For me, a solid foundation is everything. I've been immersed in the health and wellness world for over 35 years - though honestly, it started way before I knew what I was doing. Experience first, training second, personal work third.
My path has been... let's call it non-linear. Competitive figure skater to lead singer of a 90s all-girl punk rock band (yes, really) to wellness entrepreneur. That varied past taught me there's no one-size-fits-all definition of what it means to be 'well'. What works for you might look completely different from what works for me, and that's exactly as it should be. You have to stay curious, be willing to experiment, and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone - even when (especially when) it feels a little ridiculous.
I started working with bodies in my mid-twenties—hands-on experience first, then I went back and got the science and certifications to understand why things worked: Master Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, Holistic Health Practitioner, Fitness Trainer, Somatic and Trauma Healing Coach, and Breathwork Practitioner. My approach now is trauma-informed and science-backed, but really it's about helping people feel at home in their bodies again. I developed something I call UNGRIP - a way of learning to work with your body rather than forcing solutions that don't stick.
Early in my career, I helped create some of the first workplace wellness programs, teaching stressed-out professionals how to breathe and move without leaving their desks.
In my mid-50s, I woke up one day and realized I wasn't comfortable at all in my body. So I got curious. I dedicated six months to figuring out what actually worked—not what I thought should work or what worked for someone else. I lost 33 pounds, got stronger, and found my way back to feeling healthy, balanced, and grounded. That journey led me to launch XO Jacqui in 2023, creating protein powders and products specifically for women navigating menopause. Because I couldn't find what I needed, so we made it. Our bodies and our healthy aging deserve better support, and we're working to change that conversation.
Most days you'll find me at Move Sanctuary, my studio in downtown Ojai, where I work with people one-on-one and teach group classes. The work is about sustainable movement, getting strong without breaking yourself, and actually enjoying the process.