When two worlds collide: Roots Wellness founder Niamh Glackin on leaving corporate life behind

NOT all that long ago, Niamh Glackin’s working days were spent building a successful career in Human Resources and business consultancy. Today, they revolve around breathwork, movement, meditation and community.

The 40-year-old, who is now based in Ballina, is the founder of Roots Wellness, a growing wellness studio that has become a sanctuary for people seeking calm amid the demands of modern life.

While the two worlds may appear vastly different, she believes they are more connected than people might think.

"I still bring a lot of goal-setting and values work into my classes and workshops," she says. "Those are things I learned during my years in HR," she tells The Mayo News.

So how did she make the leap from corporate life to wellness?

A leap of faith

NIAMH began studying a BA in Human Resource Management in 2017 at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, graduating in 2020.

She went on to work as an AI HR Manager with TELUS International before taking up a position as a Human Resources Business Partner with LotusWorks.

Despite enjoying aspects of the profession, she found herself increasingly disconnected from the work.

“The work I did became very mundane - it became more about problem-solving and less about employee wellbeing.”

Over time, her enthusiasm for HR began to fade.

“I was the one delivering the bad news. I hated putting that stress on people,” she said.

Meanwhile, a lifelong interest in yoga continued to grow. After spotting an advertisement for yoga teacher training, she decided to take a chance on something different.

"I was only a couple of weeks into the training when I knew this was what I wanted to do," she says. "I realised the job I was in was making me miserable. I was crying on the way to work and crying on the way home."

With that realisation, Niamh made what she described as a decision made ‘on a whim’ and left her corporate career to pursue self-employment.

Building Roots Wellness

IN 2022, while still working in HR, Niamh was asked to take part in a charity yoga event on the beach.

Following its success, she began teaching classes in a local gym.

The idea of a dedicated wellness space emerged during a casual conversation with a local business owner.

"I was getting a coffee in Boho Barista one day when Anne mentioned that the unit next door was available," she says. "That was it."

And so began the establishment of ‘Roots Wellness’ - which now provides movement classes that combine Yoga and wellness, restorative care as well as outdoor wellness.

More than movement

FOR Niamh, yoga is about far more than physical movement.

“I think yoga in the West is mainly viewed as movement - it can be seen as an add-on to a fitness routine.”

She is passionate about introducing people to the broader philosophy of yoga, including the eight limbs that underpin the practice.

“One of those limbs is Pranayama (breath control). It’s the life force to your day-to-day life. Breathing keeps you alive, but learning to control your breath can help you navigate your emotions.”

Meditation is another key element.

“Generally, the idea of yoga is to get out of your head, and movement alone often tends not to do that. Breathwork helps regulate the nervous system, and meditation softens the body.

“Meditation is also one of the limbs. Generally, the idea of yoga is to get out of your head, and movement often tends not to do that - so the breathwork helps the nervous system, and meditation softens the body,” she says.

Beyond the class

WHILE many people initially come to Roots Wellness for the movement aspect, Niamh believes the benefits extend far beyond the studio.

She has had clients use breathwork techniques during labour, while others have relied on meditation and movement practices to help manage stress, anxiety and challenging life circumstances.

“The work carries far beyond the class,” she says.

For Niamh, these stories are among the most rewarding aspects of her work.

"I have clients from all walks of life," she says. "Busy parents, people dealing with workplace stress, people struggling with anxiety or depression, and people going through cancer treatment."

Redefining success

ALTHOUGH she enjoyed professional success in the corporate world, Niamh says her understanding of success has changed significantly.

“I think when I was in the corporate world, I had a view of success that’s different to what I have now. It’s not business-related anymore - it’s more personal.”

Prioritising self-care has become central to her life. And despite turning her passion into a career, she says her love for yoga remains as strong as ever.

“I still get that love of yoga. I absolutely love it. I could not recommend it enough to other people, whether it might sound so genuine, it sounds so cliche, but it actually does. You know, when you get into it, and you're doing it properly,” she added.

Yet perhaps the most unexpected reward has been the sense of community that has emerged around Roots Wellness.

"My favourite part of the day is often the chats before and after class," she says with a smile. "A lot of us go for coffee afterwards. Seeing people who were complete strangers become genuine friends is lovely."