We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
I would say the process of getting my yoga certification was such a heartwarming moment in the midst of a tough time in my life. I was fortunate to get a full ride scholarship to complete my training and I was so grateful for the friendships I formed during my cohort and the continuous relationship I have with my teachers. We were such a diverse group and I believe the beauty in that was getting a chance to hear each others stories and lean on each other as a form of healing in the midst of our learning. It was almost kindred in a sense that we were collecting so much knowledge while holding safe space for each other at the same time. Their encouragement really pushed me to bet on myself and become the teacher I am today.
Kayla, 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 the wellness industry after enduring my own personal health journey. I went from being an athlete to losing most of my muscle mass from a digestive illness I still don’t have 100% clarity on. I found yoga in the midst of my journey through healing, it became a haven and comfort for me when the normalcy I had once knew took a tumble. As I found my footing in the practice, I began to really fall in love with the art of movement and how it impacts us mind, body, and spirit. This led me to start Soulfull Haven years later and really hone in on trauma informed work and intuitive movement. I think this is a form of wellness that isn’t offered openly, especially to the BIPOC community and I am hoping that our approach and how we connect with our local community sets up a part in that respect.
Right now, I currently offer private/group yoga sessions, private events, and pop up events. Most of my classes are centered on slow paced, deep connection on the mat. Although I love teaching restorative and yin flows too. No matter what, my intention is always for folks to come as they are, meet themselves on the mat, and release in the ways needed. That could mean completing the entire flow, settling into a position you love and staying there, or being still in meditation the entire class. Taking what you need, however you need it.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Oh yes 100%! I would have definitely chosen to be a yoga instruction 10x over but I would have also went to school for dietetics as well. That way I can help others with both movement and nutrition measures from a holistic perspective.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Networking and natural connections have helped me a ton. I have found that most of my clients have come from mutual friendships, work colleagues, family, and word of mouth through those that have experienced my work. Although networking has worked as well, I like for my connections to be natural and unwind organically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulfullhaven.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfullhaven/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-jones-0319a183
Image Credits
Outdoor photos: @lovethatgirlbre