We were lucky to catch up with Kristina Reese recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.

An impactful path to becoming a teacher, is staying a student. Long before I knew I wanted to teach yoga, I was practicing daily and integrating it into my life. It was from this overflow, all of the changes I was noticing in my own life, that lead me to teaching. I couldn’t help but want to share!

My early yoga experience came from reading books and finding classes online, and this was before the days of Instagram influencers and YouTube videos. Despite being in a small rural town, I was able to access a range of teachers and these different styles and lineages helped me find my own voice as a teacher and depth as a student. Even after practicing on my own for five years, I was very nervous for my first “studio” experience, but my earliest teacher—Sue at the student rec center in college—embodied something I craved to embody—confidence, peace & presence.
In the vein of staying a student, there is so much value in maintaining individual practice to gain experience. In addition, it’s imperative to look to reputable sources to learn from, especially when finding a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Program. Learn from people who’ve put in the time and “walk the walk.” Over the years I’ve taken multiple courses. My first training was through a nationally known program, I was eager to get started and share professionally! My first official 200HR was perfectly aligned because it was based near my hometown, allowing me to integrate into the culture of the community. My advanced trainings were with people I’d followed and respected for years because studying with them intensively.

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.

Kristina cultivated her yoga practice into a professional instructional career in the heart of the Midwest. Her yoga passion stems from her background in team and individual athletics coupled with a desire to find joy in each moment.

Practicing with Kristina you can expect to find confidence and peace. Confidence that comes from approaching and overcoming new challenges, and peace as you accept and love yourself exactly as you are in the moment. Ideally, you’ll leave with a smile too.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Be seen! Whatever makes sense for your market, it might mean attending events, volunteering in your community, sharing info online etc. For someone to become your client, they have to know you exist! In addition, know who you’re trying to attract, and go/advertise where they are. Personal connection goes a long way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Authenticity! Being true to yourself, means you’ll be true to your practice and the people you come into contact with. While my classes can vary for the demographic changing everything from intensity and emphasis, to music and outfit, people get a “Kristina class” no matter what. I show up prepared, ready to connect and meet people where they are. My goal is people leave each class or meeting they have with me in a more in tune headspace, that they feel empowered and proud of who they are.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.kristinareeseyoga.com
• Instagram: @midwestyogagirl
• Facebook: /kristinareeseyoga
• Other: Insight Timer for free guided meditations https://insig.ht/DDYBho8ybHb

Image Credits
Nicholas Lusk