Jodie Freestone: From Dance to Wellness – Transforming Lives Through JOGAHEALTH

JOGAHEALTH Business Bio: Jodie aims to expand her yoga and meditation practice by creating a venue for the public to enjoy yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation. This initiative promotes a healthy, happy life while also helping her manage her lifelong health condition.

Jodie, a finalist in the SkillUP category within Startup Awards, studied dance and choreography at university. Despite facing significant challenges due to epilepsy, which caused her to miss numerous classes, she persevered. A teacher’s recommendation to try yoga transformed her life. Discovering a passion for yoga, Jodie vowed to start her own yoga company to help others while continuing to aid her own well-being. For the past six years, Jodie has been teaching yoga in a park and café in Wallsend, as well as offering one-on-one sessions for clients who lack the confidence to attend public classes. Additionally, she has been teaching yoga online for three years, with many of her clients also managing epilepsy. Her business has taken a health-focused direction, which she feels is her true calling. Teaching yoga has given her a positive outlook on life and a new perspective. Initially aspiring to be a performer, Jodie found her purpose in teaching yoga, a journey that took about two years for her to feel satisfied with her business’s growth. After completing FIRST’s Level 1 course and attending the 2024 Startup Awards, Jodie said her confidence in public speaking has been boosted, opening new opportunities. At the event, she was approached by BIC, a non-profit business advisory group, and is now in discussions with them about funding and opportunities. Enthusiastic about her growth, Jodie expressed a keen interest in attending all of FIRST’s future networking events.