I am so thankful for this powerful woman you are all e-meeting today.

Less than a year ago, our dear friend Michelle from Charleston introduced Jessie Ray to Brian and I via text. She was moving to Phoenix and looking to meet people with common interests.

When you meet Jessie you feel like you know her immediately: she is warm, friendly, and has a huge heart.

Brian met her in person before I did, and my first contact with her was at a surprise birthday party workout I threw for Brian. I was so impressed that she showed up, eager to connect and support people she barely knew. Now I know that is what she is ALL about!

Just a few months later, Brian and I couldn’t run Baptiste Power Yoga Phoenix without her. She has stepped up in a huge way to support us, build community along side us, and serve others.

I’m so proud of this woman and her commitment to personal growth and community.

What is your name???

Jessie Ray

Where can we find you?

 At Balunsd in Scottsdale, roaming the sunny shopping plazas Phoenix has to offer, or at any of the monthly community events Baptiste Power Yoga Phoenix has to offer all over the Phoenix area!

What lights you up inside?

 Easy - community. I love to be involved in what’s going on in the local scene. My roles at Balunsd and Baptiste Power Yoga Phoenix give me a direct link into the community that I’m still really new to (I just moved here from Charleston, SC in July 2019!).

This community makes me feel grounded and like I’m up to something bigger than just my day to day routine.

10 Things! Respond with the first answer that pops into your head.

·      I love… happy hour!!!

·      Favorite way to connect with friends... Community events.

·      I am the best in the world at... Running sh*t

·      My favorite insta follow is... @nytcooking *drooool*

·      Favrite way to sweat... HOT yoga

·      A book I love is.... Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng

·      My biggest unicorn dream is to... Airbnb my way around the world.

·      I serve my community by... Showing the F up for them via community yoga events

·      The one thing I can't live without is... My family

·      My favorite lululemon item is... 25” align leggings *double drool* 

What do you like most about your favorite lululemon product?

 When I put them on, I know I’m about to get shit done. I can wear them while I work at Balunsd, then throw on a white T and jean jacket and go meet a friend for lunch, then head to yoga and get a great sweat in. They are so versatile. I’d live in them if I could (and to be honest, most days I do...)!

As a member of the lululemon collective, I will make a commission on purchases made through this link. Thank you for your support!

Tell us about this one thing you can't live without!

I know it’s cheesy to say my family, but oh my goodness is it true.

My dad is still figuring out what he wants to be when he grows up, so it inspires me to never settle.

My sister is brilliant and always on an adventure. She challenges me to grind.

And my mom - oh man. She’s a force. She’s honest and so hard working. I get my grit from her. And her tough but fierce love. These three are everything I am.

How do you practice kindness to your body?

 Listening!!! This has been the biggest thing I’ve learned over the past few years. Especially in regards to eating, I try to listen as closely as I can for when my body is asking for something.

More recently, when I started working at Balunsd I learned so much about how much recovery our bodies need. Think about it - most of the time we’re using this amazing machine the universe gave us. But how often do we practice regular maintenance on it? For me, rarely. Doing an infrared sauna session and some compression is so easy and makes me feel amazing (physically and mentally). I’d urge everyone to look into physical recovery if they’re looking for a way to practice kindness to their bodies.

Lastly, unfollowing social media accounts that make me feel bad about my body. I choose to view content that inspires me rather than makes me feel inferior, and it’s done wonders for my perception around my body image.

What else do you want to share with our community?

 I recently came back from Level One - Baptiste Yoga Training and feel so ready to dive into the massive community that is Phoenix. I’m working with Baptiste Power Yoga Phoenix to create reoccurring monthly events that we can offer to our community. I want people to know that we’re here and we’re not playing small. AND we’re for everyone!

My teacher Brian is the “unlikely yogi” and I like to reach yogis who don’t know they’re yogis yet. Those who may never set foot into a traditional studio, but will throw a mat down on a brewery floor and move and breathe beside their community.

If you like funky music, a non-judgmental environment, a challenge, supporting local businesses and organizations, and some form of free alcohol, bring all your best friends and come out to one of our events. We’ll see you on the mat!

I can’t wait for you to meet Jessie in person! She is truly a ray (no pun intended) of sunshine + inspiration.

As always, thank you for reading!