Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen McIntyre . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kristen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
I graduated from college with my Bachelor’s during the housing market crash of 2008-2009. There is now official evidence of this, but like many others who graduated then, that job-less market left me feeling despair and hopeless for years to come. I experienced the trauma of not being able to find the “perfect job”, in said-career that I had strived so hard to achieve. I am the first college graduate in my family so making sure I got this right was a big deal. I had checked out all the boxes and took all the right steps to earn the prize, the dream job. Those expectations were shot down. Daily.
The crappy economy and I had one thing in common; we were both going to take a long time to heal. Opting out of traditional therapy, having briefly dabbled in it, I walked into a Yoga Studio. I walked out with a job managing it. Although no where near what I had in mind when graduating it was a job in a very peaceful, healing environment.
It was there I began diving DEEP into the world of yoga, spirituality, meditation, and breath-work.
Fast-forward to a few years later, walking up to receive a new type of diploma, my RYT 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification.
The vision of what my future held was clear and the pressure was off. My mind was no longer racing to achieve for the sake of staying “conventional”.
In the years to come, as I let go and allowed the Universe to guide me, I taught students collectively and individually, overseeing their own breakthroughs in wellness, consciousness, and healing. It has been a momentous journey!
Although I still believe a traditional education is imperative, I no longer believe the paths we follow afterward have to be defined by tradition. We must work towards carving our own paths. Finding fulfillment and serving the world in ways that perhaps society doesn’t deem as “as important” is okay. Making a difference in the lives of others is what drives me forward in this life. And truthfully, had I gotten the “dream job” right out of college, I would never be where I am today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Kristen McIntyre. I am a Yoga Teacher, Personal Trainer and Reiki Practioner.
I have been teaching Creative Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, TRX Yoga, Strength Training and Breath-work in group settings as well as one-on-one for over 7 years.
I attribute the practices of yoga and meditation to helping me heal from an eating disorder, body dismorphia, and severe anxiety.
My clients come from diverse backgrounds and often take sessions with me in conjunction with their traditional therapies. Others are simply interested in the concepts of building strength with ease and learning to trust in the trajectory of their lives in a fulfilling, loving manner.
I believe what sets me apart from others in the same field, is my ability to focus more on my clients than my brand. I don’t invest heavily in marketing. I trust that clients will come to me through grass-roots avenues and referrals.
I put my all into tailoring programs that include Yoga, strength training, Reiki, meditation, etc. to the individual.
There is often a unique combo of all that I offer for each individual client. In the beginning, I assess to see what healing modalities they want to explore and what would be most beneficial to the individual.
The feedback I often receive most from clients is that they feel more open in their bodies and minds.
They begin to thrive more at their jobs and within relationships.
Yoga becomes a part of their lives that they realize they can’t live without if they want to live optimally.
Friends, family and strangers notice the changes in them, often asking “What is it that you are doing differently?”
“You have this glow radiating from the inside out. What is your secret?”
These are all miraculous breakthroughs as often times we are so in our heads we don’t even think we can look and feel this way let alone gain such positive feedback from others!
There is nothing I love more than to know that I am helping someone show up for themselves and be the best version of themselves they can be.
I currently reside in New Jersey, and my network also expands into New York City.
Please reach out on Instagram: @kayjem for classes, workshops, one-on-one programs and updates.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I believe that in addition to training and knowledge, what is most helpful for succeeding in the field of Yoga and Wellness is developing empathy and a high level of emotional intelligence.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Marianne Williamson’s “A Return to Love” has significantly impacted my philosophy.
Also the late Dr. Wayne Dryer has written a plethora of influential books on connecting to Spirit to assist with the guidance of one’s future. Dr. Dyer’s messages will always be inspiring and relevant. Check out his free film as well on YouTube “The Shift”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kayjem
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogaByKristenMcIntyre?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-mcintyre-6184a48
- Twitter: Kayjem
- Other: To purchase private sessions with Kristen: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/catalog-view.html?k_business=353688&id_sale=2&k_id=1777421