Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jenn Cook. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jenn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In 2013 I left what I believed to be the safety of corporate America, putting my trust, integrity, and illusion of stability in someone else’s hands, to start teaching yoga, doing Thai bodywork, and making jewelry full time. It was my second time being laid off in 5 years, and I was no stranger to working multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. I figured if I was going to work hard and struggle financially, I might as well do what I loved in environments where I felt supported and inspired.

Since then I have found not only greater stability financially, but personal growth, experiences, and relationships that I don’t believe I would have had otherwise. I chose to believe that my passion, drive, creativity, and desire to hold space with others was enough – and it has surpassed my expectations. Being responsible for one’s livelihood and expansion is hard damn work. It takes endurance, faith, love, and a continued sense of curiosity. Everyday, I chose this path.

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 grew up in San Diego and moved to Atlanta in 2006. I’ve always had a love for the creative realm and studied film/ visual arts/ photography in college. After deciding to take the leap from corporate into self employment, I started teaching yoga and selling my one of a kind/ limited edition jewelry full time. I became certified in Thai Bodywork to help support me teaching yoga. I consider myself a lifelong student continuing to take courses and workshops to dive deeper into my core wellness offerings, which now also include Reiki and tarot card readings. I’m over the Moon that I get to combine my love to travel through leading retreats with my retreat partner, Kelly, which include yoga, energy & breath work, space for self reflection, excursions to explore and experience the area, as well as badass folks to build potentially lifelong connections with.

Drea James Designs was started in 2008 and features vintage components and gemstones. I’m grateful to be in stores in Atlanta, New York, & Iceland and I recently launched my online shop at www.dreajames.com.

I believe my love and respect for what I do shows, and this energy can be inspiring to others looking to open their World to what is possible.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Expectations and assumptions are like steel claws that can tear away your joy. They can pull you down and under to unyielding fear, division with others and with yourself, and burnout. There are many examples of when my expectation for a situation or interaction has resulted in a painful lesson of responsibility, accountability, the desire for control, and self doubt. The most prevalent one was after college…I had wanted to be a director (or really anything) in the film industry since the 9th grade. The day of my college graduation, what I had been expecting was taken away and I was unable to move towards that goal.

I was completely crushed and heartbroken. I decided to forget I was ever creative and work in corporate and just “enjoy my life” through friends & money. After a few years, I couldn’t deny my need to express myself and not be stuck in a mold, making others feel comfortable, and playing small. It was hard work to open myself up to being more authentic little by little, letting go of other’s expectations and assumptions. I’m still on this journey of showing up completely, unapologetically and in love with who I truly am.

Each time I try to hold onto what I think SHOULD happen, to deliver what others think I SHOULD do, I remind myself of what a life lived in creative expression could feel like. And I try again.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

2020! The year of pivoting! I was packing to lead a retreat in Costa Rica, I was teaching in person classes at 3 different yoga studios, doing workshops, had a maxed out bodywork client list, was hosting pop ups with my jewelry…and of course that all changed. I taught virtual classes for awhile but really missed the energy of being in the same space as the students.

It was during this time that my husband was furloughed from his bartending gig. He’s also an actor, and filming had also ceased. We were taking one of those long, luxurious walk with our dogs with no time limit or agenda when a friend texted to comment that she wished someone could bring her a cocktail. I turned to my husband and asked, “Can we do this? Like, as a business?” So we had a pretty successful Covid business delivering the makings of cocktails in mason jars. Sometimes you just go with it, and it works out!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenncook.co https://www.dreajames.com
• Instagram: @wellnesswithjenn @dreajames

Image Credits
Photos by Bryce France, Kelly Truitt, & Jenn Cook