Jess Trione on Building a Yoga Studio with Purpose

From Grief to Purpose

In 2008, we lost Raleigh. I buried my grief until it showed up as panic, turning to drinking to cope. In Peru, guided by shamans and sacred plant medicine, Raleigh came to me. It was the sign I needed. I sought treatment and have been sober since May 2017.

Creating Saha Yoga & Wellness House

Teaching yoga became a natural extension of my healing. I managed and taught at Wild Spirit, and after post-COVID shifts, stepped into ownership. That's how Saha Yoga & Wellness House was born. “Saha” means together or with in Sanskrit, a space rooted in community, connection, and coming home to yourself.

This lifetime is about breaking cycles, speaking truth, and holding space for others.

Iam here to be Real. Authentic. Wild. R.A.W. I share my life with honesty and without shame so others can, too. I want to show up, laugh out loud, and take the biggest, wildest adventures in life. I will keep going. This is who I am here to be. I share a small piece of me today so that you can too.

Lessons I've Learned

This path isn't always easy, but it's always worth it. There will be moments when you question everything, your leadership, your finances, your capacity to hold it all. Do it anyway. Stay rooted in why you started. This work isn't about being perfect or having the most polished brand. It's about people, presence, and creating a space where others feel seen, safe, and inspired to come home to

themselves. Surround yourself with good humans. Ask for help. Take breaks. Be honest—with your community and yourself.

You don't need a business degree or a ten-year plan to be successful. You need heart, humility, and the willingness to keep showing up even when it's messy. Honor your seasons. Protect your energy. Trust your vision. Radical self-care matters. For me, that's sometimes taking mid-day baths.

Most of all, remember that this work matters. You're not just building a studio. You're creating a container for healing, connection, and transformation. That's sacred. Keep going. We need you.

My Message to Founders

Your journey will not look like anyone else's. And it shouldn't. Every challenge, every detour, every unexpected turn, these are the very things shaping you into the founder you are meant to be.

Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start now, with what you have, where you are. Lead with honesty, protect your energy fiercely, and never underestimate the power of showing up as your whole self.

The world needs founders who lead from the heart. Be one of them.

Business Takeaways from Root in Purpose

When the work gets hard, return to why you started. Purpose will carry you through the storms.

Build Real Community

Your people matter more than your branding. Connection is the foundation for growth.

Protect Your Energy

Your presence as a founder shapes the entire business. Rest is part of the work.

Lead with Honesty

Authenticity isn't just a value—it's your best long-term strategy.

Keep Showing Up

Progress comes from consistent, imperfect action, not from waiting for perfection.

At , we don't just share inspiring stories — we break down what makes yoga businesses succeed. By learning directly from real founders and entrepreneurs, we extract actionable lessons and proven strategies you can apply, so you can avoid common mistakes, feel more confident, grow faster, and make bold choices with clarity.