Meet Hayley Jones | Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hayley Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hayley, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe that one factor of my success is leading with authenticity and trust. I have always been an honest person- I say it as it is and I lead with being real and authentic in all that I do. I ask questions- and not always the typical “how are you?”- but the follow ups about people’s families, their bodies, their goals. I try to remember and write down each of my friends and students’ birthdays and in general, I check in with people. I ask people how they’re doing regularly and I try to always lead from a place of truth and groundedness. By building relationships that are more like friendships, I have seen success in the retention of clients as I’ve shifted from different roles or locations and I have built a sense of community among the students I do currently teach.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been teaching yoga in some capacity for the last 10 years. It started slow- many years of going to classes as a teenager, exploring and teaching yoga in high school and college and then diving in throughout my mid and late twenties. I would argue it was not easy in the beginning and many people are heavily discouraged by the highs and lows of being an entreprenuer. I think it requires a ton of grit, patience, self confidence and resilience.

I kept putting myself out there and for the first few years, I said “yes!” to almost any opportunity that came my way. The practice of refining, and choosing where to put my effort took time and reflection. Where I’m at now in my business feels empowering and exciting. I do 80% of my business through myself which is amazing to say out loud. I feel inspired by students and excited to continue what I’m offering as well as expand and grow as life shifts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question and I love this city. I’ve been living in Chicago the last 4.5 years.

I would make sure to talk a walk around lincoln park, down the tree lined streets and through the neighborhoods. I think this city is one of the most beautiful with a mix of residential and commercial feel. We would rent divvy bikes and ride down the lakeshore path, grab a oat milk latte and sit on the Colectivo patio. I would take them to Southport corridor for a burger and wizard fight beer. We’d spend at least one night seeing music (maybe a Sofar Sounds show) and enjoy at least one night seeing comedy (Shakespearean improv at the iO theatre would’ve been my go to pre-covid.)

We’d also relax at home and eat some Lou Malnatis and play a board game. Slow mornings with coffee and big breakfasts. Evenings filled with our favorite drinks and grilling out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow – there are so many friends and mentors that come to mind, people who have encouraged me to stay positive during my lows, showed up repeatedly and inspired me throughout the years. My boyfriend, Luke, has reminded me day after day that I make a difference in people’s lives. There are many yoga teachers and friends such as Meghan Stegemann, Sammy Conrad, Molly Black, Claire Ridge, and of course many more, who I lean on to talk shop and vent and without those candid conversations, I would definitely be lost! There are various experienced teachers whose lives and businesses inspire me such as Jenny Kaufmann, Tsha Marie and Ashley Rockwood. I feel really blessed to be surrounded by amazing students all the times, so I find support in each and every student who has put their trust in me!

Website: www.hayleyjonesyoga.com

Instagram: @thesmallthings312

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hljones1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayleyjonesyoga

Other: I curate playlists for my yoga classes that you can find on spotify. https://open.spotify.com/user/1268192517?si=WdUVFvurT9i1YVrRxmsKVQ

Image Credits
Lauren Danilek