Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessara Tucker.
Hi Tessara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My name is Tessara Tucker, and I am a trauma-informed yoga instructor and community coordinator that specializes in processing trauma in brain, body, and soul through a few different modalities, functional movement, and bringing small businesses together to support one another in growth. My yoga journey began as a practitioner after the birth of my kiddo in 2012 as an aid for postpartum depression. Yoga provided a safe space for me to move my body and rebuild the relationship in my new body after giving birth while also getting out of the house and connecting with the community. I only attended free community classes, which meant I was introduced to a variety of styles of yoga! After a few months, I knew I wanted to be an instructor and hold space for the community, which has taken me down many pathways since. I received my certification from Joy Yoga in February 2015, and I started a yoga club at my old middle/high school as well as community classes at the studio I was certified by. In time, I started to shift to deeper work with private clientele so I could really tailor the practice to their needs and wants. I have been teaching private clientele ever since! When my home studio shut down, I was offered the program coordinator position at Niroga Institute for the southern region where I was trained in trauma-informed mindfulness. This meant I was learning about how trauma and chronic stress impact the brain and body connection on such a deep level. I was hiring, training, and implementing programs for students and staff of all ages across Texas and New Mexico. This was truly soul-filling and thought I would do this forever, however, Covid definitely flipped things upside down, and by the end of 2021, we closed out the southern region. I have since been trying different studio and community spaces that I have learned a TON from. As of October 2023, I opened Interconnected Private Wellness Practice that brings other wellness teachers together for us to all win through supporting one another while also supporting the community. We have an office in spring branch for private sessions and also outsource to local businesses as a collective and as individuals.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a human, I have experienced quite a lot personally and professionally. I had quite a traumatic childhood that led to a drug addiction in my teenage years, and at the age of 19, I took myself to rehab to change my life, and I have. Everything I have done since has been to learn more about my cycles and patterns to continue on my pathway to growth and how to apply my learning to others. I have found that community and movement are 2 essential key ingredients to my health and growth. On the professional side of things, I have witnessed many businesses go up and down, and it has really impacted the way I approach my work and how to implement it. Just for a little background, in Houston, yoga teachers are contracted, not employees. However, the way yoga teachers are treated in a studio is often overworked and underpaid for their time/energy, and there is not enough guaranteed work to pay bills. There is a lack of structure to support the burnout that occurs when you feel like you are doing everything on your own. Which makes no sense to me living in a city of millions of people where billions of dollars exist. That is why I am trying a new approach that I hope is supportive of yoga teachers being valued and supported in making a true living wage.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My passion has been working with any human looking to explore modalities of growth and healing through art, movement, journaling, discussion, breathwork, and education of the nervous system. I am known for my authenticity and realness of being a human that has explored and continues to dive into new modalities that nourish the body, mind, soul, and bliss. I believe we can all win if we band together and support one another in whatever form possible! I host community art events, private yoga sessions, and collaborations with other humans to provide impactful and diverse workshops.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
For anyone getting into the yoga industry, entrepreneurship, or community work, please remember you are not alone. Having a community that you can rely on and allow yourself to be supported by helps you through the days you “can’t do it all.” This will allow you to show up and serve from your best self and hold authentic space for you AND your clients/community. Also, having time boundaries will create a sustainable practice as you get out there in the world. Example: Mondays & Wednesdays- admin hours & virtual meetings, Tuesdays & Thursdays- client days, Fridays & Saturdays- flex days (one-off client/workshop events), Sundays-Off. Work-life balance will be difficult until you find a flow that works with your personal life. I do small business consulting for new businesses and would love to support your growth! There are going to be ups, downs, twists, and turns, and the more you can adapt and learn from these moments, the more you can connect and grow in so many ways, both personally and professionally.
Pricing:
- $120 | 1 hr of private session or business consulting
- $420 | 4- 1 hr of private session or business consulting
- $65 | 30 min of private session or business consulting
- $240 | 4- 30 min of private session or business consulting
- Free 30 min consultations for all offerings, as well as Half & Full day retreats pricing available upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/interconnectedwellnesstx/home
- Instagram: @interconnected_privatepractice
- Facebook: Layers of Interconnection
