We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Mishu. Check out our conversation below.
Jessica, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Every morning I carve out time to begin without rushing. My day starts with a warm cup of matcha — my favorite ritual — followed by meditation, reflection, and journaling. This simple practice helps me slow down, get clear, and create space for the day ahead.
Yoga doesn’t just happen on the mat — it starts with how we greet ourselves each morning.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At Blue Ridge Yoga, our common thread — the value that unites us — is compassionate yoga.
Compassionate yoga means that our classes are truly for everyone. We welcome all fitness levels, and we teach in a way that empowers each student to listen to their own body. There is no pressure, no competition — only space to explore, grow, and practice in the way that feels right for you.
Another cornerstone of our brand is giving back. Since our founding, Blue Ridge Yoga has been deeply committed to serving the community that supports us. By January 2026, we will be celebrating an incredible milestone: $200,000 given back to the Knoxville community. This achievement is not just about numbers; it’s about the heart and teamwork of a small but dedicated group who believe in making a difference together.
Finally, at the heart of everything we do is community. We emphasize healthy connections: knowing everyone’s name, greeting each person as a friend, and remembering the personal details that matter. Our studio is more than a place to take yoga — it’s a place where people feel seen, known, and welcomed.
This is the brand we carry forward: compassion, generosity, and true connection.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think my world was shaped by many moments. I am an avid traveler — something that started very early in life, coming from a biracial family. The mix of cultures I grew up with opened my eyes to the beauty of different perspectives and gave me a natural curiosity about the world.
Over the years, I’ve lived abroad and traveled to over 80 countries. Each trip has added something new — a memory, a lesson, or a change in the way I see things. These experiences have shaped my existence, shifted my point of view, and allowed my perception to keep growing.
It’s not one single journey that defined me, but the collection of all these moments along the way.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I have always had a spiritual practice. Over the years, it has shifted, changed, and taken many forms — but it has always been there, a source of comfort.
Through the highs and lows of life, my practice has given me courage: the courage to explore, to try new things, and even to move against the groove of the collective when that’s what felt true.
I am deeply grateful for the teachers who have appeared on my path, each offering lessons and gifts that have carried me forward. Their wisdom has helped shape the practice I return to each day — and for that, I hold immense gratitude.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Being in Tennessee, I have to say that I admire our patron saint, Dolly Parton. Her vision, her essence, and her music have touched millions. But more than that, she has an incredible gift — she connects us to the part of ourselves that is the same.
In a world that so often seeks to separate and alienate us, Dolly reminds us of our shared humanity. She bridges divides with humor, heart, and authenticity. Her way of bringing people together feels stronger than any differences that might exist between us.
To me, Dolly is more than a singer or icon. She’s a living example of compassion and connection — two things we all need a little more of in this world.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am alone or out in nature. Every hike feels like a kind of homecoming, and I try to make space for it each weekend. Being outside grounds me, reminds me of who I am, and connects me back to something bigger than myself.
I am incredibly grateful for all the beauty I’ve been able to witness in my life, especially here in East Tennessee. The rolling mountains, the quiet forests, the rivers that wind their way through the land — all of it feels like a gift.
For me, it’s critical to reconnect to Earth through a daily ritual. Whether it’s simply stepping outside, feeling the sun, breathing in fresh air, or going for a long hike, I know I need that time to realign. Spending more time outdoors isn’t just about escape; it’s about remembering what really matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yogaknoxvilletn.com
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