March is women’s month! All month we’re featuring women doing incredible things in Minnesota that inspires us. This week we are thrilled to introduce you to Jaina Portwood of beloved retreats!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your training, and how you got started?

I have been practicing yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2002. As a youth, I accomplished incredible achievements as a competitive swimmer. I consistently rose to the top, even young, breaking state records at the age of 7. As a college athlete I was top 8 in the country.

I first found yoga in college alongside calculus, physics, and cellular biology. After experimenting with a 100% raw foods diet for 8 years, I birthed 4 children naturally, and fell deep into health and healing modalities. Starting in 1999, I gained certifications in massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, thai massage, energy work, permaculture, herbalism, flower essences, and a range of other studies related to human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and esoteric Yoga. I have been lucky to study with Yoga masters all over the country. In the last 15 years I have built and owned several Yoga Studios in the Twin Cities (probably the first black woman to do so in history, I can't think of anyone else). I am currently a professor of Hindu Studies and Yoga Philosophy at Minneapolis College.

What aspect of your business are you most proud of?

Proudest moments for me always come from seeing people awaken into the truths of yoga philosophy. The practice can be so profound and life changing. Witnessing others step into their highest selves, and then connecting and communicating from that space is such a deep joy. To facilitate spaces and experiences for this blossoming of the heart, and growth of the mind is a gift.

Can you tell us about some obstacles you've had to overcome?

About 15 years ago my first son died. That was the hardest obstacle to overcome in my life so far. It was so horrific that I do believe I could face any challenge now and survive, having been through that trauma.

In all the retreats you do in the U.S. and abroad, what aspect of the work are you most passionate about?

Something is really special about traveling abroad with an intentional group. At Beloved Retreats we cultivate a space for deep study of yoga philosophy, healthy living, and empowerment. Each retreat is hand crafted for excellence. We visit some of the most beautiful locations on the planet, inspired by local culture, cuisine, flora, fauna, and ocean waves. And full cultural immersion. We choose local, experienced guides for our group for an authentic experience. We share customs, language, cuisine, with humility and respect with locals. Each day is started and ended with a grounding and dynamic yoga class. We strive to give back to the communities we visit through cultural exchange, and volunteer opportunities.

Can you share one brief funny story of something going wrong while traveling abroad with a group?

In Peru one year, almost everyone in the group tried eating a guinea pig on a stick (local, common cuisine). Later, we found out that the animals live on the restaurant kitchen floors, scurrying around, living their best life...until they are swooped up and thrown on the grill. There was lots of horrifying astonishment and laughter later. I'm a vegetarian...

How can we support you or learn more about where you are traveling next?

Thank you for sharing! Each of my retreats have options for 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification, Massage Therapy, and Continuing Education credits through Yoga Alliance. Each retreat has an option for hours towards a training module. Credits throughout the year are completed on your own time and schedule. Upcoming we are going to India, Egypt, and Japan.

Thank you Jaina!

We’ve appreciated collaborating with Jaina and learning from her. We can’t wait to see what the future holds with Jaina. Find out more information on her current incredible offerings at belovedretreats.com.

Introducing Jaina Portwood of Beloved Retreats