Meet Jamie Garrison of Inner Sage: The Studio, The Shop, The Lifestyle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Garrison. 

Hi Jamie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Yoga has always been a part of my life. I recall as a child, feeling deeply connected to nature, spirituality, and energy. As an adult, it has become a way of life to maintain that union. On a quest for meaning and purpose, I began yoga and meditation as a teenager. Over time my interests have evolved to include aromatherapy, herbalism, Ayurveda, Thai Massage, and energy through Reiki & crystals. I consider myself to be a humble student of life and it is my dharma to share these interests with others so they too can attain balance and purpose in life. 

In 2010, while working in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan, I completed my 200-hr yoga teacher training. Deeply drawn to my personal practice I found my true calling as a yoga instructor. It was during this time I began to explore energy work and have since received a Master Level Reiki Certificate. In November 2017 I was ready to pursue my 500hr RYT and completed that advanced training in April 2021. As my interests as a practitioner evolve, I have discovered the next step on my personal journey is to support my clients and community in a clinical therapeutic space. In the fall of 2021, I began graduate school, working towards my master’s in social work at Wayne State University. 

I teach from experience, my personal practice, and from my heart. A part of my message to students is to be their own guru. My goal as a guide is to help my students honor their own personal truth, enabling them to live consciously, in touch with their hearts, and finding a practice that suits them. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to share yoga and to empower my students to be their own best teacher. I am even more thankful for yoga, which has been invaluable both physically and mentally throughout my life including the beautiful journey of motherhood. I have immense gratitude for those who believe in my vision and support my mission to foster an environment for the community to explore a meaningful healthy lifestyle. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Due to COVID-19 and Michigan Executive Order’s my yoga studio was mandated to temporarily close on March 16th, 2020 – January 2021. My personal life also changed dramatically during that time as my children’s father, and I amicably filed for divorce the day before Michigan’s stay-at-home order. 

As an in-person class yoga studio, I was unable to conduct regular business operations throughout the 10-month shutdown. Rent abatement was not granted during this time. Revenues during this temporary closure dropped significantly. As time went on, my member base continued to drop their monthly subscription and have requested refunds. New memberships were and still are at an all-time low. Revenues from workshops and trainings were lost as we had to cancel them. Refunds for these cancellations due to covid were requested and processed. Offsite training’s, professional development, and corporate classes have been canceled for the foreseeable future due to the pandemic. 

Despite the temporary closure during the pandemic, I employ two full-time managers as well as four support staff and 8 Independent contractors (1099’s) serving as yoga instructors. It was also during the temporary closure when I prepared for the expansion of my business model to a second market/location. 

We’ve been impressed with Inner Sage: The Studio, The Shop, The Lifestyle, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Inner Sage is a woman-owned company that has been in business for over 8 years. We are an inclusive environment and believe yoga and metaphysical practices should be accessible to all, fun, taught by skilled & inspiring teachers, and supported by mindful staff. 

As an expansion to our Dearborn, MI Studio and Shop we opened a metaphysical shop in Ferndale, MI. It is my intention to support both communities in their yoga and self-care practice and to facilitate their holistic/wellness-minded lifestyle. 

I was positioned to expand my Metaphysical retail section to new a new market in Ferndale because I have 7 years experience running a successful studio/shop, my staff and I are well educated on metaphysical/holistic lifestyle, and we have been successful at pop-up shops within the Metro Detroit area. 

Inner Sage Metaphysical boutique provides many products pertaining to intuitive understanding such as crystals, incense, and oracle cards. As well as providing pleasant home décor and apparel including clothing, earthy necklaces, bracelets, and intricate-designed bags. 

Clients who are interested in our yoga/meditation classes have a variety of options and paces they could join in at their own desire or inquiry. We offer classes that are good for beginners and led at an accessible pace as well as relaxing, in addition offering classes that are challenging and active. 

Everyone at their own pace and intuitive wisdom are welcomed to connect with their own Inner Sage. 

What’s next?
The year prior to the pandemic I was selected to attend and successfully completed the 16th Cohort of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Detroit. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the business advisors, especially Michael Geiger, who supported a shift in my mindset surrounding business ownership and leadership. His patience and encouragement helped me focus on details and feel confident stepping outside of my comfort zone while completing the assignments pertaining to my growth opportunity. He invited me to present my financial forecasting, which was a complex assignment, to the entire cohort. I attribute having the tools needed to successfully launch a new growth opportunity during the pandemic to the confidence I gained in forecasting under Michael’s mentorship. 

Making bold business moves such as opening a successful new storefront during a pandemic increased my overall confidence as a business owner and fuels my drive for future endeavors. 

Future plans include facilitating a healing center, not only offering yoga and meditation but individual and couples therapy, massage, and energy work. 

Contact Info:

• Email: info@innersagelife.com
• Website: www.innersagelife.com
• Instagram: @yourinnersage
• Facebook: @innersage313
• Other: @yogajamie313 IG

Image Credits
Scott Sprague
The Crimson Fox