Conversations with Beth James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth James. 

Hi Beth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had a vision pregnant in the woods at my friend’s wedding to host a yoga festival in the forest. It seemed crazy yet every time I went into the woods, which I frequently did it came up and I heard the trees tell me to do it! I had no money, was making square as a struggling as a yoga teacher. I got a small loan from a friend and created Barefoot & Free. My vision was to create a gathering set in nature where people could do yoga and connect on a deeper more spiritual level with everything around them. 

I have been running this mid-west festival now for 7 years as well as leading international yoga retreats, often with one kid on my hip around the world. 

During these past 7 years, my life has been a wild journey of rediscovering myself., learning how to embody my true feminine essence and lead with my heart. 

I am passionate about bringing people together on this high-tech disconnected world I provide in-person, intimate gatherings. I encourage REALNESS and shy away from the new age dogma and hierarchies of so much new age yoga and wellness trends. I combine our natural Medicines; nature, body awareness, touch, connection, community. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has been a wild bumpy road. I got divorced, have had to figure out life all over again. Almost filed for bankruptcy after covid and somehow ended up settling down in a home close to the woods with my two daughters and our cat. 

I have had to release Shame and guilt as a newly single mom. Trying to figure out the balance of work life with mothering my daughters has been an ongoing task. 

I am a pattern breaker in my family and I am still learning how to fully love and accept myself. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a yoga teacher. I lead yoga retreats and put on yoga and conscious gatherings. 

I created the yoga festival Barefoot and Free in Michigan 7 years ago and am creating more Barefoot festivals around the country. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Passion 

Willingness to learn new things and fail 

Ask for help 

Drive 

Finding the right people 

Attracting them 

Staying true to your mission 

Believing in yourself 

Contact Info:

• Website: Barefootandfreeyoga.com
• Instagram: Bethjamesyoga
• Facebook: Barefoot and Free Yoga
• Youtube: Barefoot and Free Yoga

Image Credits
Jessie Belanger photographer