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Check Out Jenny Guzon-Bae’s Story

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Guzon-Bae.

Hi Jenny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a Chicago native–born and raised. Lived there all my life until 2019 when my husband Don and I, long-time empty nesters, moved to Venice, CA closer to our adult son, Casey. After two years of oceanside living and California dreaming, we settled in Phoenix in 2021.

Before I was a yoga instructor, I was a real estate agent in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Then in 2006, I was asked to compete in the CBS reality TV show, Survivor: Cook Islands. In a 39-day game, I lasted 25 days. I always say I didn’t win a million dollars, but my life became more enriched by the experience. Not in the sense of fame, AT ALL, but in a sense of reawakening. A “reality” show gave me time to reflect on my actual reality—life itself. A year after returning from Survivor, I realized that selling real estate was not fulfilling, despite the hefty paychecks. From my husband’s suggestion, I pursued yoga teacher training just to learn something new, different, and deeper. Right away, I knew that it was my calling, my purpose—my dharma, as said in Sanskrit. My experience on Survivor became my platform on how to LIVE your yoga. (You can read about my “a-ha” moment on my website bio: https://jennygbyoga.com/about-me/

I’ve been teaching yoga since 2008 starting in Illinois to California to now in Phoenix for the past two years. When I was first exploring the yoga community by practicing yoga all over the valley, I was hesitant to teach here because the teaching style is quite different from my own. I was afraid that no one would embrace it. Plus, there’s a crazy amount of hot yoga studios here and I don’t teach hot yoga anymore.

In any case, I landed teaching jobs in a few studios (Urban Yoga Phoenix, Sweatshop Central, and Village Clubs Camelback). Within the two-year period, my classes grew exponentially. My doubt about my teaching style gelling with the valley yoga community is not even an issue.

I recently left Urban Yoga and decided to branch off on my own. With no interest in owning my own studio, I decided to rent out a studio space and do my own class on Sundays with the hopes that students would follow me. On Sunday, February 5th, my first class, they did—filling the room! I’m still in awe and humbled. I didn’t realize in just a short time of living in Phoenix that I have made an impact (or rather a sizable dent) in the yoga community. The bonus is that I know and love each and every one of them.

My Sunday class at The Collective PHX (which is not affiliated with my class) is open to everyone. Students can sign up for this Sunday’s class here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949AEA82EA6F8C70-sunday

I teach a creatively-sequenced vinyasa flow that incorporates elements of functional movement that challenge your body, along with facets of yoga philosophy to challenge your mind. My classes honor traditional yoga asanas but I focus less on strict alignment and more on anatomical movements so that yoga postures can be more accessible or better understood. Yoga is typically thought of a stretch or flexibility practice, but I teach ways that you can use yoga as a strength practice too. And, no, weights are not involved. Just you, your mat and maybe a block or strap.
Every class is different in its physical focus and inspirational focus. My goal is that students leave feeling uplifted, inspired, light, and strong (in mind and body) so that can weave that into their daily lives.

I’m not looking to have a big yoga schedule of classes nor become Instagram/yoga community-famous, I just want to teach yoga–something I am very passionate about. My joy is in seeing the same “a-ha” feeling in my students as I experienced when I was on Survivor. Those moments are when you realize how inspiring, how healing, and growth-contributing the practice of yoga can be.

Oh I also own my own yoga retreat company since 2012 Yoga Within You, LLC https://yogawithinyou.com

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I guess that’s all in what I’ve already shared, plus…

I have a 200hr Yoga Teaching Certificate and have thousands of hours of teaching experience, an E-RYT (experienced registered yoga teacher), and YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider) having contributed to many Yoga Teacher Training programs in Illinois, and hopefully in AZ in the future.

I also have a Mindful Meditation Certification from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe.

I teach on an internationally known yoga platform called InnerDimensionTV.com. I host my own private yoga retreats, traveling internationally and domestically annually, with my company Yoga Within You. I’m a Legacy Ambassador for Lululemon, Manduka Ambassador, Niyama Sol Ambassador, and RootBoard Ambassador.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Just be you. Authentically you.

We always want to model ourselves off of what we perceive to be successful. And that’s ok, but recognize the line between becoming a carbon copy of that model and embracing your own worth and experience that contributes to your own success.

Also, be patient. You can’t make a cake without all the right ingredients.

Pricing:

  • $10 per student Sunday class

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Pena Photography, Beau Campbell Photography, Blue Osa Costa Rica Photography, and Don Bae Yoga

Suggest a Story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
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