‘I GOT A LOT OF SATISFACTION OUT OF KNOWING I’D HELPED PEOPLE UNWIND’
Jackie Ngu, 49, lives with her husband, Sam, 49, in Uxbridge, with their three children, Zimini, 23, and twins Sijeh and Tebi, 17.
For decades, my life was a constant juggling act. Helping to run a healthcare recruitment business, while also looking after my three children, Zimini, Sijeh and Tebi with my husband, Sam, I was always busy.
My outlet and way to unwind was to do yoga every day for an hour. It was
my chance to de-stress and relax, while gently pushing my body and keeping fit.
When the country was plunged into lockdown last year, I turned to yoga even more. With no hour-long commute to work each day, I had more time and energy to practise. As weeks went by, friends, family and neighbours revealed that they were struggling with motivation, and I realised how so many people would benefit from yoga just like I did.
So in April 2020, I became a certified matt yoga teacher and I started streaming live yoga sessions on Facebook and Instagram for family and friends.
I did the free classes every day, sometimes getting up to 30 people tuning in, and I got a lot of satisfaction out of knowing I’d helped people to unwind and relax during such a challenging time.
In May 2020, I started holding Zoom classes, and they were so popular I set up a membership, charging people between £15 and £39 a month for group and private classes. More than a year on and my online yoga classes have never been so popular.
For now, I’m still working full-time and yoga teaching is just a sideline, but I’m hoping that may change in the future. I can’t wait to meet everyone in person when restrictions are lifted and hold face-to-face classes, too.
The last year has been so challenging and tough for everyone, but if I can help people find a way to relax, then I know that what I’m doing is worth it. ✱ For more information, visit saffron24.co.uk