Today we’d like to introduce you to Raelynn Deaton Haynes.
Hi Raelynn , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a trained scientist (fish ecology, marine biology) – turned yogi and entrepreneur. I hold both MS and PhD degrees in Biology. A former athlete (competitive cheerleader and swimmer) from the mountains of eastern Kentucky, I found yoga in my mid-30th when my knees began hurting from running, racquetball and other high impact activities. I was a young professor at my first academic position, and had a student offer me free yoga classes so he could finish his hours for his yoga certification, I was immediately hooked, and recognized not only the physical benefits of the practice, but also the emotional benefits. As a goal-oriented, high energy, multi-tasking academic, I needed something to help my brain slow down. Yoga became my lifestyle. After 18 years as a professor and research scientist, I wanted to explore my entrepreneurial spirit, but I had no idea what that looked like. Academics live in a “bubble” or sorts, and although I was already teaching yoga & Pilates, developing programs at my university for honors students and staff, I thought that was all that I would be able to do. One day, I was unexpectedly offered to buy the yoga studio at which I had been teaching. I dreamed of leading yoga teacher trainings, and retreats, but I didn’t consider a brick and mortar. But, I said yes, That was 7 years ago. Since then my husband (also a scientist) has joined my team and we have expanded into a second location. Our team leads local, regional and international retreats, teacher trainings (yoga, Pilates and Barre) and many other community events. We believe that yoga is a path to wellness for everyone, and should be made accessible. I taught kid’s yoga, therapeutic yoga to the elderly and Alzheimer’s patients. I also love to cook, and cater and chef yoga retreats. Cooking is a passion that I have been able to combine with my love of science, travel, yoga and nutrition.
I gave up my research career when I bought Willow Gardens Yoga Studio (WGY) but I keep my teaching position at TX State Univ, in San Marcos where I work closely with students in yoga, fitness, meditation, nutrition and other mental health and wellness courses and activities. I am a biology professor who teaches human anatomy, vertebrate anatomy, modern biology, and evolution. I am faculty advisor for the Texas State Yoga Club and Texas State CHAARGE – an all-women’s fitness student organization.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. When I came home and told my husband that I wanted to buy WGY, he almost divorced me. He did not want to be an entrepreneur or own a business. I was ready to change my life and my career (at least in part) but at that time we were not aligned, which caused our marriage to struggle for a couple of years. Then the pandemic hit. Our studio survived, and he saw that I could do it. He ultimately left his position as an environmental scientist to join me and the WGY team. He now manages our books, does our accounting and maintains the facilities at both locations.
It has been my dream to open a juicery/cafe in conjunction with yoga and wellness (inspired by Casa de Luz). We opened WGY juicery in the Zoi Market during the pandemic, but closed it after only one year due to misalignment with business partners. This was a very challenging experience, but a profound learning opportunity for both me and my husband. I spent our life savings on building out the juicery, which I loved, and closing it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. It was the right decision but I still feel the loss, and am hoping for another opportunity. It was a huge financial loss as well – and we have spent the past few years trying to recover, but also knowing that all great entrepreneurs have failures, and use those experiences to grow, rather than to lament.
For a few years I also struggled with the balance between academia and owning a business, I struggled with my “identify”. I was an academic for so long I didn’t know how to separate from that. I also thought that I had to. But it wasn’t until I took a course – Strength Finder – that I realized that I didn’t have to separate them. I could have both. I could find the balance that I needed, and ultimately found a better balance in my life and with my family with two careers (academia and business) than when I was a full time research professor.
Now at 53, and still a fairly new entrepreneur I believe I can have it all, and believe that it is partly my responsibility in life as a community leader to inspire other young women and young adults in general that they can also follow their dreams and have everything in life that they deserve – the path isn’t always easy, but it is always available to those who choose to see it.
I just walked the Camino de Santiago with 22 other beautiful humans. It is this type of incredible life-changing experiences that I want to share with the world so we can all know that it is the struggles and challenges in life that help us grow and become the best versions of ourselves.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Willow Gardens Yoga is located in both Buda and Lockhart Texas. We offer hot yoga, Pilates, barre and other specialty classes such as sound healing and breathwork. We host teacher trainings and retreats. We are a small, boutique yoga studio that specializes in community, health and wellness. We hold true to our core values – collaboration, community, commitment, consistency, and courage.
We are known for high quality teaching, teacher trainings and retreats, collaborations, and our vast variety of offerings. I am proud of the growth we have seen over the years, while staying true to our brand and our integrity.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My business coach and yoga teacher trainer Albina Rippy
My hot yoga mentors Jeff and Mardy Chen
Maddy Chen, my first yoga trainer who introduced me to Ashtanga Yoga
My general manager, Wendy Wray
My mom – always my biggest cheerleader
My husband – my overall support system
Pricing:
- $25 drop in
- $85 (5-class recurring package)
- $129 unlimited membership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowgardensyoga.com
- Instagram: @willowgardensyoga @yogi_science_doctor @willow_retreats @willowgardensnutrition @raelynnhaynes
- Facebook: @raelynnhaynes @willowgardensyoga
- LinkedIn: raelynnhaynes
- Youtube: willowgardensyoga
- Yelp: willowgardensyoga
