Yoga Instructor Branding Photoshoot
I recently had the pleasure of photographing one of my favorite yoga instructors, Jenna Morris. I met Jenna a couple of years ago at Dharamsala TC, and attending her yoga class has become one of the highlights of my week.
Not only is she an awesome yoga instructor, but Jenna has become a great friend and someone I love to hang out with.
In addition to teaching her weekly classes, Jenna has incredible offerings on her website Be Well With Jenna, which I had the honor of designing for her. Check it out to see her upcoming retreats, book club, courses, community events and blogs. Follow her for tips, tutorials, and lots of inspiration!
We planned this photoshoot to give Jenna some updated photos for her website and had a blast! The indoor venue she chose was gorgeous with plenty of natural light and from there we moved out to the private beach for more photos under the beautiful cloudy blue sky.
Jenna is a very accomplished woman and I am always so impressed by everything she has on her plate. So I took the opportunity to ask Jenna some questions about what she does and what keeps her motivated. Here what she has to say in her own words.
Can you tell me about what you do and how you got into it?
I have my hands in a lot of pots! But primarily I work in the fitness world. I am the Senior Director of Training for the Club Pilates franchise headquarters. But my passion projects are all yoga based. I teach group yoga classes, lead retreats locally and internationally, and facilitate 200-hr teacher training programs. I have always been attracted to the helping professions. I vowed early on that I would never be a slave to my job. Enjoying what I do was pertinent to my career path, so early on I quit advertising, which is what I studied for my undergrad, and ventured into the world of fitness. Pretty soon I will also have my Master's in Counseling for Mental Health, so I look forward to seeing how else I can be of support to others on their journeys!
Why do you do what you do?
Nothing brings me greater joy than watching others grow and transform. I have had some hardships (who hasn't?!) in life and sharing my story and ways I've coped with divorce and family estrangement helps me heal and connect to others in an authentic way. It's my mission to help others live a vibrant, soulful life.
What do you do to stay motivated?
I get out of my comfort zone as often as possible. I perform in an improv group, try to hike trails that are new to me, have conversations that inspire me, and read umpteen million books. I am always looking for ways that I can improve and grow.
What are your dreams for your business moving forward?
Oh I have so many! I would love to have a private practice for therapy, lead several retreats/year, and offer a variety of on demand courses for yoga students and teachers. Ultimately I would like to be fully self-employed.
Do you have any advice for other creative entrepreneurs or small businesses?
Remember that people's businesses were not built overnight. They were built by being consistent with their actions for years. We often see the glory, not the story, so I try to remember, especially when it feels like my business is moving slowly, that the time will come. Patience is a daily practice for me.
Do you read any blogs or listen to any podcasts to help you with your business or creative life? If so, which ones:
Yes! I am a religious follower and subscriber of Marie Forleo and Danielle LaPorte. I am part of Marie's B School community and Danielle's Heart Centered Leaders Mastermind. I gain so much inspiration and guidance from them.
What brought you to yoga and why did you stay?
I came to yoga out of competitiveness actually. So not yogic! You can read a post about it here. But ultimately what kept me coming back was the fact that it's not just about the physical. It's about the mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual sides of me. Yoga is truly a lifestyle and lifelong practice that I could never live without.
Where/when do you find space for yourself while spending time helping others?
I am a boundaries queen. Sometimes when I'm asked to do something and I say I have plans, those plans are me on my couch with a glass of wine and a good book. I know my limits and, as an introvert, I simply have to carve out space during my week to disconnect and create intentional periods of rest. It took a while to feel JOMO over FOMO!
I am also very efficient with my work and dedicated to my to do list. I am known to cram my weekdays full to the brim so my weekends can be spent playing on the playground of Northern Michigan. I love to ride my Vespa around, town hop, hike, and paddleboard. Those quieter moments are my most cherished.
Where have you hosted retreats?
Locally throughout Michigan, in Mexico, and coming up in Montana. Next year I will lead one in Bali and am cooking up some ideas for Portugal. I cannot wait to lead retreats across the world! It's such a passion of mine to bring people together, create a well-curated experience, and witness people drop into a space of rest and deeper connection to self and others. It is seriously a magical experience to go on retreat.
What is a favorite memory from a retreat you hosted?
My favorite memory so far was on my first international retreat in Mexico where I saw 18 people come together, as strangers (it sounds like an episode of The Real World!) and forge such a beautiful bond. I felt so proud of being able to create and facilitate that from the ground up. I had been wanting to host a retreat like that for YEARS and simply didn't have the courage to do it. So seeing it come to life and be successful gave me so much pride and confidence to do it again. It's an example of chasing our dreams. Sometimes we just have to do it and trust that things will fall into place. I was so honored that that group trusted me with their time and money and hearts.
How do retreats help us connect and create joy in our lives?
It's rare that we have dedicated space and time in one location. Think about the last vacation you were on. For many of us, we need vacations from vacation! They tend to be active and nonstop. So on a retreat, there is ample time and you can create your own experience. For me, it feels like a much needed chance to slow down, hear myself think, connect to what I need, and then take that inspiration back into my daily life. And when we have this experience with others, it's almost indescribable. I've watched so many magical relationships form. Deep conversations, laughter, tears...all the emotions are welcome and it winds up becoming a space where true friendships are formed and memories are made.
Thank you Jenna - it was such a pleasure to capture these images of you!
For more inspiration, be sure to check out her website Be Well With Jenna
Interested in a custom designed Squarespace website for your yoga business?
You can read more about why I recommend Squarespace websites for yoga instructors here.
A photographer turned Squarespace website designer with a passion for yoga + holistic wellness. My mission: to help others get their vision online so they have more time to do what they love!
