Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Ibanez.
Jackie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my yoga journey in 2009 after graduating from high school. Initially, I was drawn to yoga due to the physical challenges it entailed. It shocked me that after playing sports for so many years and being in such good shape, yoga still didn’t come “easy” to me. After attending yoga every day for a few months, I realized that it was becoming much more than just an exercise. It was opening up my eyes to a whole new world. A world of self-love, compassion, inspiration, peace, and true identity. Not only did my relationship with my own self-change for the better, but with loved ones around me as well. A year later, in 2010, I became a certified 200hr yoga instructor. From that moment on, I knew that my calling would be to heal and inspire others to live a happy life full of gratitude through my yoga teachings. In 2011, I moved to Hawaii, which was one of my biggest dreams come true! I graduated from the University of Hawaii in 2014 with a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, enhancing my yoga practice and teachings by having a greater understanding of the human body. I then proceeded on to taking a yoga sculpt training as well as a SUP (stand up paddleboard) yoga training. In 2015, I flew to India and completed my 300hr Hatha Yoga teacher training, becoming a 500hr RYT. After six magical years of living and teaching on an island, I moved back to San Diego where I now teach full time at a studio and am currently leading a 200hr yoga teacher training program. I also began hosting my own monthly yoga events called “Yoga Social” which take place at breweries/bars and include a themed one-hour yoga class, a pint of beer or cocktail, and a plate of food!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a yoga instructor, you have the privilege of being able to find a place to teach at almost anywhere you go in the world. However, no matter how good you are or how much experience you have, when you are teaching at a new location, you have to work hard to build your clientele. One of the struggles I faced as an instructor was moving states and feeling like I had to start all over again. I had to meet new people, build relationships with new students, figure out what teaching style certain studios were looking for, etc. But it actually turned out to be humbling and a great opportunity for me to step up my game as a yoga instructor. I had been wanting to host these yoga events of mine for a while but I never made a move or found the motivation to get them up and running, until I was in a situation of starting over with my life and career. It forced me to reassess my intentions, my ideas, my goals and gave me the motivation to just go for it, because at that point, I had already left my whole life behind, and didn’t have much to lose if all else “failed”… although I don’t believe that trying something new and not having it work out the way you wanted it to is considered failing. If anything, it’s an accomplishment that’s giving you all the lessons you need to get to where you want to be!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Yoga Social – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As a Kinesiology major, I like to really focus on alignment and give students a better understanding of what their body/muscles are doing during a posture. I teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced yoga classes, as well as a few workouts and prenatal classes as well. This allows me to work with students of all ages, levels, shapes, sizes, and some who have more limitations than others. I love the challenge, inspiration, and patience that every single one of my students brings out in me as an instructor. I also lead 200hr Teacher Training, and it brings me so much joy knowing that I get to pass on all of the beautiful, life-changing knowledge and skills that my instructors have blessed me with.
I am very proud of how far I have come as an instructor, and am especially proud of creating Yoga Social. My intention for combining yoga, music, beer, and food, was to draw in the entire community, not just “yogis.” I understand the intimidation some people go through when going to a studio, the lack of motivation, the pressure some may feel to live a certain “lifestyle” if they do yoga, and the frustration of begging your friends/family/loved ones to come and take class with you so they can experience what you love. I also believe that life is more enjoyable when you live with balance in all aspects of your life. At Yoga Social, whether you’re into yoga, food, beer, or just want to spend some fun quality time with other individuals, we got you covered! Our goal is to influence people to get their bodies moving and practice mindfulness, while at the same time showing them that we don’t always have to take everything too seriously! It’s okay to have a beer, it’s okay to do yoga to hip hop music, and most importantly, it’s okay to try something new and socialize with other awesome people just like you!
This year, I also get to co-host my first Yoga Retreat in Ecuador and I can’t even express how excited and grateful I am for this opportunity!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
It’s interesting because for the longest time I always felt like the person who didn’t “know the right people” that would guide me and give me opportunities. But as soon as I stopped thinking so negatively and believed in myself, I realized that I had mentors and people to network with all around me this whole time! Don’t hesitate to ask someone how they’re doing what they’re doing. Chances are, if they’re passionate about it, they will love to help you out. Also, never stop learning. Being a “student” in your profession is so important because it allows you to continue to grow and develop. It also gives you a clearer understanding of what other people may want/like.
Pricing:
- Yoga Social $25
Contact Info:
- Email: jackiei1991@gmail.com
- Instagram: Jackie_ibanez
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ibanez.jackie
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
