Community Highlights: Meet Jaszmine Davis of Jasz Davis Yoga and Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaszmine Davis.

Jaszmine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My first yoga experience was back in 2011 when I was looking for a new fitness class to try. Turned out to be a power yoga class (would not recommend it for your first yoga experience), but although it was difficult, I fell in love! Little did I know, yoga would become instrumental a few years later when I became the caregiver for my mother who was battling metastatic breast cancer.

Ultimately, my yoga practice helped me navigate the grief of her loss. As my practice developed, I became more intrigued by the yoga philosophies and how good the practice made me feel. However, I noticed that in many yoga spaces that I visited, I was the only person who looked like me. It was sometime in 2019 that I had the first thought that I should teach yoga. And when the world paused in 2020, I decided that it was time to become certified.

I knew from the start that I wanted to focus my teaching on beginner students and those who are new to the practice. I enjoy creating an inviting and accessible space for those who may not want to or feel comfortable stepping into a traditional yoga class. Within that realm, I also knew I wanted to teach BIPOC men and women who may not always feel represented within those spaces.

Because of cultural, religious, or economic reasons, many of these individuals may feel excluded from practicing yoga, but I intend to share the message that yoga is for everyone! You don’t have to be flexible, or skinny, wear pricey yoga clothes, do handstands, or practice to a certain type of music. I love fun and funky yoga playlists, and non-judgmental yoga, and fully support laughing and dancing in my classes. I teach trap yoga, r&b yoga, beginners, corporate, and event yoga.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting certified during a worldwide pandemic sits pretty high on my list of bumps in the road to becoming a yoga teacher! I was lucky to find a small local program that was holding in-person training when most trainings were being done virtually. We held small classes while wearing masks, social distancing, and with minimal hands-on adjustments unless we felt comfortable doing so.

It took a lot of love, camaraderie, and trust to spend so much time together during such a scary period. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made! Honorable mentions: Struggling to find my voice as a yoga instructor, overcoming imposter syndrome as an instructor, and dealing with friends and family who didn’t agree with or understand my desire to teach yoga.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jasz Davis Yoga and Wellness?
I am a 200-hour yoga instructor certified in vinyasa and yin yoga. I mainly teach people who are new on their yoga journey, but I also teach restorative, yin, and power yoga. I’m known for a bomb-ass playlist (I take my music very seriously!) and a low-pressure, judgment-free yoga class.

I am proud of the opportunities I’ve had to share yoga with others; from teaching at the Arnold Sports Festival to sharing my practice at local community events and corporate classes. Through yoga, I gained the confidence and courage to do the things that bring me joy and pursue my passions, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Being a Cali-girl, I love that Columbus gives me big-city vibes, but still feels like a small town. I’m not a fan of the lack of a beach and the rising housing prices. Oh and the drivers… don’t even get me started.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @all.that.jasz
• Facebook: @all.that.jasz

Image Credits
Brian Scott Innovative