Interview

Meet the Resident: Dani Ford-Horne of The Soulty Surfer

"The community here (at TOSH) is part of my self-employed and personal journey, and I love calling this space home." Get to know our wonderful resident coworker, Dani, and read all about her journey as The Soulty Surfer!

Who are you, and what is The Soulty Surfer?  

Hi TOSH! I’m Dani, a wellness advocate and proud Boscombe local. My roots here run deep, my 104 year old grandma was born in Boscombe Hospital and went to school in this very building back when Boscombe was in its heyday!

The Soulty Surfer is my way of combining everything I love - wellness, surfing, yoga, meditation, and building a strong sense of community. I started it in 2021 to share these passions with others and help people find balance and joy in life.

I run yoga classes and events focused on breath, movement and mindfulness to build strength and flexibility in both body and mind. My sessions often take place outdoors by the ocean, embracing the healing power of nature.

I’m also a big fan of surfing, hiking, mountain biking, and cold water immersion, and I bring these into my work whenever I can. It’s all about connecting with ourselves, each other and the world around us.

What is your favourite thing about being a resident coworker at TOSH?

For me, it’s all about being part of a community. As a solo entrepreneur with a background in Community Development, transitioning to full-time self-employment was a challenge. I found the isolation tough and my productivity and happiness took a hit. Coming to TOSH has changed that.

The space is alive with creativity and diversity. From weekly sewing groups with refugees to young people exploring the arts, it’s inspiring to see how many unique and meaningful activities happen here. The other coworkers are laid-back, open-minded, and supportive - it feels like a family. Many of them are creatives or self-employed too, so we naturally support each other through the highs and challenges of our work.

Being at TOSH has not only made me more productive but also much happier!

What’s in store for The Soulty Surfer?

As the year winds down, I’m excited to share what’s coming up for The Soulty Surfer! One highlight is Nourish: Food for the Soul which I’m hosting here at TOSH, an evening of candlelit gentle yoga with a live ambient DJ, followed by a nourishing seasonal meal - a perfect way to nurture body and spirit.

I’m also hosting my first session at the new sauna at Avon Beach during the winter solstice sunrise, a magical moment to reflect and welcome the light as the year turns.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m planning my first weekend retreat for deeper restoration, along with more winter wellness sessions featuring ice baths and sauna therapy. I’m also exploring online offerings and developing my website, creating more ways to connect wherever you are.

Thank you for being part of this journey TOSH, the community here is part of my self-employed and personal journey and I love calling this space home. I can’t wait to see where the new year takes us!

Check out Dani's website: thesoultysurfer.com

Find Dani on Instagram: @TheSoultySurfer