Today we’d like to introduce you to Jules McDonald
Hi Jules, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I moved from the Philippines to the United States in 2010, I had great enthusiasm. My then-husband and I settled in Florida, hoping to start a new chapter in our lives. But life didn’t unfold as I had imagined. As I adjusted to this new country, my marriage started to crumble, and I found myself lost in the shuffle of it all.
Before coming to the U.S., I had worked in various roles in BPO companies in the Philippines, handling customer service, technical support, and telemarketing. These jobs were demanding, and they kept me busy, but I have always believed that there is more to life than this. In 2011, I started dabbling with yoga. At the time, it was just a way to stretch, a simple way to relieve stress. I wasn’t serious about it, and I certainly didn’t see it as the life-changing practice it would later become.
After my divorce in late 2011, I was at a crossroads. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn but as we all do, I kept moving forward. It was in 2015 that I decided to take yoga seriously. I started practicing and training three to five hours a day, diving into meditation, strength training, and mastering yoga poses. I was self-taught, learning from books, videos, and sheer determination. Yoga became my lifeline, a way to piece my life back together when everything felt like it was falling apart.
In 2018, I decided to deepen my practice by getting certified as a yoga instructor. I traveled to Bali, Indonesia, to earn my 200-Hour Hatha-Vinyasa certification. This experience was eye-opening and helped me see yoga as more than just physical exercise—it became a path to mental and emotional healing. I continued my education with a 300-Hour Trauma-Informed Yoga certification in 2019 in Bradenton, Florida, and a Yin Yoga Level 1 Certification in Costa Rica in the same year. These certifications allowed me to bring yoga into spaces where it could make a real difference, such as working with physical therapists in the Tampa Bay Area, where I incorporated yoga, breath awareness, and meditation into rehabilitation programs.
In 2020, when the pandemic reshaped the world, it also transformed my life. I made a bold decision to purchase a small yoga studio in Downtown Cocoa Beach, Florida. After a year, I rebranded it as Yoga Bliss. Over the next three years, this space became a sanctuary, not just for me but for the entire community—a place where people could come together, find peace, and reconnect with themselves amid the chaos.
Despite the challenges of owning a yoga studio, I remained committed to deepening my knowledge and practice. In 2022, I completed an additional 200-hour Rocket/Vinyasa certification, along with Advanced Training in Mental Health for Trauma and Addiction. These experiences enriched not only my role as a yoga practitioner and teacher but also my personal growth. That same year, I also became a designated Registered Yoga School, opening up new opportunities to share my knowledge and mentor others on their own yoga journeys.
But life is unpredictable, and even with all the knowledge and awareness I thought I had, I fell apart. After selling Yoga Bliss in August 2023, I faced one of the darkest periods of my life. Selling the studio and the separation from the yoga community I built, created a loss of identity. A road trip to Colorado, a loss of identity and the turmoil of my personal relationship led me into a deep depression, and in a moment of despair, I attempted to take my own life. The days that followed were some of the hardest I’ve ever experienced. I was lost and didn’t know how to move forward.
Yet, even in that darkness, I found hope. I was blessed to be surrounded by people who supported me, who gave me the space to heal and understand myself better. As part of my healing process, I traveled through Asia, spending time reconnecting with my roots and finding peace. During my stay in the Philippines, I wrote and self-published a collection of short meditation scripts called Savasana Reads. It was a small project, but it helped me reconnect with my purpose, and it has since sold over 200 copies with zero marketing. It’s quite humbling.
Now, I’m starting a new chapter in Ballwin, Missouri, where I’ve taken on the role of Yoga Studio Manager as well as Yoga Teacher at The Asana Yoga & Wellness. This studio, founded by Sravan Kumar, is a special place that focuses on bringing the community together through yoga and holistic wellness. Alongside Sravan and Ayurvedic Practitioner Dr. Priyanka Sanagala, we’re creating a space that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
Looking back, my journey from the Philippines to where I am now has been full of ups and downs. There have been moments of deep sadness and moments of incredible growth. But through it all, yoga has been my anchor, helping me to heal and find my way. Today, I’m grateful to share this gift with others, helping them on their own journeys to healing and self-discovery.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a yoga teacher and studio manager, my work revolves around creating spaces where people can connect, heal, and grow through the practice of yoga. I believe what sets me apart is the deeply personal journey that led me to where I am today. Yoga saved my life, and that experience fuels the way I teach and share it with others. It’s not just about the physical poses—it’s about finding mental and emotional peace, especially during life’s hardest moments.
I’ve had the privilege of studying various forms of yoga, including Hatha, Vinyasa, trauma-informed yoga, and Yin, which allows me to adapt my teaching to meet the unique needs of my students. Whether working with individuals recovering from injury or those seeking balance and healing, I aim to make yoga accessible and transformative.
Additionally, my path has included rebranding and running a yoga studio, which gave me insight into how powerful a community can be in the healing process. This holistic approach to wellness—blending yoga with mental health, mindfulness, and breathwork—is something I’m passionate about and continue to bring into every class I teach at The Asana Yoga & Wellness.
What truly sets me apart is the authenticity and vulnerability I bring to my practice. Having experienced deep personal loss and healing, I understand that yoga is not just about flexibility or strength—it’s a tool for self-discovery, resilience, and rebuilding. My goal is to help others find their own path to healing, just as I have.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Before we wrap up, I’d like to share one important lesson I’ve learned through my journey: healing is not linear, and it’s okay to fall apart sometimes. Yoga has taught me that no matter how lost or broken we feel, there’s always a way forward—sometimes it’s through movement, sometimes it’s through stillness, but it’s always there. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years, remember that it’s not about perfecting the poses; it’s about connecting with yourself and finding peace within. Whether you want to deepen your yoga practice, you need help with mobility or just someone to talk to, here is my personal Link: https://linktr.ee/jules.thetinyyogini
Also, if you’re ever in Ballwin, Missouri, I’d love for you to visit The Asana Yoga & Wellness. It’s more than just a yoga studio—it’s a place where we come together as a community to heal, grow, and support one another on our journeys. No matter where you are in life, there’s always a space for you here. We offer Ayurvedic Consultations for those looking for another Holistic way of healing.
Pricing:
- Drop in $22
- New Yogi Special $49 / 2-week unlimited
- Wandering Yogi $39 / 1 week unlimited
- 5 Class Pack $100
- 10 Class Pack $180
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asanayogaandwellness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asanayogastl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asanayogastl
