January 25, 2019

Conversations with the Inspiring Mia K Jones

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia K Jones.

Mia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My entire life I have always been very much into fitness and wellness. I played volleyball basketball, and was an all state track athlete in high school. There got to a point in my adult life where I wanted something different out of my normal workout routine. I convinced my best friend to try a yoga class with me at the local gym, and I remember it being something completely different than any other workout I had experienced, and that’s because it wasn’t just a “workout” at all. After my first class I said. “That was hard, but a different kind of hard”.

From that point on, I overwhelmed myself with all things yoga. From the physical postures, like handstand and splits, to philosophy, to the intentions of those postures and what it means to live a yogic life. I found myself practicing yoga any chance I could. After practicing on my own for a few months, I decided to join a yoga studio to gain more understanding. I loved the environment, and I felt the teachers were very knowledgeable, but I couldn’t help but to realize that in a room of 30 plus people, I was the consistently the only black woman. I would sometime think to myself “This makes me feel way too good for us not to being doing this too.” At that time I had no idea of what could even come from a consistent yoga practice, however, I was confident it could change the way we viewed ourselves, and intern the community. From that point on I made it my mission to put myself in a position to inspire women who look like me to not only try yoga, but be open to the possibilities of what following the path of yoga could bring. I whole heatedly believed in the yoga practice and what effects incorporating yoga can have on us.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This journey definitely hasn’t been one of pure bliss. From finding ways to afford education and trainings, to just finding time to get on your mat, there has always, and will always, be something you have to overcome. I’m learning that it isn’t ever about avoiding speed bumps, but preparing for them. It takes a lot of confidence and courage to consistenly put yourself out there, to inspire, and be of service to others. Showing up in spite of obstacles is a every day practice.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently I am focused on a few things. MKJYoga is still on and popping. I took a break from social media for a while but I’m back, and still teaching a ton of classes all over Chicago/ Chicago-land area 6 days a week. Come to class! I have a few special projects I am working on that I hope to be sharing really soon. Also, I get a TON of feedback from students regarding the music I play in class so be looking out for weekly playlist. I’ll be releasing links to my playlist weekly on my social media accounts that are compatible with most streaming platforms. Who doesn’t love a bomb playlist?!

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Yes, absolutely. Yoga has taught me so much about sisterhood, the importance of it and how much we really lack. There is something so beautiful that happens when we get together to collab, cooperate, or just hold space for each other. Now more than ever we need to have each other’s back and it is great opportunity for us to learn and grow, with each other.

Pricing:

Specials: $50 60 minute private yoga session
Prenatal/Postnatal yoga and fitness: $75 60 minute small groups

Contact Info:

Email: mkjyoga@gmail.com
Instagram: Mkjyoga
Facebook: MKJ Yoga

Image Credit:
Matthew Lomax- MOC Studios

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