We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Lashley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I had been working in the yoga industry for about 10 years and practicing for 15, with a growing curiosity about the deeper aspects of yoga beyond the physical postures. Most people only experience yoga as a series of exercises, not realizing its full potential as a comprehensive lifestyle system. The majority of yoga studios focus solely on the physical aspect, leaving much of yoga’s rich tradition unexplored. An older friend and fellow practitioner shared their experience at Swami Sivananda’s school in New York in the 70s, saying, “There were classes on poses, meditation, mantras, and philosophical teachings. Some people attended for years and never even did a downward dog!” I thought to myself, “Why doesn’t anything like that exist today?” And then it hit me: That’s exactly what I’m going to create! Instead of just a yoga studio, I decided to open Burning Wheel Yoga School—a space dedicated to serving the veteran yoga community. I knew there had to be other seasoned practitioners, like me, who were seeking a place and a community where they could explore and practice the full spectrum of yoga.

Jordan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jordan Lashley, and my journey in the world of yoga, art, and personal transformation has spanned over 15 years. I first encountered yoga as a way to deepen my personal practice, but what began as an interest in physical postures quickly evolved into a broader exploration of the full depth of yoga—its philosophy, meditation, and spiritual teachings. After working in the yoga industry for nearly a decade, I realized that most people only experience yoga through its physical aspects, often missing the broader, life-changing potential it offers. This realization led me to create Burning Wheel Yoga School, a place where students can immerse themselves in yoga as a complete system for mind, body, and spirit.

At Burning Wheel, we offer more than just physical poses. We integrate meditation, mantra, philosophy, and the spiritual teachings of yoga, providing a holistic space for new students and long-time practitioners to grow and deepen their practice. It’s about exploring yoga as a full life system, not just a series of movements. Our work focuses on providing a community where practitioners can continue their journey, discovering new layers of their practice and integrating these teachings into their everyday lives.

Alongside my work in yoga, I am also a stained glass artist. My art reflects a deep connection to the transformative power of light and color, much like how I view the work we do in yoga—both are about illuminating the deeper layers of experience. My stained glass pieces often explore themes of connection, spirituality, and the balance between light and dark.

In addition to my work as a teacher and artist, I am also the author of There Is No Me, a book that explores the philosophy of non-attachment and the dissolution of the ego. In it, I share personal insights and reflections from my journey of self-discovery, drawing from my experiences in both yoga and art. The book is a synthesis of the teachings that have shaped my life and work, offering readers a deeper understanding of how to transcend the ego and live in alignment with their true nature.

What sets me apart is my commitment to offering a full, integrative approach to yoga, where students can engage in the entire spectrum of the practice—physical, mental, and spiritual. My work is not just about teaching yoga but creating a space for personal transformation, where people can explore all facets of their being. Whether it’s through yoga, stained glass, or the lessons shared in my book, I aim to inspire others to embrace their full potential and live a life of greater awareness and authenticity.

What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve cultivated through Burning Wheel Yoga School. It’s incredibly rewarding to create a space where practitioners who have been on the path for years and those who are just stepping onto their path can find new ways to deepen their practice and connect with others on a similar journey. I want potential clients and followers to know that if they’re looking for a space to explore yoga beyond the surface, to engage with its deeper teachings, or to reflect on life through art and philosophy, Burning Wheel is here for them. Yoga isn’t just about physical fitness —it’s about personal evolution, finding light in every aspect of life, and experiencing a deeper connection to self and others.

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

When I first opened Burning Wheel, I taught every class myself while still working at the studio I had been with for the past decade. I was teaching between 20 and 30 classes a week, sometimes as many as five in a single day. For the first three years, I didn’t pay myself at all—it was all about building the foundation of the school. Just when I was about to make the leap to stop teaching at the old studio, start paying myself, and focus solely on Burning Wheel, the COVID-19 lockdowns hit. The state forced me to close my doors for five months.

During that time, I kept Burning Wheel afloat by taking a job with a friend who owned a landscaping company. That gave me a steady income to survive. Meanwhile, the revenue coming in from virtual Zoom classes (which wasn’t much) and some federal disaster relief went straight into covering the school’s expenses. I remember thinking, “This is where we separate the wheat from the chaff. If I can survive this, I bet I’ll be one of the few yoga schools still standing.” And I was right—several yoga businesses in my area closed their doors for good during that time.

We limped along for the next two years, struggling through the pandemic and all its challenges. Slowly, as people began to return, we had to rebuild our community from the ground up. But we made it through, and Burning Wheel is still here, stronger and more resilient than ever.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

To stay connected with our clients and build brand loyalty, we send out a monthly newsletter that highlights upcoming events and important happenings within the community. I also regularly write blog posts to engage our students with the deeper philosophical aspects of yoga, keeping them connected to the essence of the practice. We love to celebrate our students’ milestones, like completing 50, 100, or even 1,000 classes. We capture these moments with photos and share them on social media, honoring their achievements and showcasing our vibrant community.

In addition, we offer branded merchandise featuring our logo and business name, allowing our students to proudly represent the school while sparking conversations with potential new students. We also support local sports and arts events, helping to foster a strong connection with the community and giving back in meaningful ways. These efforts help us maintain strong relationships with our clients while continuously attracting new ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.burningwheelyoga.com/
• Instagram: @burningwheelyogaschool
• Facebook: @burningwheelyogaschool
• Linkedin: Burning Wheel Yoga School
• Youtube: @burningwheelyogaschool110