Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Walker.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I started practicing yoga in 2014, I was just curious, and wanted to know more about it. I went to a class at an LA fitness one Thursday evening, and I haven’t stopped since. After about 3 classes, I knew this practice would change the way I think about movement and what I believed I am capable of. I loved how yoga made me feel physically, but more than that, I loved the confidence I was gaining, and enjoyed the ease/lightness that I felt after every class. The more I practiced, the more I grew curious about this new way of moving and breathing and I wanted to share what I was learning with my friends and family so that they could experience it too. After a few months of practice, I started going to yoga studios and watching videos to learn more. After some time I started to see that there weren’t many women in class that looked like me. There were no brown and black girls in any of my classes. I wondered why. As my love for the practice grew, I wanted to share the effects with my community. In 2016 I enrolled in a Yoga Teacher Training program in Orlando FL. I was in training for 8 months before I received my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification. I was so excited to teach and share all the tools and resources I’d learned. The only problem was…teaching yoga is much different than practicing. Guiding a group through a yoga flow requires more than just years of experience in personal practice. There are cues and sequencing, mindset management, and a certain knowledge of the body that is necessary to safely guide a group through a yoga flow. You have to be confident in your voice and teaching style. I had not yet found the confidence to teach a group. I was nervous, anxious and I really struggled to teach a full class. I was offered two positions as a yoga teacher and declined them both. I was not ready. I really considered not teaching and just sticking with my personal practice, but I knew there was a purpose behind this passion to share. I spent hours trying to find my voice, teaching friends at the park, recording myself teaching and playing it back. Finally I got the courage to teach my first class in my apartment complex’s gym. Years later I have taught many classes and hundreds of people this practice that I love. I’ve taught in studios, gyms, conferenes, retreats, workshops and hosted my own weekly classes. I’ve been able to work with so many people and have built lifelong friendships and connections. Today I am teaching weekly classes, establishing myself as a movement/health/wellness brand and learning skills to expand the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. The biggest challenge for me has been building confidence and belief in myself. Building a health and wellness business requires much more than just knowledge of techniques and teaching methods. With so many yoga/movement teachers in the world, you have to be confident in who you are and what you have to offer. Marketing myself has been the most challenging. With so many platforms and strategies to build a brand, you really have to find your lane and niche.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Peace and Power Yoga?
Peace and Power Yoga is a health and wellness brand offering yoga/ movement classes, workshops, private/group sessions and wellness events. I want readers to know our brand is big on community and personal empowerment. We want to support people on their journey and provide tools and resources to enhance the lives of everyone we connect with. We are known for our supportive yoga/movement community, impactful classes and genuine good vibes. We are most proud of how resilient we are. Our brand is small but rooted in love and support.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was always a happy kid. I loved to make people smile and laugh, and I’ve always enjoyed helping and supporting people how ever I can, sometimes too much. 🙂 I’ve always had a genuine heart and a positive demeanor. I love my bubbly and enthusiastic personality and my positive outlook on life.
Pricing:
- Private Yoga Session $75
- Group Yoga Sessions up to 15 people $150
- Weekly Class passes available
- Welness Event (email for details)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peaceandpoweryoga.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspired_yogi21/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@peaceandpower44
Image Credits
@fromwithinarts @bluelimephotomedia @jmass54
