Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna McClelland.
Hi Jenna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
As I look back and connect the dots, I have always been curious about the metaphysical and asked questions like, “What am I doing here? What are WE doing here?”. I had lost my dear friend, Jarred, to suicide in 2013 while I was living in New York City working a job in Chelsea at an art gallery, and decided to move back to Austin to be closer to family. At the time, it just so happened that my house was across the street from a hot yoga studio with a large banner that said, “14 Days Unlimited for $20” and decided to utilize that offer as an opportunity to challenge myself by practicing every day consecutively for two weeks while maintaining a healthy, clean diet.
By the fifth or sixth day, I began to connect with myself in ways I never imagined and, as a lifelong sufferer of asthma, I was able to go to bed at night without the need of my inhaler. Interestingly, my ability to connect with Jarred sharpened as I could feel his presence with me every moment I arrived on my mat; it was as if I could feel him cheering me on, guiding me toward the depths of my spirit, inner wisdom, and into possibility. As I entered this new veil of self-discovery, my curiosity for understanding my vitality and physicality grew stronger and stronger.
After years of advanced study, hundreds of hours of training, and working as a teacher and mentor, I was called to create a brand from my heart, one that embodies integrity, authenticity, and kindness. One day, while I was developing and writing content for a yoga teacher training manual for another studio owner, I asked myself, “What am I doing here? Why am I pouring my heart and soul for someone else when I have the aptitude to do it myself?”. When we take ownership of our life, recognize our gifts, and acknowledge our potential we are led to greatness, and I became bewitched by the idea of experiencing just that. The day I left everything fell into place.
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?
In order to own a business and confidently stand behind it, we must believe in our resilience and muster the courage to keep moving forward. Every morning consisted of me becoming my own driver and motivator, no one was going to do the work for me especially when it came to healing, generating and implementing the tools, and knowing my material physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Essentially, I had to heal first. How could someone want to hire me for my services if I wasn’t trusting or loving myself fully and unconditionally? Everything is energy and the universe picked up on my resistance and old worn-out ideas I had been holding onto. Healing is about diving deep into the trenches of your soul while simultaneously observing who you are through the process then transforming that into personal knowledge, wisdom, and light. Fun fact, this is why I ended up naming my business after the crystal obsidian because the energy of the stone is the obliteration of old self into transformation.
Finally, I allowed myself to be relieved by the journey of my life that was unfolding in front of me. I shook hands with my shadows and insecurities and learned to love the parts of myself I abandoned. This experience was quite challenging, even earth-shattering, however, I would never change it for the world!
As you know, we’re big fans of Obsidian Yoga & Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Obsidian Yoga & Wellness is an intimate and thoughtful space nestled in Westlake. Obsidian guides individuals who seek personal growth into harnessing their own ability of self-empowerment. This is achieved through the physical and metaphysical practice of Yoga and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) coaching as they emphasize the importance of living and breathing authenticity in every aspect of our lives. In turn, this helps them see the potentiality of staying true to self, so self-love is at the forefront of everyday decision-making.
Physically, I offer by-appointment-only yoga classes and complement my yoga teachings as an FRC Mobility Specialist by helping individuals regenerate their physical bodies for optimization which enhances cognitive function and strengthens physical resilience. Mentally, through the practice of NLP, I offer coaching that builds new positive belief systems which accelerate personal growth consciously and unconsciously; within the NLP system they refer to it as the conscious and unconscious mind. In 2020, as my proudest achievement, I developed a school of yoga and now lead 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings in addition to instructing mentorships for those who are looking for personal development, to advance their practice, and study the mechanics of the body and spirit.
My purpose is to transform the lives of others into believing in themselves through the experience of vitality and understanding the concept of pure possibility without holding on to what no longer serves them. That intention is also reflected in my organic apothecary line where I make and sell herbal teas, perfume and body oils, tinctures, tonics, remedies, and more. I source the herbs and plants from top-of-the-line vendors and even pull from my own organic garden. My line is available for purchase at the studio as well as a beautiful collection of high-quality crystals of all shapes and sizes.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I don’t always make a complete stop at Stop signs when I am alone. There, I said it! Although, close friends of mine know that I can be a bit of a rebel.
Pricing:
- Free 45 Minute Discovery Session
- Single Private $125
- 4 Pack of Privates $400
Contact Info:
- Email: jenna@obsidianaustin.com
- Website: www.obsidianaustin.com
- Instagram: @obsidian_austin
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user118272751/vod_pages
Image Credits
Romy Suskin Photography
