We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer , thanks for joining us today. What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.
When I started teaching yoga, after practicing for over 10 years, I was full of passion and hope to share what I had learned in my own transformative journey. But as I immersed myself in the yoga community, I began to notice a troubling trend. The teacher training programs I was being hired to teach for were often superficial, prioritizing flashy poses and Instagram-worthy moments over the depth, philosophy, and lineage of yoga as well as teaching things that were completely accurate.
Yoga wasn’t just being watered down—it was being stripped of its roots. I knew I couldn’t stand by and watch this sacred tradition lose its essence. That’s when I decided to start my own yoga teacher training program, one that would honor the authenticity and depth of yoga as it was meant to be shared.
Why I Started My Program
One pivotal moment came when I was ask to teach anatomy in a training that felt like a money grab. As students told me what tney were learining I became very aware that they were being taught things that were completely inaccurate and not based in facts. Beyond that they lead instructor than failed to show up entirely. These poor students felt deserving of a certificate but all knew that they had not been taught the information needed to lead a yoga class. That moment solidified my resolve to create a program that would respect the tradition of the yoga practice in its fullness. When I started my first training I offered all those students a training for free to try to make up what they had been through..
I wanted to create a space where students could delve into the philosophy, history, and spiritual depth of yoga while also learning to teach safe, effective, and soulful classes. My goal wasn’t just to produce yoga instructors but to nurture yoga practitioners—teachers who would carry the torch of tradition forward while making it accessible to modern lives.
The Core of My Program
My training program is built on four pillars: authenticity, tradition, integration, and empowerment.
Authenticity
We study the ancient texts—Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika—and explore how they apply to modern life. I emphasize understanding yoga beyond the mat, including the ethical principles (yamas and niyamas) and the transformative power of meditation and pranayama.
Tradition
Every practice and teaching in my program is rooted in lineage. We honor where yoga came from while recognizing the need for respectful adaptation. My students learn to approach yoga with humility, reverence, and a sense of stewardship.
Integration
True yoga isn’t compartmentalized; it’s a way of living. My trainees learn to integrate Ayurveda, breathwork, mindfulness, and the eight limbs of yoga into their teaching and personal practice. We spend as much time on the subtle body (prana, chakras, nadis) as we do on alignment and sequencing.
Empowerment
Each trainee is encouraged to find their authentic voice. Yoga is not about imitating your teacher; it’s about expressing the wisdom of the practice in a way that feels true to you. I want my graduates to step out into the world confident, compassionate, and connected.
A Defining Moment
One of the most powerful moments in my program happened during a discussion on aparigraha (non-possessiveness). A student shared how she had always felt pressure to “perform” yoga in a certain way, to meet societal expectations of flexibility and perfection. Through the training, she realized yoga isn’t about how a pose looks but about the intention behind it. “I feel free for the first time,” she told me, her eyes brimming with tears. Moments like that remind me why I started this program.
Yoga is not a product; it’s a practice, a journey, a way of being. By creating a teacher training program rooted in authenticity and tradition, I hope to keep the heart of yoga alive. My mission is to ensure that yoga continues to be a light for future generations, not just a fleeting trend but a timeless path to transformation.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
JENNIFER SMITH IS A YOGA TEACHER DEDICATED TO TEACHING THE YOGIC LIFESTYLE THROUGH HELPING HER STUDENTS APPRECIATE THE PROCESS AND NOT JUST THE GOAL. JENNIFER EMPOWERS HER STUDENTS ON AND OFF THE MAT WITH THE MESSAGE TO NEVER GIVE UP, BUT ALWAYS LET GO. SHE TEACHES WITH A TANGIBLE ENERGY AND INGENUITY THAT COMPELS HER STUDENTS TO TRUST THE PROCESS AND FIND THE BEST IN THEMSELVES. SHE FIRMLY BELIEVES IN USING PERSEVERANCE, HONESTY, AND UNIVERSAL MORALITY TO HELP GUIDE STUDENTS TO THEIR PATH TO TRUE HAPPINESS. JENNIFER’S APPROACH TO TEACHING HAS BEEN FORMED BY HER DEEP INTEREST IN MEDICINE. GRADUATING FROM MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY WITH CONCENTRATIONS IN BIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY SHE REALIZED THAT WESTERN MEDICINE COULD ONLY OFFER SO MUCH; SHE THEN BECAME DEDICATED TO FINDING OTHER ALTERNATIVES. SHE STUDIED HATHA YOGA AND AYURVEDA IN RISHIKESH, INDIA THEN ALSO CONCENTRATED ON ASHTANGA UNDER CAROLINE KLEBL. HER TEACHING STYLE BLENDS YOGIC THERAPY, WITH MINDFUL SEQUENCING AND CORRECT ALIGNMENT WHILE FOCUSING ON THE BREATH TO CREATE A MOVING MEDITATION. HER TEACHING AND ENERGY CREATE A REFUGE FOR HER STUDENTS WHILE PUSHING THEM TO GROW BEYOND THEIR EXPECTATIONS. HER TEACHING STYLES INCLUDE HATHA, ASHTANGA, CHILDREN’S, VINYASA FLOW, POWER, RESTORATIVE, YIN, MEDITATION, AND PRANAYAMA WITH A TOUCH OF REIKI. WITH PRACTICE, WE CAN SHED THE LAYERS OF OUR EGOS TO LET OUR TRUE SELVES SHINE!
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Authenticity
Students are drawn to teachers who teach from the heart. Authenticity doesn’t mean perfection; it means showing up as you are, sharing your experiences, and teaching in a way that aligns with your values and truth.
Yoga is deeply personal, and when you teach from a place of authenticity, it creates trust and resonance with your students.
Don’t try to emulate another teacher’s style. Instead, refine your own voice and let your passion for the practice guide you.
Connection and Empathy
Yoga is about building relationships—fostering a sense of community and connection with your students. People come to yoga for a myriad of reasons, and understanding their needs and challenges is crucial.
Empathy allows you to create a safe and supportive space for your students, where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Adaptability and Inclusivity
Not every student will have the same body type, experience level, or reason for practicing yoga. Being adaptable means offering modifications, props, or alternative approaches to ensure everyone feels included and empowered.
The ability to adjust to different settings—whether teaching in a studio, online, at a corporate event, or outdoors—also makes you more versatile and successful.
Self-Care and Consistent Practice
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health is vital to showing up fully for your students.
Maintaining your personal practice not only deepens your understanding of yoga but keeps your teaching inspired and fresh.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The yoga world is constantly evolving, and staying curious ensures you continue to grow as both a practitioner and teacher. Attend workshops, study new styles, and dive deeper into yoga philosophy.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation relied heavily on two things: authentic teaching and word of mouth. I focused on creating meaningful connections with my students by delivering classes that were inclusive, rooted in tradition, and adapted to their needs. This built trust and loyalty, leading to genuine referrals and positive reviews. Word of mouth became my strongest asset because people naturally shared their transformative experiences with friends and family, reinforcing my good reputation and expanding my reach organically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bendyjenny.com
- Instagram: bendyjenny
Image Credits
Jennifer Smith