Jess Lavender is from Texas and currently lives in Colorado. She is living her passion by teaching Yoga and Inspiring Women to love & improve themselves. She was the single mother to 2 daughters for 22 yrs. They are now 23 & 19, are grown and living on their own.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I was the oldest daughter to a middle class family of 5. I lived in a small town in Texas named College Station, Texas. My home life was Extremely toxic. I was abused at an early age by a family member. The event caused me to feel alone, unwanted & unlovable. I lashed out in defense of myself, it was my way of standing up for myself. In return, I was labeled the problem child that had to be dealt with physical force and hitting instead of loved.
Due to feelings of being unlovable, I continued a string of toxic relationships for 15 yrs until my 2nd divorce. Which was over the top traumatic that I decided enough was enough. I was tired of bad things happening to me because of the people I chose to surround myself with. I finally realized this is my life and I can have whoever I want to have around me. So I walked away from Family, friends, lovers, and decided to learn how to love myself. I wanted to know. Why was I attracting so much trauma to my life? How do you heal?
I used Yoga to heal myself and reconnect with God. I learned how to forgive people who didn’t deserve to be forgiven. I learned how to forgive myself. I learned how to love who I am, just the way I am. I learned how to be less reactive with others. I learned how to set boundaries. I learned how to love myself! In the process, I lost 80 pounds and look 10 yrs younger than I am. It feels amazing!
I have documented my journey on Instagram and it has inspired other Women to believe in themselves and care for themselves. I also started a business called The Lavender Yogini where I Coach other Women on how I changed my life with Yoga, so they can do the same in their lives.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
We coach 3 different programs using Yoga practices and techniques. We have a 21 day Mindfulness program that will help you kick limiting beliefs and learn how to love yourself! We also have a 21 day Yoga Program that teaches you the ins and outs of Yoga and how I used it to change my life. Last, we have a 21 day program that teaches you all about detoxing, eating, and digestion to a healthy lifestyle.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
On a Personal level, I became an empty-nester and found myself very alone during this time. However, I used the time to heal myself.
In business, I was able to pivot my live classes to online and develop some confidence by practicing doing things online like videos.
So I appreciate the time during COVID-19. Although it was hard being alone, I learned a lot.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
The response has been awesome! I never receive negative feedback which is outstanding. Lots of positivity from our clients and followers.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
It has inspired me to keep going. Even when it gets tough.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
More Young Women in their 20’s starting businesses and healing from childhood trauma in early adulthood.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
You can do anything you want to do. Your mind is so powerful. Dream of what you want to do. Research how to do it. Make a plan on how you are going to do it. Do it, become it! Don’t give up, ever! Live it! It really is that simple. You are amazing! You can do anything you want to do!
