Check Out Jade Varner’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Varner.

Hi Jade, 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 backstory with our readers?
I’ve been into yoga for many years. The first time I stepped into a class, I found peace, grounding and a kind of quiet that I couldn’t always find in everyday life. Over time, yoga became more than just ‘moving through poses’, it became an experience, one that made me feel seen and restored. I’ve always been the kind of person who loves creating experiences that make people feel that way, whether it was a house event I put together or a small outing with my friends.

In 2022 I decided to get certified to teach yoga because I wanted to build something for people who wanted to feel more in their practice. I actually wanted something that went beyond poses and into community, connection, and healing. But even after I got my certification, I let fear hold me back. I kept thinking about how many extremely talented yoga teachers already existed and I didn’t know if what I had to offer, wanted to offer, would be enough. Eventually I realized that if I didn’t move through the fear, I’d always be waiting for a perfect time that would never come. So I embraced that fear and started building.

I think a lot of my inspiration comes from my parents. My dad was a track coach for a team he started and coached for years. I was one of his athletes growing up and I see so much of his discipline and drive in the way I approach my work. My mom is an educator and her ability to teach in a way that makes things simple and easy to understand has influenced how I guide people too. Together their examples taught me that leadership is about showing up even when you’re unsure and making what you do feel accessible to others.

Before all of this, I was an artist. I spent my childhood drawing and painting. That creative side still shows up in everything I do. My art business, Art by Javahous, has given me opportunities to be featured in shows like Pancakes and Booze and to create commissioned pieces and custom coloring books. That creativity is what I bring into my yoga experiences too.

However, getting here has not been easy. Financially, starting out with both art and yoga was tough. I didn’t have the best supplies or my own yoga studio. I actually built a small studio space in my garage that I still sometimes use. But I learned that it’s not about how big the space is, it’s about how real the energy is. Confidence was another big hurdle. I spent a long time believing that maybe what I had to offer wouldn’t be good enough. Over time I realized that my perspective, my approach and my energy are really what make my work unique.

One of my proudest moments so far has been seeing how The 90’s R&B Yoga and Brunch Experience event came together. So many people showed up and participated! It truly felt like a celebration of wellness, community and joy. It was the first time I really saw my vision reflected back to me through other people’s smiles, laughter, and gratitude.

Through all of this, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you have to step out on faith. Nothing changes when you stand still. I still find myself doubting my own capabilities when I see how far others have gone, but then I remind myself, if I don’t try, I’ll never know what’s possible.

Today, my life feels grounded and full. My experiences with art and yoga have actually pushed me to explore a new field, UX design. I haven’t landed a role yet, but I’m in the process of building a portfolio that combines my creative background, my understanding of people and my passion for designing experiences that bring community together.

These days, I make decisions based on how they feel. If it feels good, purposeful, and connected, then I’m all in. I define success now by completion, not perfection. My Yoga and Brunch event reminded me that even when everything isn’t finished or perfect, it can still be spectacular, because it’s real.

I’m continuing to host smaller gatherings that bring people together in creative ways, including an extravagant game night that’s anything but ordinary. And yes, another yoga event is definitely on the horizon.

If there’s one message I could leave with others, it’s this: Sit with yourself and get clear on what you really want to do. Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s or assume they’re doing it better. Sometimes you have to be “delusional” enough to believe in yourself when no one else does because no one will ever believe in your vision the way you can. It’s never too late to start over, try something new or reinvent what your life looks like.

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?
Not at all. The road definitely has had its bumps, but I think that’s what has made it meaningful. When I started out, I faced a lot of self-doubt. I questioned whether my voice and my approach were unique enough to stand out in spaces already filled with so many talented people. It took a lot of internal work to move past that fear and just start.

Financially, things were challenging too. I didn’t have a big budget to invest in supplies for my art business or to rent a yoga studio when I started the yoga business. I made do with what I had. I painted with limited materials and transformed smaller spaces, like my now garage studio, into calming and intentional environments. Looking back, I actually appreciate those limitations, because they forced me to be more resourceful and creative.

Another struggle has been learning to balance patience with progress. I used to want everything to happen right away. I have had to learn that growth takes time and that it’s okay for things to evolve slowly. I still have moments where people don’t fully understand my vision and have had times where support felt minimal, but I keep reminding myself that clarity comes from consistency.

So it hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been MY road and it’s taught me resilience, faith and the importance of trusting that every step, even the harder ones, has a purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m both an artist and an experience designer through my brands, Art by Javahous and Yoga by Javahous. My work blends creativity, mindfulness, and community, whether it’s through yoga events, art creations or customized designs, I aim to create moments where people feel seen and connected.

I’ve been featured in shows like Pancakes and Booze and have created commissioned pieces that allow people to connect with art in a personal way. My Yoga and Brunch event is one of my proudest moments because it brought together movement, conversation and joy in a space where everyone felt welcomed.

What sets me apart is how I am able to merge art, energy and experience together. My background as an artist shapes every yoga session I design, from the atmosphere to the intention behind it. I want people to walk away feeling inspired, lighter and truly seen.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly, I can’t say there’s one specific book or app that I live by. I like to pull inspiration from real people and real experiences. One resource I’d definitely highlight is Sandtrice Russell’s podcast, Self Aware and Effed Up. She interviews people from many walks of life and I love how open and honest those conversations are. Hearing guests talk about their resilience, challenges, and growth reminds me that no one’s path is linear and that there’s always room to evolve, heal, and keep showing up for yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yogabyjavahous.carrd.co/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-v-32289978/