Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Tobey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Shortly after competing in the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships, I sustained a knee injury that ended my racing career and prohibited me from any high-impact sports or exercise. I was devastated. I started doing yoga as a last resort, fully expecting it to be “too easy.”
My mind changed quickly, as I fell in love with the practice rather suddenly. I spent the next 5 years tirelessly exploring yoga: attending classes religiously, volunteering at my local studio and traveling to Bali to complete a life-changing teacher training.
I arrived home from Bali eager to start my teaching journey but without much time to dedicate. I was also starting a new career in business consulting and I had a lot to learn. I started teaching small classes in a local park for friends until it got cold and I had to make a call about what to do next. I decided to start my own small business, Jenna Callie Yoga, rather than teach in a studio. The choice wasn’t very difficult, as I have a business/entrepreneurship degree, had previously started a business with a friend and know that I like to do things my own way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road is never smooth and life wouldn’t be as rewarding if it was. Like anyone, I’ve faced challenges personally and professionally and I believe I’m better for it.
The first big challenge I faced as a young girl is probably the one I’ve learned the most from – about loss, the elements of life that really matter and the importance of following my heart.
I lost my dad, the brilliant, fearless, athletic and wildly capable man that I so admired, to ALS when I was 9 years old. It’s tough to convey the depth of sadness, shift in perspective and new wisdom I’ve encountered on account of this experience. At the risk of sharing what may come across as clichés, here are a few of the things I learned from this part of my journey:
First, everything is temporary, and I must savor what I have. When I saw someone so close to me die young, I learned that we certainly don’t have forever. Things are changing moment to moment, so whether right now feels amazing or terrible, know that it will quite possibly be different tomorrow.
Second, try not to sweat the small stuff. Unfortunately, we all suffer great losses in our lifetime, but when it’s something small, I try to let it stay small rather than getting all bent out of shape.
Finally, something I learned in my yoga teacher training: no effort is ever wasted. For every path I travel, every minute I meditate, every win or loss I experience, there are gains that can never be reversed. Each step, whether it seems positive or negative in the moment, moves me closer to wherever it is I’m going.
In a letter my dad wrote to me just before he passed, he shared some advice that I’ll never forget and I don’t hesitate to pass along to others: Don’t expect it to be easy, it never is.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jenna Callie Yoga – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am an energetic optimist, a fun-loving adventurer and a passionate yoga student and teacher committed to discovering and sharing life’s sweetest moments and Jenna Callie Yoga is my mechanism to do just that.
I enjoy teaching community, corporate, and private yoga classes and especially, charity events. I am forever exploring and creating my style as a teacher, but most of my classes are all levels Vinyasa inspired by my own Baptiste practice.
The best place to find me right now is teaching my energizing all levels community yoga classes on Saturday mornings at FoMu in Boston’s South End. These classes are focused on improving flexibility and breathing, decreasing stress and maintaining health. It’s a challenging, engaging and rewarding practice shared with an inclusive, diverse community.
I am deeply grateful for the invaluable lessons yoga has taught me so far: the sense of calm found in slowing down, appreciating the present moment and listening to and connecting with my mind and body. That’s something I strive to share with each of my students.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
For me, my curiosity has brought me many inspiring mentors over the years. Find people who light you up, and that you’d like to “follow” in some aspect and find a way to get close to them. Often, just expressing interest in what they’re up to is a foot in the door.
I’ve found that choosing jobs, positions, communities and extra curriculars based on the people involved has reaped high rewards. These people have made a huge difference in my life.
Pricing:
- My community classes at FoMu happen Saturdays from 10-11am and are priced to be accessible to many, at just $7.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jennacallieyoga.com
- Email: jennacallieyoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennacallieyoga/
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
