Inspiring Conversations with Jenny Hellman of Full Circle Yoga KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Hellman.

Hi Jenny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Jenny Hellman, MSW, RPYT, RYT-200, Owner and Founder of Full Circle Yoga KC, LLC

Full Circle Yoga KC (FCYKC) was born seven years ago with a vision to help expectant families feel more empowered and confident to have an active role in their birth. During my pregnancies, I struggled to find a yoga class that offered gentle movement and poses that would challenge my mind and body for birth. When I was seven months pregnant with my second child, I completed prenatal yoga training through Blooma (A Minneapolis-based yoga studio). The training positively impacted my pregnancy and birth. I knew I wanted to find a way to support others through prenatal yoga. I have my Master’s Degree in Social Work and worked in healthcare before the birth of Full Circle Yoga KC. I completed my 200-HR yoga certification with Yoga Alliance and advanced training and certification in prenatal and postnatal yoga. I am also certified in pelvic floor yoga and fertility yoga. I’m a native of Kanas City, married to an amazing and supportive husband. We are the proud parents of two sweet, fun, and loving children. We love all things outdoors!

Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
Like birth, surprises pop up! I never imagined I would own a business still in its early years when a worldwide pandemic would happen! When we have a solid team, like in birth, we find ways to dig deep and trust the process, which I have done these past few years. Just last week, a professional colleague asked, “If you were allowed to do it again, would you?” Without hesitation, my answer was “Yes”! It is an absolute honor and one of my greatest joys to be able to hold space, support, and celebrate KC families at Full Circle Yoga KC! This year I’m practicing living big and being vulnerable by telling FCYKC’s story to more people, organizations, and publications because I believe deeply that when people come together, we are stronger, more powerful, and empowered to celebrate life transitions like birth and parenthood.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
Full Circle Yoga KC, LLC celebrates and embraces the pregnancy and birth journey, and the transition into parenthood. Our yoga classes and workshops promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness. We offer a space that creates a supportive community among parents-to-be and growing families.

Prenatal yoga classes are designed to offer both sacred pauses during this momentous transition and challenge the body mentally and physically as you prepare your body and mind for birth. Prenatal yoga allows expectant Mamas to pause and mindfully experience the pregnancy journey. It helps create a deeper connection with the body, which builds trust within oneself for birth. Some come to the studio because they have heard yoga helps the pregnant body with discomfort, and it does! But when they go deeper into the mental preparation that prenatal yoga offers, it allows them to experience the body in new and empowering ways. During our yoga classes, we offer poses that relieve discomfort and pain, help get the baby in an optimal position, and practice laboring positions and techniques. We want pregnant mamas and birthing people to know they already have the tools for birth; Full Circle Yoga KC helps them to unlock those tools for birth and beyond. We want pregnant Mamas and Parents to feel empowered and confident in their birthing experience and parenthood.

In our Prenatal and Postnatal yoga classes, we discuss topics related to pregnancy and postpartum, where parents can build community and share knowledge. It is also a place where parents learn they are not alone on an island in those several postpartum weeks. A new Mama came to Bring Your Baby Yoga class last week as her first outing by herself with her baby. When she entered, I could see her body relax as she entered the studio. She said it was reassuring to know she had a supportive and welcoming community at FCYKC where she could reconnect with her body again and bond with her baby while on the mat. Full Circle Yoga KC evolved into a family-centered yoga studio offering classes and workshops to support KC families. Our classes include Prenatal Yoga, Bring Your Baby Yoga, Mama/Parent and Little Mover Yoga, Postpartum Restorative Yoga, Kids Yoga (preschools to early elementary), and Preteen/Teen Yoga. Workshops include Prenatal Partner Yoga, Coming of Age/Puberty Workshop for Daughter and Mother, Pelvic Floor Yoga, and Fertility Yoga.

A recent review from an FCYKC Mama: “I would highly recommend this studio! I started coming to Full Circle early in my pregnancy. I continued prenatal yoga classes throughout my pregnancy. It was so wonderful to continue practicing as my body grew and changed. I also loved meeting other expecting mamas and sharing our experiences and journeys. This was my first pregnancy. Since our little girl was born, we started attending the BYOB (bring your baby) yoga classes and had such a fun time together! I look forward to attending classes with her as she grows. While pregnant, I also attended other workshops the studio hosted: Pelvic Floor, Couples Partner yoga, and Breastfeeding course. In some other workshops, we learned about different laboring positions and how my husband could support us during labor. Jenny, Deana, and Miracle are amazing yoga instructors! I am so thankful I found this community for this new chapter of our lives!”

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Meeting other women entrepreneurs who want to serve expectant and growing families has been a gift. It can be vulnerable to network and share what you offer. Still, in return, you build a collaborative community that clients appreciate, value, and feel they have a trusted source when they need resources.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fullcircleyogakc.com
• Instagram: fullcircleyogastudiokc
• Facebook: Full Circle Yoga KC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fullcircleyogakc4841

Image Credits
Wirken Photography – https://www.wirkenphoto.com/ Go Daddy Social