Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Finver.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I fell in love with Baptiste Yoga in 2008 and began practicing daily at Radiance Power Yoga – the only Baptiste Power Yoga studio in Boulder when they opened in 2012. The practice left me feeling alive, awake and rinsed out, and I also began seeing the way this regular practice was spilling off the mat and into my life. Creating more space between thoughts, growing patience and softening my reactions.
I never intended to teach yoga and signed up for my first training as a way to deepen my practice and explore the other aspects of yoga beyond asana. I soon found myself doing more training and discovered the joy of sharing the practice with others through stepping into the role of teacher. I taught at Radiance for a few years, helped lead some teacher training and other programs, and helped to grow the amazing and supportive community at the studio.
I stepped away from Radiance for a few years, taught at other studios, got married and had a baby. Meanwhile, the owners at Radiance had been starting a new chapter in their lives and beginning to contemplate stepping away from the studio. In late 2019, I had been toying with the idea of building a yoga studio when I reconnected with the Radiance owners and they shared that they were trying to sell the business. Although the studio had lost some of its shine, I felt that with some hard work, we could restore it to its prime! Then, just days before we were set to close the sale, COVID-19 hit and everything closed down. We halted on the deal for a few months, while I sat with fear and panic of the unknown. Was I crazy to even consider taking such a big leap?! With a new business model in mind – excitement and terror in my heart – I jumped and purchased Radiance in Mid-June.
We spent the first few months renovating the space and teaching all of our classes digitally and in the park. We reopened the studio space to small in-person (masked) classes at the end of September, and it is exciting to see the trickle of people returning to the studio! We have been working hard to create events that foster community while keeping everyone safe during a pandemic. In a time when we are socially distant, I am proud to be creating a place where people can feel connected.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In deciding to purchase a yoga studio during a pandemic, I knew it wouldn’t be easy! I have had to get creative, be flexible and keep my focus on what is working. I have had to learn how to accept help, because I need it! The studio renovations have taken time and lots of hard work, both from professionals and volunteers. Every person who has worked on this space has done so with love and well wishes for the success of the studio, and you can feel that when you step inside the doors. On top of the rigor involved with getting a studio renovated, reconfigured, and reopen with COVID-19 procedures and protocols, I have a one-year-old at home. There have been many times in recent months when I have been doing work at the studio with a baby strapped to my back!
We’d love to hear more about Radiance Power Yoga.
While our primary purpose is a yoga studio, more than anything, Radiance Power Yoga is a place for the community to gather and grow. At Radiance, we believe we shine brightest when we encourage others to shine. Now more than ever, we are tasked with seeing, supporting and lifting each other – whether in-person or digitally!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
When I decided to move forward with the purchase of Radiance, it was not alone. I have the most amazing and supportive team of teachers, who have been there with encouragement, advice and a helping hand every step of the way. I have an incredible group of friends and family who have lifted me up, come to classes and supported the studio with whatever was needed. And most of all, my extremely capable husband, who has put in almost as many hours as I have to make the studio look amazing, and my always patient daughter who has tolerated spending much of her time in the studio and has been a constant reminder of whole-hearted joy!
Pricing:
- Try out the studio for 30 days (of unlimited yoga) for $30
- Drop-in in-person for $20
- Drop-in digitally for $10
- Become a member for $99/mo.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2704 28th St.
Boulder, CO 80301 - Website: radiancepoweryoga.com
- Phone: 303.440.9642
- Email: hello@radiancepoweryoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiancepy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadiancePowerYoga
Image Credit:
Ryan Lawrence Photography
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