Jamie Shupp shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jamie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
For me, true joy shows up in the everyday moments when I’m fully present. It might be hiking in the woods with my dog, sharing time with my family, or moving on my yoga mat. When I allow myself to be completely in the moment—without distractions—that’s when I experience the deepest sense of joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jamie, the owner of Gateway Yoga in Kirkwood and the founder of Daily Bag of Goodness, my holistic nutrition practice. My background is actually in chemical engineering, but my own health journey led me to make a major shift into the wellness space early in 2024. Now I combine the science of my training with yoga and nutrition to help people feel their best from the inside out.
At Gateway Yoga, our focus is on hot power vinyasa yoga in a welcoming, community-driven space. We also offer slower flow and yin yoga so that there’s truly something for everyone. Through Daily Bag of Goodness, I work one-on-one with clients to uncover the root causes of their gut and hormone challenges using functional nutrition and lab testing.
What makes both of my offerings unique is that they are designed to be supportive, approachable, and transformational. Whether someone steps onto their mat for the first time or comes to me seeking answers about their health, my goal is always the same: to create a space where people feel empowered, connected, and capable of living well.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Every time I travel internationally, my perspective expands a little more. Experiencing new cultures reminds me how deeply our surroundings shape us. I’ve witnessed true kindness from strangers, discovered beauty in everyday moments, and gained a fresh appreciation for different ways of living. And each time I return, I carry home a deeper appreciation and gratitude for the life I Iive.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
We all face moments of loss, pain, and lack of support—and I’ve had my share. My parents’ divorce and a long-term unhealthy relationship impacted me greatly. For a long time, I carried those experiences as if they defined my worth. The turning point came when I realized that while they shaped me; they didn’t define me. That’s when I began to reclaim my power.
Healing for me has been about doing the deep, often uncomfortable work—sitting with hard feelings, reshaping the stories I tell myself, and finding tools that support me along the way. Therapy, energy work, breathwork, yoga, and meditation have all been part of that journey. Each has helped me move forward with more clarity, strength, and compassion for myself.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In the nutrition industry, there’s a lot of conflicting information and oversimplified promises. People are often told that a supplement will be the quick fix, or that following one specific diet is the key to weight loss and health. The truth is, everyone is different—and you can’t supplement your way to wellness. Real health requires doing the work: nourishing your body with food, yes, but also tending to lifestyle, movement, and stress. You can’t live at a 10/10 stress level and expect a pill or diet to bring you back into balance. It’s never just one thing, which is why I guide my clients with a truly holistic approach.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I left my engineering career to do what I was born to do. Engineering was a wonderful career and gave me skills I still use today, but my true passion has always been in the wellness space—I just didn’t see that path when I was choosing a major in college. Taking the leap into nutrition and yoga was both scary and liberating, and I’m so grateful I get to live my passion every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gatewayyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatewayyogastl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatewayyogastl
Image Credits
Natasha McGuire Photography
