Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Mishu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?
Prior to starting Blue Ridge Yoga, I had been involved in the yoga scene from Singapore to NYC and many places in between. I became keenly aware that there was a lack of gentle beginner style yoga as well as an acceptance for people who did not look “the yoga part”. When I moved to Knoxville TN, I decided to start a yoga studio for a traditionally older bracket of people. I had just completed a therapeutic yoga training and was more keenly aware than ever of the positive effects of yoga for all people, but especially the aging body. When we opened our doors, we prioritized a feeling of acceptance so that everyone felt they belonged in a yoga studio no matter their age or physical activity. This feeling of belonging is one of the most important aspects of our business.
Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into yoga while living in South East Asia. Since I was so close, I decided to go to India to live in an ashram and do my yoga teacher training. During this time, I felt so many incredible and life changing shifts, I knew this was a practice that would always be with me. I did not want to start my own yoga studio, but after moving to Central America, I came into multiple dangerous situations that forced me to leave. When I moved back home, it seemed like destiny that I started the studio despite my every resistance. From the start though, I knew the studio was special. The people who came to the studio were so generous and open hearted, it was easy to create a nurturing community and a force of goodwill in Knoxville. At this time, we have given back $125,000 back to non profits in our city.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I know that social media is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I actually enjoy it. It’s a way for me to showcase the students and staff that I love, as well as present people of all body types practicing yoga. If you feel like you are struggling, just think of the reasons why you love your business and create posts that feel authentic to you. We have tried to have actual marketing companies manage our feed, but they never understood our business and only posted pictures of thin women doing complicated poses. To me, this is a way to speak to our people about why I love them.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team is first about hiring people that serve your core values. Since we are passionate about compassionate yoga and serving the community, this is the most important quality in our staff. Talent can be taught, but the heart needs to be there from the beginning. I believe motivating a team is about reminding them of the value that they serve for others. Luckily, we have students who tell us the effects of their practice, so it is easy to pass it along!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yogaknoxvilletn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeyoga
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-ridge-yoga-knoxville
- Other: http://bit.ly/2ORvEBq