Starting a business during a pandemic is not easy. Especially one that is events based.
But for 42-year-old Joanna Allen, the leap from the frying pan into the fire, came in a cathartic moment while staying in the family holiday home in Rye.
She said, “Over the last 12 months I’ve gone through a divorce, been made redundant, lost my flat in London and had to cope with the unexpected death of my mother.”
The former high-flying, high-end fashion buyer for M&Co., BHS and New Look, turned to the healing and mental health benefits of yoga, meditation, nature walks, breathwork, and other mindful practices to get her through the most traumatic time of her life.
“It was definitely a light bulb moment,” she said. “I realised I no longer needed to be in London. In the rat race. That mindful practices had helped me through the most difficult period of my life. And that I could use my experiences to help others. I want to bring these healing practices to people who need it, to overcome their own trauma, or general healing, something that so many people need after such a turbulent year for everyone.”
And so, The Humble Warrior was born.
With help from business mentors and a network of teachers and wellness experts across the country, the Humble Warrior now hosts a broad selection of wellness events, from podcasts to virtual retreats via Zoom, from introductions to essential oils to card readings and Kundalini meditation.
There have been Yoga Groove evenings at The Brewery Yard Club and Wellness Wednesdays at the Hub in Bodiam. But her passion is for nature. And yoga on the beach is where it’s at for Jo.
“It’s a transformative experience. Moving and breathing to the sounds of the waves and then enjoying a mindful walk through the dunes. Just heavenly.”
This Humble Warrior has become, in a very short space of time, a facilitator for teachers, practitioners, pupils and venues. An experienced networker, she is rapidly amassing followers throughout the south-east and events like her Breathe and Brunch mornings – yoga and meditation followed by a “bubbles” and brunch picnic, are proving sell-outs.
Her latest invitation is for small businesses in Rye to “Connect and Celebrate”. To meet new people, build meaningful connections, to chat, and to celebrate. The event takes place in the beer garden at the Kings Head Inn, Rye Road, next Thursday, July 22.
“Creating connections with each other is important,” she said. “Especially after a year where we’ve all been so disconnected. People seem to enjoy the more ‘social’ wellness events, where drinks and chat round the day off. Wellness is really all about balance!”
Contact Joanna here: https://www.the-humblewarrior.co.uk/
Image Credits: Joanna Allen .