Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Hansen. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Jenna has worked in the fitness industry for 20 years personal training, instructor training, traveling the world teaching, teaching group classes and managing. In 2015 Joe and Jenna were doing great. Joe was a stay-at-home dad to their 3 beautiful children and Jenna’s career was booming. Luckily for them, God knew there was something better in store for them. Jenna was suddenly ‘let go’ from a gym she was managing at and they were left wondering how they were going to support their family of five. After many tears, prayers and meditation they knew without a doubt what they were destined to do. They decided to take the huge jump and open Awaken Studios. From that moment to this moment miracle after miracle, omen after omen, coincidence after coincidence (depending on what you believe in) happened to make Awaken what it is today. Each time they needed someone with a special skill or passion that person would suddenly contact them, each time they were unsure how to proceed an answer came. Awaken became what it is because of those miraculously talented passionate people who came to be a part of it. Each employee and member contribute to the community. They are forever grateful that through hard unexpected trials and times you are able to discover what is hidden inside you and what amazing people are surrounding you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Fear…
What if no one comes?
What if we go bankrupt?
What if we have to work so hard that we don’t get time with our kids?
What if we hate working with each other and it ruins our marriage?
What if it fails?
What if I fail?
Fear when starting anything new can be paralyzing.
As Buddha said, “Fear does not prevent death, it prevents life.”
Fear and self-doubt and my own limiting beliefs is the largest struggle.
Then I remember… Fear is my invitation for bravery. Fear is my body celebrating and letting me know that I am growing.
And yes, there are ups and downs. The struggle of finding the balance of family and work, of being someone’s partner in life and then being their business partner. And then there is uncontrollable struggles that are unexpected- like having to close our business for 3 months during Covid.
During that 3 months, we not only were able to grow and pivot our business to online classes and community but we also grew. We grew as a team, we were supported by our members still being willing to pay their monthly membership fees despite us being closed because they wanted to support us.
The struggles and fears are what encourage growth and accomplishment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Awaken Studios specializes in small group and private training. We teach all types of classes from Pilates Reformer, High Fitness, Aerial, Yoga, TRX, Strength Training, Energy work, kids yoga and more. We also hold teacher trainings in Yoga 300 hour and 200-hour YTT, Stott Pilates and Awaken Aerial. We are known for our community and high caliber of instructors that truly educate clients about their bodies.
It is more than just a workout… it is about connecting: Connecting and getting to know your body, truly changing how it functions and feels; Connecting with each other, with people and a community that cares about you and supports you in this journey.
I am most proud of our community and culture. When we began putting Awaken Studios together we came up with this manifesto and I have been amazed and thrilled that our community and culture embodies this:
Awaken your potential.
We will learn, we will grow and we will become stronger.
We are hard wired for connection, curiosity and engagement.
We crave purpose, and we have a desire to create and contribute.
We will take risks, embrace our vulnerabilities and be courageous.
Engage with us, show up beside us, learn with us.
AWAKEN WITH US.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
1. I turn into a witch after 9:00 PM. Weekdays or Weekends, I have a pretty strict bedtime and am usually getting ‘tucked in’ by my husband by 8:45 PM.
2. I love being alone. Social situations give me anxiety. I do not like going to parties. I only like socializing if all I need to talk about is movement, anatomy, how the body works… besides that my social vocabulary is limited. Small talk makes my palms sweat.
Contact Info:
- Email: jenna@awaken-retreats.com
- Website: www.awaken-studios.com
- Instagram: @awakenjennahansen @awakenstudios
- Facebook: Jenna Hansen
- Other: www.awaken-studiosstg.com
Image Credits:
Lindsey Stewart Photography
Katie Stirling Photography
