountability help keep us on track. When we hold each other accountable, we create a space where growth is not just possible - it’s encouraged. It’s about showing up consistently, even when it feels tough, and knowing that we have people beside us every step of the way.
But accountability isn’t just about following through on goals. It’s about being responsible for our mental and emotional well-being. It’s about supporting each other, staying committed to our healing, and reminding ourselves that we are never alone in our struggles. With a community to uplift and motivate us, we can overcome obstacles and stay true to the work we’ve committed to.
The Love Yourself Collective is more than just an initiative - it’s a movement towards freedom, self-love, resilience, and lasting change.