Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Bodnar.
Jenn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been active, social and creative. As a child, I love dance, gymnastics and hanging out with my friends. I became interested in journalism in high school serving on the yearbook and newspaper staff and wound up majoring in Mass Communication in college where I learned about radio and television broadcasting. I chose a radio advertising sales career after college, became a stay-at-home mom to three amazing boys whom I love with all of my heart, and got into fitness part-time (to keep sane from raising aforementioned boys.) 🙂 When I look back, everything I have ever done has lead me to what I am today. As a former dancer and gymnast, yoga physically brought back a lot of the movement I enjoyed when I was young. Yoga was always in the background of my fitness hobby and eventually would take the forefront as it became increasingly popular, and life changed. I had the opportunity to become a Yoga Teacher Trainer for Life Time where I still work today managing the Yoga Studio at the North Dallas location.
The philosophical and mental parts of yoga are what’s most impactful now. I decided to start up the Yoga Digest project with a former business partner back in 2014 when it seemed something was missing from the world of mindfulness. It was evident that yoga spoke exclusively, for the most part, to the genetically blessed who were naturally flexible, thin, strong and had an incredible knack for the use of filters on Instagram. Yoga made a huge impact on everything I did: from the people I hung out with, the food that I ate, the activities I participated in and the significant life changes that I made. I wanted to share this. Not just with people who came to my classes, friends, and family but with as many people as possible. Yoga Digest is built on the foundation that everybody can do yoga. Also, that you don’t have to do yoga poses (or asana) to experience the benefits of yoga. Some people find mindfulness through other activities like knitting, fishing or running and hiking. The highest form of yoga is stillness; meditation. Yoga has brought me closer to my faith and my family as it’s really about finding gratitude in everything. Even the messy parts. I look back and embrace it all, trusting that everything happens for a reason. I’m still a work in progress but so grateful for the outlets and platforms available to spread awareness and create greatness with others who also feel there is something missing.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Anything great in life involves risk and vulnerability. Being a mom has been both the most rewarding and scariest venture in my life. I won’t say there is no such thing as a smooth road, but I will say that smooth roads are pretty boring, create stagnancy and rarely lead to any type of real growth. Bumpy roads are not a bad thing. There is a saying that in life you don’t win or lose, you learn. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or not, you will have difficult decisions to make, and some will be very painful. My advice to women? Know your worth and trust your gut. If something feels off, it is. Advice to young women? You are so much wiser, stronger and capable than you can possibly imagine! Take care of your mind, body, and soul. Stay authentic. There has never been more opportunity available ever! And finally, remember there is enough abundance for everyone.
We’d love to hear more about Yoga Digest.
I’m a yoga teacher. One of the biggest roles of a yoga teacher is to simply hold space. Through Yoga Digest, I provide a platform, a trusted and proven media resource that offers an outlet for changemakers and wellness pioneers to share their message. We specialize in informative content around nutrition, mindfulness, yoga, and encouragement. I’m most proud of the fact that we talk to real, everyday people about real-life. We believe that people learn best when they are inspired. We are simple, stress-free, no flash, no shock factor, just real. What sets us apart? We are small but mighty and just getting started!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’m blessed to have two moms: my birth mother who is fun, free-spirited, accepting, curious and strong-willed. My stepmom, who I have known as long as I can remember is kind, respected, remarkably intelligent, dependable and understanding. Both have played major influences in my life. My birth mom has taught me resilience, and my stepmom has taught me compassion – neither of which I have mastered! They both have taught me loyalty. I have watched them both stand up for and defend their loved ones, put others first and deal with loss. They are humble. I have had a lot of great teachers along the way: aunts, my grandmas, and great girlfriends, fitness and yoga peers. The women who inspire me all have a common thread: they are consistent, authentic, smart, driven, grounded and appreciate the little things in life. There was once upon a time when I wanted more, more and more. Thanks to the bumpy road and great role models and friends, I am learning that more and bigger is not always better. I am inspired by people (male and female) who take it day by day, love their families and do the right thing!
Pricing:
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yogadigest.com
- Phone: 469-708-7026
- Email: jenn@yogadigest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogadigest/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogadigestmag/?ref=br_rs
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/yogadigest?lang=en
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBT4IxkU-u3XrjJvrzWEP3g
Image Credit:
John Doty, Inmotion Imagery
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
