Meet Jessica Garcia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I experienced such healing with my journey through my own Yoga practice that I felt drawn to share the healing benefits of Yoga with as many people as I could. I had such big ideas for my offering that I thought it would be best to open my own business and go as far and as wide as I wanted. I currently offer Yoga classes, Sound Baths, Wellness Workshops, Retreats, private Yoga/Sound Bath sessions and corporate Yoga/Sound Bath/Wellness sessions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I believe what sets Chandra Yoga apart is that I share the principals and benefits of Yoga so that the participants understand what they are doing and the reason behind it. I also offer adaptations so that everyone benefits from the class. We are all at a different part of our journey in life and I strive to be receptive and adaptive to those differences. I have adjusted my classes for injured, overweight, elderly and inflexible participants. I believe that Yoga is for everyone and make it my task to create the space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome in my class. In this way, people don’t feel intimidated and want to come back to continue to grow on their wellness journey.

I have built my business over the past 14 years, hosting classes at local gyms, rented studio spaces, realtor events, hospitals, corporate settings, parks and gardens. I have been able to reach a wide group of people and encourage them where they are. Some of my classes are paid while others are free to the community. I believe offering free classes is important to not only allow people to attend that may not be able to afford a class but also to give them a sense of community and a feel for my teaching style. Many of my regular students attend both my paid and free sessions. I will say that it has not been an easy journey, but it has always been fun and exciting because I am doing what I feel is my passion in life, sharing the benefits of Yoga.

I have overcome the challenges by staying consistent no matter how many people show up. At times, there have been 1 or 2 participants in class but I have not allowed this to dampen my spirit because those 1 or 2 people needed the medicine I had to offer through the Yoga session. I also continue to tweak and alter my teachings to find what the participants are needing and benefiting from the most.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to be true to myself. I don’t need to compare myself or try to be like others, I have a light inside to share with the world and if I continue to fan that flame then it will continue to grow and help others along the way.

I want the world to know that my brand is one that helps the participants find inner peace and balance with adaptive offerings to help them feel welcomed and comfortable. You are never too old, not flexible enough, not fit enough, too overweight, etc. to join me sessions. We will find a way for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is a fantastic city and if my best friend was here for a week I would take them to the Houston Botanic Garden, Memorial Park, The Post Htx, The Houston Arboretum, the water wall, the MFAH, the Menil, the Rothko Chapel and of course, Galveston! I would take them to eat at The Ginger Mule, Bluestone Lane and Henderson & Kane.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my first Yoga Instructor, Sharon Hughes. Her gentle spirit and wise words helped me feel safe in a practice I was new to and at the end of the class I had that “ah ha” moment that Yoga was what I was missing in my life. I dealt with severe anxiety as a young adult and at the end of my first class with Sharon I felt so calm and at peace.

I would also love to give a shoutout to my sangha at Shoshoni Yoga Retreat & ShambhavAnanda Yoga Ashram! This is where I have taken many of my immersive trainings on my journey to become a Yoga Instructor. The energy of the ashram and everyone there was very supportive and loving. The trainings gave me the essential tools I needed to become a Yoga Instructor that is effective, adaptive, receptive and encouraging. I learned the beautiful ways of the Yoga lifestyle and continue to implement those practices in my daily life.

Website: www.ChandraYoga4Life.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_chandrayoga/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.chandrayoga

Image Credits
Roberto Castillo Autry Park