Our story: How Barefoot Yoga School began, written by Co founder, Jess

The Journey of Barefoot Yoga: A Story of Passion and Purpose

In 2017 I was a backpacker with no money and a passion for health - I was on the typical road to 'finding myself'. Fully believing that I would probably have to give up, go home and get a 'real job'. Then I met Adam, who is now a co owner and founder of Barefoot.

I initiated the Barefoot vision back in 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. I was fitness instructing, teaching Yoga and also teaching art and painting as a side hustle. What began as a simple passion project quickly transformed into a profound journey of self-discovery and community building. I sought to break away from the conventional studio culture in Melbourne, yearning to find my own unique style as a teacher and connect to something deeper than the 'physical'. I started small, offering just one beginner's yoga class per week, but as my students progressed, so did my vision.

Building a Community

As my students developed their understanding of yoga, the demand grew. I began to expand my offerings, introducing workshops and events that resonated with the community. The growth was organic, fueled by the shared passion for yoga and wellness.

Before long, my partner Adam joined me in this endeavor. Eventually he left his successful professional athletic career in Melbourne for a shot at something more holistic. Together, we found joy in not just teaching, but in the educational side of Yoga and all things mind and body. We enjoyed running workshops that helped students delve deeper into understanding their minds and bodies, fostering a sense of connection and growth.

A Calling to go deeper...

After nurturing our studio for a year and a half, we felt compelled to assist on a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program. An exciting opportunity in Sri Lanka presented itself, and we embraced it fully. During this transformative experience, we realized our true calling as educators in this field. Through our own Yoga studies and observing the industry's teaching standards, we identified significant gaps in the knowledge being imparted. Insufficient anatomy training led to teachers unintentionally injuring people, and a lack of philosophy was eroding tradition, culture, and spirituality, effectively stripping Yoga of its purpose. With much left to interpretation and endless guesswork for aspiring Yoga teachers, it became clear what we needed to do. This inspired us to create a comprehensive curriculum that is digestible, scientific, spiritual, traditional, evolutionary, and practical.

Establishing a School

Upon returning to Australia in 2020 after our trip to India and Sri Lanka, we dedicated ourselves to the mission of establishing Barefoot Yoga as a recognized school. We spent countless hours writing, researching, and completing the necessary registrations and applications. Our hard work paid off when we began running programs in Byron Bay, and within just two years, we were honored to be named 'The Best Yoga School in Byron.'

We decided to upskill, individually taking on a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and and a Diploma of Counselling and Psychophysiology. This prepared us for the years of working closely with individuals on a personal journey. Allowing us to hold a safe and potentially transformational space.

The Struggle & Overcoming Challenges

We overame many hurdles along the way, as you know in amongst these years the world collapsed. Putting huge amounts of pressure on all start ups and in person experiences. But we didn't give up on our vision and community. For two years, we lived in a van on and off, to keep this project afloat and continue providing amazing experiences. We kept telling ourselves that nothing great comes out of staying in your comfort zone! This was a saying that often crossed our minds during these periods of having to dig deep.

A Leap of Faith

Though we left Sri Lanka behind for a time, we always felt a pull to return. We wanted to expand our community internationally, so in 2022 we made the bold decision to pack up our lives in Australia and leap across the ocean, finally calling Sri Lanka our home.

A New Chapter

Since settling on this beautiful island, Barefoot Yoga has grown and thrived beyond our wildest dreams. We are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share our passion and knowledge in such a stunning environment. Our journey has taught us that following your heart can lead you to places you never imagined, and that true fulfillment comes from connecting with others and fostering a sense of community.

Inspiration for Others

This story serves as a reminder that pursuing your passion can lead to incredible transformations. No matter where you start, with dedication, a passion, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, you can create a life that resonates with your true self. We invite you to take that leap, follow your dreams, and watch as your journey unfolds.