Check Out Daisha Jackson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daisha Jackson.

Hi Daisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my yoga journey in 2013 in one of Baltimore’s Charm City Yoga studios as a work-study. In exchange for free yoga classes, I worked a few hours a week checking yogis into class, cleaning and any other miscellaneous tasks I was asked to perform. I was barely 21 and still really unsure of myself. It was in one of my first yoga classes I feel I really started to find myself, my power and a deeper relationship with God. From the movement, community, rich history and energy of the studio – it was everything I didn’t know I was looking for.

My asana (physical) practice was never as consistent as I wanted it to be over the years. It wasn’t until I moved to Georgia and landed another work-study position that I began to take it seriously again. In talking to who would later become my mentor (Shoutout to Tati), a dream I had long forgotten and given up on was reintroduced – to become a yoga instructor.

As I’m sure many of us did, I spent a lot of time in my apartment thinking when COVID hit. I had a now-or-never moment and registered for a 200-hour yoga teacher training beginning in the fall of 2020. It’s still, to this day, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. During that training, I was introduced to my home studio (Keep It Moving Yoga and Barre) and Buti Yoga. And so began another love story. So, a month after my 200-hour program ended, I was certified to teach Buti Yoga.

I now teach a minimum of 4-5 classes a week both in studio and privately.

The journey has been humbling, empowering and an honor.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
From generational and sexual trauma, abusive relationships and mental health issues, I’m no stranger to pain and hardship. It’s only been within the last 6 or 7 years of my life that I’ve intentionally chose to heal from these things. The thing about healing is no one explains how linear it’s not. There’s no rule book.

So, no. Nothing in my life has been a ‘smooth road.’ It’s been a rocky mountain I’ve had to climb. And I wouldn’t change a thing. It has been proven to me time and time again that there can be purpose in any struggle. If you’re patient enough, God will not only show you that but allow for you to share your testimony and healing with others.

I’ve worked multiple jobs to make this dream a reality. I’ve traded sleep for more practice and study. I’ve downsized in an effort to afford classes, trainings and anything else along the way. But, the biggest thing is I had help. I had people who gave so much to me without knowledge of how much I was in need.

They gave of their time, money, books, teachings, space, free classes and so much more. And I hope they all know how grateful I am to them. As I continue in this life, I hope I can be just as much of a blessing to others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I teach lots of styles of yoga!

– Hot
– Vinyasa
– Yin
– Buti
– Aerial (certification in progress)

My goal is to always keep you safe while reminding you of your power. Aside from my playlists, my pride and joy are watching students grow in their practice while simultaneously deepening the love for themselves.

You can find me at: Keep It Moving Yoga & Barre, OneLife Fitness, Villa Rica Yoga, Horizon Healing Center and events around the greater metro ATL area.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

But, in the meantime, utilize all the free material accessible to you. Listen to podcasts, watch videos, read books and ask questions from anyone you admire. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If you get a negative response, that just means that person wasn’t for you!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogadai_/