Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette Ferrell.
Hi Colette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Grew up in Orlando and love the Central Florida community and lifestyle. Have been producing local events and festivals for over 20 years. Why I started, It’s Just Yoga Health & Fitness Festival (this was our seventh year). I had friends and co-workers show interest in trying yoga but were intimidated to go to a yoga studio. They felt if you were not a size two or bendy like a pretzel, you could not do yoga. I thought if I started an outdoor festival where people could see others doing yoga in a safe, friendly environment.
Slogan – Yoga for Everyone – Yoga for You. Festival is donation based with 100% of donations going to New Hope for Kids. We pay for the festival expenses from our exhibitors and sponsors. Festival focuses on local businesses, local yoga studios and local instructors. Classes range from beginners to aerial and acro. We also offer classes for kids. Festival has become so popular that we started a subscription membership club – IJY (It’s Just Yoga ) Connects.
The mission of IJY Connects is to bring the mindful, health-conscious community in Central Florida together to share, discuss and enjoy yoga and other holistic lifestyle options. Members can sample, explore and learn more about the latest trends in health, wellness, fitness and eco products. They also receive member discounts and invites to exclusive pop up events, online wellness classes, online Q&As and other informative opportunities.
inPower Events empowers people through interactive and engaging festivals and activities. inPower Events has over 20 years experience of producing and activating large-scale events and festivals. inPower Events is also the creator of the “It’s Just Yoga” Health & Fitness Festivals, IJY Magazine and IJY Connects. Events that inPower has either produced or consulted: It’s Just Yoga Festival (Lake Eola & Cranes Roost Park) Downtown Food & Wine Festival (Lake Eola), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night (Lake Eola) Beer n Bacon (Uptown Altamonte), Pet a Palooza (Seminole State College), Back to School Expo (Seminole Town Center), Fourth of July (City of Winter Springs), Central Florida Auto Show (Orlando/Orange County Convention Center), Tampa Auto Show (Downtown Tampa), South Florida Auto Show (Miami). Known for developing unique marketing ideas and sales solutions for local businesses. inPower Events creates programs exclusive to the market and offers an “experience” style approach to sponsorship activation.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Have received a lot of support from the yoga and wellness community but took time to brand ourselves and build a relationship with the community. The time commitment to create something from scratch and to learn from our mistakes.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Make the people more important than the business.
Contact Info:
- Email: colette@inpowerevents.com
- Website: https://www.ijyconnects.com/
- Instagram: @ijyconnects
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ItsJustYoga
