We recently connected with Jessie Reino and have shared our conversation below.

Jessie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

In 2019 I was working part-time at a local accounting firm. I enjoyed my coworkers but the job was not really fulfilling. It was extra money and it provided me flexibility while I was completing my 200 hour yoga teacher training.

In October of 2019 my employer decided to sell his small accounting firm to a larger firm in the area. At first, I was planning on going with the move as I was assured there would be a place for me at the new firm.

The second last day before we had to make our final decision, we went on a tour of the office we would be going to. We walked around and all my coworkers saw where their new desks would be and then we came to my desk which was in a copy machine room. It had no windows, it was loud and hot.

I left feeling uncertain and unhappy. I grabbed some lunch and ate in my car. While I was eating, I texted my husband and told him I could not go to this new firm. I told him I wanted to pursue teaching as my new career. He was so supportive and encouraging and that was the beginning of my becoming a yoga teacher.

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

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe my approach to the people that come to my class is what has helped me to succeed. I am a small enough business that I am able to have conversations with them. I know about their lives and often times their struggles. I am relatable. I look like them. I may have some of the same struggles as them. I have laughed and cried with some of the people who come to my classes.

I have made a practice that they thought they couldn’t do into something they enjoy and look forward to. Many say it’s their happy time or place. Regardless of the money I make, hearing that makes me know I’m doing the right thing.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Starting to teach yoga during a worldwide pandemic was a huge pivot. I never thought of teaching online but I knew after one week home that if I needed the practice, so did others. My videos are not high end production but they work and in a way I believe those videos again speak to my relatability. I have had my computer die, my cats have ran in during class and I have had my kids sneak down the basement stair to put laundry in while I was teaching. That’s life and that was certainly life during the pandemic.

I continued to and still continue to learn what works and what doesn’t. When the weather got nice we brought class outside in my yard. We were socially distanced and shaded by a big, beautiful tree in my yard. Some of the people that came to those classes, still talk about them and the tree they fondly called “the yoga tree”..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yogawithjessiecommunity.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/716_yoga_with_jessie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/465974097847607/

Image Credits
Stephanie Damstetter Photography http://www.facebook.com/stephaniedamstetterphotography