Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Rice.
Jenny, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2007 I fell in love with fitness. Through diet & exercise, I reached my fitness goals. Over the years, those goals turned into obsessions. I began counting every single calorie & I worked out hard seven days a week (& often twice a day). I did this for years. I missed out on celebrations, dinners with friends… my whole life was dictated by my diet & exercise regime. Then one day I hurt my back. I could no longer work out like I was used to.
Anyone who has ever been sidelined by an injury knows the toll it can take on, not just your body, but your emotional well being. My doctor recommended physical therapy & yoga. Both helped me tremendously but yoga saved me. It’s taken years but yoga helped me learn to appreciate my body & be kinder to it. Not only has yoga helped with my back injury, it has made me stronger than I’ve ever been & has helped heal the disordered eating & excessive exercising that plagued me for years. After practicing for a few years, I decided to become a registered yoga teacher.
I wanted to share with others this amazing gift that I had found through yoga. I was so blessed to begin teaching in a studio as soon as I graduated my teacher training. I was poured into & mentored by some of the best yoga teachers that I have ever had the honor of knowing. In 2016 my husband & I moved from Atlanta, GA to the DFW area. During this time, we also suffered a devastating miscarriage. It was, perhaps, one of the most difficult times in our life. As we settled into our new area, I began to offer free yoga classes on the lake near our home as a way to meet people. I was struggling so much emotionally after the move & the miscarriage & was desperate to meet like-minded people. Fast forward to now, through the modality of yoga, I have a wonderful group of friends & clients. Yoga has brought so much healing into my life. I am so incredibly grateful for my practice.
Has it been a smooth road?
The move from Atlanta, GA to DFW was one of the first obstacles/challenges that I faced as an entrepreneur. I have had to completely start over. I moved here not knowing a single person (besides my husband). I had to build all new clientele/student base & my reputation as a solid yoga teacher all over again. And this time, I didn’t have mentors or a yoga studio to back me. I had to put myself out there in a way I had never done before. I offered free yoga classes & private yoga sessions. I went to local women’s events, left my cards at local shops in our area. I did what I could to let people know that I was here.
I have learned that word of mouth is the best marketing tool of all time. People referring me to other people has been so helpful for me as an entrepreneur. I am so grateful to them. Perhaps the biggest obstacle/challenge that I have faced is learning how to run my business all while continually improving my offerings as a yoga teacher. It has been a lot of trial & error. Learning how to creatively grow while keeping my overhead low has certainly challenged me as well. Also, not becoming burned out can be a challenge. Recognizing, as an entrepreneur, there is always something/someone that needs your attention. I have had to learn how to create clear boundaries for myself & know when it is time to close for business for the day.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a registered yoga teacher through yoga alliance & a certified yoga instructor through Holy Yoga (faith-based yoga). I am also pre/post-natal certified. I have an in-home studio on Eagle Mountain Lake in the Fort Worth area where I offer private group classes, group classes & private yoga sessions. I have taught yoga in churches, bridal showers, graduation parties & private country clubs. I have worked with kids, seniors, athletes, bodybuilders, beginners (new to yoga) & I have worked with special needs as well. I am able to tailor my classes to fit the person & their needs/goals.
Most importantly, my classes are always inclusive… it doesn’t matter if you believe the things I believe, it doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned yoga practitioner or have never stepped on a yoga mat. Every single size, shape & level is welcome in my classes. You could be the most gifted yoga teacher in the world but if you cannot connect to that human being in front of you, then it means nothing. People over profit…always. Everyone is welcome.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Likes: I love yoga, obviously 😉 I enjoy indoor cycling, paddle boarding, hiking & laying by the pool or hanging out on a beautiful beach somewhere. Seeing & exploring new places. I love all different types of music. I have never met a pizza I didn’t like (even bad pizza is good pizza 😉 ). Spending time with my husband is the best way to spend time. Catching up with old friends & making new ones. I have a like/dislike relationship with social media.
Dislikes Biggest pet peeve…women who don’t support other women. We are not one another’s competition. There is enough room for all of us. We are all fabulous in our own unique way. I loathe body shamers. I am not a big fan of pictures just of myself. I tend to always feel like Zoolander 😉 I’m not sure I can be friends with anyone who doesn’t like pizza.
Contact Info:
- Website: Yogajenny.com
- Phone: 770-289-6848
- Email: jenny@yogajenny.com
- Instagram: @yogawithjennyrice
- Facebook: @yogawithjennyrice
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