With continued learning as one of my core values, I’m always looking for ways to grow and develop; thus, when I kept hearing about the brilliance of Jenna Little throughout 2024, I had to start absorbing her wisdom, insights, motivation and science-backed trainings. I subscribed to her newsletter, began digging into her social media content and am continually impressed. Her calm and focus are contagious! As a fellow member of our community recently described Jenna, she is a “gifted healer”, and we all are better because of how she engages with everyone in this community. Via yoga, groups and counseling, Jenna provides somatic, trauma-informed therapy that blends healing elements into holistic practices. She collaborates on yoga events, wellness events or workshops, podcast interviews, sound healing experiences, entrepreneur talks along with healing and wellness education. As Jenna reiterates throughout everything, “Healing is to be whole, and living whole is to be free,” which is such an empowering perspective. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Jenna Little

Jenna Little has been a founder and wellness leader since 2012 when she started her business, Jenna Little Wellness. In 2016, she found yoga and became a registered yoga teacher, which led her to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She is passionate about creating empowering and healing experiences for people to come home to their own bodies. She is a mom, local entrepreneur, somatic therapist, registered dietitian and trauma informed yoga teacher with a heart and mission to create integrative therapeutic experiences that support healing, wholeness and freedom. Check out the details and other integrative healing experiences at jennalittle.com; then, subscribe to her writings on Substack under House of Healing and follow Jenna Little Wellness on both Facebook as well as Instagram.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Jenna Little

How would you describe the company you founded and its products?

My wellness practice offers individual, group and yoga services to individuals seeking to heal, find wholeness within and experience abundant and embodied living. Using my 4 dimensional growth model, I provide a holistic integrative approach to healing which seeks to honors one’s body, soul, spirit and story. Additionally, I also share teachings and creative writing on my substack called House of Healing and in creative Embodied Growth workshops.

Why did you start your company?

My company evolved and grew as I grew in life. What started off as a nutrition and fitness oriented business quickly evolved into a trauma informed therapeutic company as my knowledge of how the body holds the story grew. I found little to no places that offer an embodied approach to spirituality, trauma and grief. I felt called to create experiences, offerings and classes that honored them all.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding part of the journey has truly been seeing lives changed and people learning how to honor and live more wholeheartedly and nourished. Life will continue to throw struggle, hardship and surprises at you, but being equipped and supported is life changing. I have found that, as I teach, lead, guide or counsel others, I feel more and more that humans are wired to heal and grow together. Growing together and watching clients spread their wings is such a gift and reward.

About what are you most proud?

I am most proud of the authentic approach I have been able to carve out. It truly felt like a call on my life to create this framework and the offerings where I teach it (most notably my signature group: Yoga For Healing). Yoga for Healing was the beginning of my work as a somatic based counselor in many ways. I had no clue what I was creating almost a decade ago. Now, as a seasoned counselor, I can see how ahead of the curve this work was.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am somewhat organized but will say it’s been a skill I have had to grow in as my adult responsibilities have grown. The skill that has helped me the most in this area is mindfulness. As a child, I didn’t love keeping my spaces clean and tidy but found as I grew older it was far more regulating for me to stay organized both in my environment and schedule. Now, I try and stay orderly and organized as I go. This has been key for me as a mom of 3 daughters and a business owner.

Who’s the one person who changed. your life and why?

My daughters by far have been my biggest teachers in life. I had my first daughter at age 24 and was still very much a young woman in so many ways. She and I have literally grown up in many ways together. My 2nd daughter was born when I was 26 and my 3rd when I was 30. My girls have given me a place to practice learning how to love, lead, grieve, dream, play and grow over and over. For that, I am forever grateful for them and the way they have changed my life, not just as their mom but as a woman.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

I would encourage them to start small and start with what’s in front of you. Looking too far ahead at the bigger picture often increases overwhelm and decreases our mental/creative/strategic capacity. One small step often leads to another (hello, Atomic Habits by James Clear).

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I use my iPhone calendar and that’s it. I like things simple.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I believe in living with integrity, wellbeing and honesty. I try my best to practice what I teach and check in with what’s working and what’s not working. I also believe that our nervous system doesn’t start/stop at work or home but flows from one place to the other. What gets depleted or overused must get restored. How my work either expands or contracts my capacity will be felt in my personal life. I am mindful of this and work to tweak my schedule and offerings accordingly. I have had a recent season of burn out and have had to live this out first hand. It’s hard not to judge when we experience lower capacity seasons, but, if we zoom out, they are following seasons that went too long or asked too much. The body always tells the truth. I try and honor it as best as I can.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I am passionate about women’s and families’ health and wellness, women in business, women in leadership, spiritual health as well as trauma informed approaches that honor the individual and the collective.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I love to go for a walk with my husband and dog after a long day. Getting to be outside, in nature, with my best friend always centers me. I sometimes layer on time on my yoga mat and time in my vegetable garden.

What is your favorite author / book?

This is challenging… I love many authors, but, if I had to narrow it down, it would be between Brene Brown and Mark Nepo. I have gone between these two for years and continue to grow from their writings.

What are your favorite inspirational quote?

“What if I fall? Oh, but, my darling, what if you fly” ⁃ Erin Hanson.

What is your go-to accessory?

I love wearing my gold bracelet with my children’s names on it. It centers me throughout my day.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I love clean and simple products. I use minimal makeup and invest in good, clean skin care.

What is your favorite food?

I love sushi.

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

I am not a fan of watching movies on repeat, but I have always loved a good romantic comedy. “It’s Complicated” and “The Holiday” are some of my top repeated watches.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

I love the Amalfi coast in Italy. I have had the gift of going a few times now, and it holds a special place in my heart. Italy in general is so special.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

I love a good local coffee shop and frequent several. It would be hard for me to pick, but my tops are Jubala, Yellow Dog Bread Company and Sola Coffee Cafe. I also love a good local studio and love to support several. My top studios are Yoga Soul·Lec·Tive Downtown Raleigh and Yoga Loft in Wake Forest. Lastly, I love a good local bookstore, and my favorite is Quail Ridge Books. Each of these are staples in my rhythm of life and family. Between coffee dates or my love for yoga and books, these places have remained consistent places to land over the years.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I’ve always thought flying would be neat.

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

I would tell her to stop doubting herself so much and stay true to herself and her age. I would remind her that she doesn’t know it all and that’s actually a good thing. I would encourage her to let herself learn and not feel pressure to grow up faster than needed.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

I would love to have lunch with my dad. He passed when I was a little girl, and I often wonder what it would be like to talk with him now as an adult. Not so much to ask all the questions but rather to watch his mannerisms, see him see me now, and to really just experience getting to connect with him as an adult.

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