We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daisha Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Daisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was starting my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). It was 2020, the beginning of a pandemic and absolutely nothing about life was certain. A teacher I’ve admired since my first class under her instruction announced that she would be hosting a YTT and for me, it felt like a 10-year dream was in arm’s reach. I had no idea how I would make it work. I was working full-time and praying that job would continue with the many lay-offs and business closures we were seeing. I had no idea how I would pay for it. My personal practice was sporadic, at best. And everything about the pandemic was still very new and scary. But I trusted God and my gut and did it anyway. There were many sleepless nights, doubts, lots of overtime and side hustles and yes, we all got sick at one point. But, in the end – it taught me perseverance. It gave me confidence in my dreams and abilities to manifest the life I’ve always wanted. It was my first experience of a big dream/prayer actualized.

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

I started my yoga journey in 2013 in one of Baltimore’s Charm City Yoga studios as a work-study. In exchange for free yoga classes, I worked a few hours a week checking yogis into class, cleaning and any other miscellaneous tasks I was asked to perform. I was barely 21 and still really unsure of myself. It was in one of my first yoga classes I feel I really started to find myself, my power and a deeper relationship with God. From the movement, community, rich history and energy of the studio – it was everything I didn’t know I was looking for.

My asana (physical) practice was never as consistent as I wanted it to be over the years. It wasn’t until I moved to Georgia and landed another work-study position that I began to take it seriously again. In talking to who would later become my mentor (Shoutout to Tati), a dream I had long forgotten and given up on was reintroduced – to become a yoga instructor.

I completed my first 200 hour training at Horizon Healing Center in March 2021. During this training, I was introduced to my home studio (Keep It Moving Yoga and Barre) and Buti Yoga, which I became certified to teach in April of 2021.

My only goal is to provide a safe space for you to receive whatever it is you came seeking via your yoga practice. Whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually – the intention is the students’ and I see myself as only the guide to help you meet that intention. I want you to leave your mat relaxed, strengthened, uplifted and with clarity.

These days, you can mostly find me in studios and gyms teaching. I also offer corporate, private and virtual classes.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Knowing yourself and your purpose will always aid you on your journey – business or personal, in my opinion. In yoga, they refer to it as your dharma. In my many moments of doubt over the years, knowing my “why” has saved me every time. Things may not always go as planned. That is just a way of life. If I am showing up in this world as my most authentic self and actively working towards my purpose, then I’ve done my best. And my best will always be good enough – even when I fall short.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

So, there’s this quote: “Realize that sleeping on a futon when you’re 30 is not the worst thing. You know what’s worse? Sleeping in a king bed next to a wife you’re not really in love with but, for some reason you’re married, and you got a couple kids, and you got a job you hate. You’ll be laying there fantasizing about sleeping on a futon. There’s no risk when you go after a dream. There’s a tremendous amount to risk to playing it safe.”

I remember reading that quote in my early twenties. It’s stuck with me forever. And funny enough, I WAS the almost 30-year-old sleeping on a futon during my yoga teacher training. I still lived with family. I was working multiple jobs. I didn’t have the life I thought I was supposed to as far as career, marriage, kids and a house. And to most people, that would be shameful.

What I realize today is how necessary it all was for me. Happiness is a fleeting emotion. But joy is sustainable. It took sleeping on a futon, hustling and heart to feel the joy that I have now. The fullness of my life both personally and professionally is a byproduct of my faith in God and me. I’m grateful for it all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: yogadai_
• Other: [email protected]