Yugashani Pragasan

Yugashani Pragasan, founder of Minimorphosis, an educational consultation and parental coaching business, describes her path as one deeply rooted in her love for child development and education. “I’ve always been passionate about helping children reach their full potential,” she says. “My journey has taken me from early childhood development to life coaching, and I’ve studied various approaches like Montessori teaching, youth development, and the art of positive parenting. Currently, I’m furthering my skills in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).” Raised in Phoenix, Yugashani’s passion emerged from diverse experiences both in South Africa and abroad, shaping the foundation of her career.

A Diverse Path
Yugashani’s journey began at 18, when she took a gap year to work as an au pair in the United States. “Leaving South Africa and going to the US opened my eyes. That experience ignited a passion for child development.” After returning home, she pursued studies in youth development, followed by practical experience in early childhood development and Montessori teaching. Her pursuit of diverse experiences didn’t stop there. She went on to work as an au pair in Europe and later joined Disney Cruise Line as one of the onboard managers for the kids’ club.

Reflecting on her time with Disney, Yugashani says, “It was a fantastic experience. I learned so much about different cultures and child development in unique environments. I was responsible for managing children’s activities, ensuring they were safe and engaged, and that taught me invaluable lessons about understanding children’s needs.” However, like many others, the Covid-19 pandemic brought her back to South Africa.

“Coming back was the opportunity I needed to truly step into my purpose,” she shares. “Assisting parents on how to adapt to the new normal with their children, from establishing routines to managing behavioural challenges. The demand for support in parental coaching and alternative education was evident,” she explains. This shift led to the creation of Minimorphosis, where her passion for child development truly flourished.

Minimorphosis is not just about teaching children; it focuses on the holistic development of each child. “I look at everything that affects the child’s growth — cognitive development, social and emotional well-being, the home environment, and even the extra activities they engage in,” says Yugashani. She takes pride in offering personalised coaching to parents, helping them achieve specific goals for their children while ensuring that the overall approach aligns with their needs.

Parents often approach Yugashani for advice on a range of issues, from establishing good sleep routines and managing discipline to encouraging balanced eating habits, supporting cognitive development, and developing fine and gross motor skills. Her training in the art of positive parenting, acquired during her time in the United States, aligns seamlessly with her life coaching approach. “My goal is to guide parents towards a better understanding of their children’s behaviour,” she notes, emphasising that each child is unique, and parenting techniques must be adaptable to meet those needs.

“Today’s children face a lot of social and emotional challenges — there’s so much pressure to perform well and to fit in socially,” she observes. “Through my work, I aim to help children understand themselves better and assist parents in supporting them. It’s about shaping a generation that is emotionally resilient and self-aware.”

Embracing Growth
When reflecting on her achievements, Yugashani considers her ongoing success in the face of adversity to be her greatest accomplishment. “Life hasn’t always been easy,” she admits. “I’ve faced many challenges, both personally and professionally. But I choose to focus on the lessons learned and keep moving forward, always believing that there’s something better ahead.” She believes that growth comes from accepting past experiences, no matter how dark, and using them as stepping stones rather than obstacles.

“You have to recognise the challenges and understand that they are there to teach you something. It’s important to learn from them and not let them define you,” she advises. “I think my experiences allow me to empathise better with diverse situations, helping parents and children from different backgrounds,” she says.

Yugashani is particularly motivated by witnessing the transformations in families. “The changes I see when parents begin to understand why their children behave in certain ways are incredibly rewarding. Many parents initially think their child is just stubborn or misbehaving, but when they start to parent differently, it brings out the best in the child,” she says with a smile. This inspiration drives her to continue expanding her services and reaching out to more families.

Looking ahead, Yugashani’s dream is to establish a centre that provides comprehensive support for families. “I envision a holistic centre where parents and children can come for a range of services — occupational therapy, speech therapy, educational consultations, and life coaching,” she explains. “I would love to reach the communities that can’t afford these services. If my business could achieve a financial status, or if I could find the right funding, that would be the dream; giving back to those who need it the most,” she expresses passionately.

For young women, Yugashani offers simple yet profound advice: “Embrace life and find happiness in every moment. Don’t get stuck in your challenges; use them as opportunities for growth. There’s always a way forward. Happiness comes from gratitude, and that’s what really matters.”

Balancing her demanding career with personal time is also a priority for her. “I force myself to take breaks because it’s important to find balance,” she shares. “Whether it’s a walk on the beach, reading a good book, or just relaxing at home, taking time to recharge is crucial.”

In her own words, Yugashani Pragasan is “living most of her dream,” but she continues to strive for more. Through Minimorphosis, she aims to create a positive impact on children and their families, one step at a time. As she puts it, “This is my soul’s purpose—helping children and families grow. It’s what I was meant to do.”