Community Highlights: Meet Jackie Chavez-Anderson of A New HoriZen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Chavez-Anderson.

Hi Jackie, 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 was a late bloomer when yoga was introduced into my life. I started by attending yoga classes a few times a week at a local studio. Yoga taught me how to truly slow down, breath, create balance, stretch, and challenge myself. Yoga gave me the tools to find space in my day, to feel better about myself, and to create awareness that self-care is never selfish. As I deepened my yoga practice, I also learned about other holistic health and wellness practices such as Ayurveda (sister science to yoga) and Reiki (Japanese technique for stress reduction and healing). 

In 2016, I attended a yoga retreat in Massachusetts, where I met with my first Ayurveda Health Counselor and attended workshops regarding Ayurvedic health practices. In 2017, I traveled to an Ashram in the Bahamas to learn more about Ayurveda studies from prominent teachers in the field. Ayurvedic healthy eating guidelines along with daily self-care routines became part of my daily life. I introduced new foods, herbs, exercises, essential oils, meditation, and other health-focused routines into my life to help my immune system, improve sleep and reduce stress. In 2018 I completed my 600-hour Ayurveda Health Educator Certification through Yoga on High (Columbus, Ohio), affiliated with the California Collage of Ayurveda. Soon after I completed the first level of my studies, I began teaching workshops at local yoga studios around the Cleveland area. 

Along my journey of wellness education, I also became a Yoga Teacher and Reiki Master. I earned my 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification as well as completing the Reiki Master Program from Heartwood Yoga Institute in 2020. 

As long as I can remember, it has always been a passion in my life to help others in my community. I pursued this interest in my education, earning a degree in Mental Health from the University of Toledo and also a degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. Prior to launching my business, I spent over 20 years working in social services assisting both teens and the elderly population. 

Today, I have found a way to combine my love for helping others along with my Yoga, Ayurveda and Reiki studies. In August 2021, I established A New HoriZen in North Olmsted, Ohio, led by the passion and desire to educate, support, empower, encourage, and ignite others to realize their own health evolution. Sharing the knowledge of Yoga, Reiki and the Ayurveda philosophy with others allows me the opportunity to help others live a harmonious life through holistic self-care workshops, a variety of yoga classes and Reiki sessions. When I opened A New HoriZen, it was my goal to be more than just a yoga studio – I wanted to create a place where individuals can come and receive a variety of services and tools that they can incorporate into their everyday life. As a small business owner, I can honestly say that I love what I do. At A New HoriZen, we strive every day to make sure our students receive an enjoyable experience. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges of running an independent micro-business is that, as owner, I must wear multiple hats. In order for my business to run as smoothly as possible, I had to learn how to be the accountant, information technology expert, social media coordinator, office manager and janitor. The long list of responsibilities often feels never-ending. But business owners are ultimately responsible for everything that goes into making a business flourish. When I opened A New HoriZen, I faced the challenge of starting a new business from the ground up. While established businesses have momentum in the form of existing clients and earned trust, new businesses have to work hard to establish themselves. It took time to create awareness and develop a consistent client base. 

Additionally, it can be a struggle to keep marketing and promotions fresh and up to date. I spend a lot of time promoting the business and highlighting services at community events and through different social media channels. Communication is an everyday task. 

Operating A New HoriZen has been and continues to be a challenging but fulfilling journey. It not only demands my dedication and passion but has also required the support of friends and family. Having the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives and to contribute to a thriving yoga community makes all of the hard work worthwhile. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A New HoriZen?
A New HoriZen offers a variety of yoga classes seven days a week. We also offer several holistic health and wellness workshops and yoga workshops throughout the year. A New HoriZen also offers private Ayurveda and Reiki consultations and sessions. We are happy to organize personal one-on-one yoga classes, as well as group classes for businesses or community organizations. 

We offer special discounts for senior citizens, military personnel, and college students. The first class is free for new students, and we offer a new student special rate of $45 for one month of unlimited yoga. 

Yoga class offerings include but are not limited to, chair, restorative, all levels, slow flow, and yin. There is something for everyone. 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Throughout the years, A New HoriZen has collaborated with a variety of local businesses and organizations offering locally-made goods and services. Such as local honey, yoga-inspired jewelry, essential oils, and soaps. 

A New HoriZen has also supported and collaborated with the Cleveland Animal Protective League and raised money for their non-profit organization. In 2022, A New HoriZen raised $400 with donation-based kitten yoga. In January of 2024, we have scheduled kitten and puppy yoga, with 100% of proceeds going to benefit the APL. 

A New HoriZen also welcomes guest teachers and presenters for sound healing sessions and holistic healthcare workshops. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anewhorizen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_new_horizen/?e=e1af461f-7b4b-4db0-a7c4-3b696908062e&g=5
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewhorizen

Image Credits
Stephanie Jaegar
Angela Mellick