Kalisse Kelly Yoga: From Stress to Service, Kalisse’s Journey Back to Herself
For Kalisse Kelly, yoga is more than exercise; it is a way to breathe again. After leaving a stressful managerial job without a clear plan, she found herself returning to what she already knew and loved: yoga. Certified and passionate, she decided to lean fully into her practice and turn it into a business that helps others find peace, balance, and connection.
“I was already a certified yoga teacher and decided to lean into creating a business from it,” she shares. What started as a personal journey of healing has grown into Kalisse Kelly Yoga, a space where Jamaicans can relieve stress, move freely, and reconnect with themselves in a safe, judgment-free environment.
Her services include group classes for community and mindful connection, private classes for those who prefer a personalised experience, and events and workshops for anyone who enjoys learning, exploring, and deepening their yoga journey. Through each offering, Kalisse aims to give people a meaningful alternative to stress relief that strengthens the body, mind, and heart.
Running a small business has not been easy. “One of my biggest challenges is having to do it all myself, from accounting and marketing to cleaning the studio, teaching classes, and negotiating partnerships,” she admits. Even with the constant balancing act, she has found strength in resilience and creativity. “It has taught me the importance of staying grounded in my purpose.”
Like many entrepreneurs, Kalisse has also learned some tough lessons. Early on, she entered collaborations that did not align with her values. “Now, I trust my intuition. I only say yes to partnerships that feel right,” she explains.
There have been moments when she has felt like giving up. “Coming back from vacation recently was a sobering reminder of how heavy it can feel to hold everything together on my own,” she says honestly. “But I also know that rest, reflection, and honesty are part of the journey, and even in the struggle, there is space to begin again.”
Her background as a manager gave her the perspective to navigate business ownership with empathy and purpose. “At the core of everything, I am here to serve people. That is what keeps me going.”
Outside the studio, Kalisse finds joy in simple pleasures: fruits that are light and sweet, the song The Secret Kissing of the Sun & Moon by Hang Massive, and the serene beauty of Thailand, a place she describes as reminiscent of island life with its culture, massages, and warmth.
When asked about her favourite school memory, she smiles. “It is not really about school. It is the freedom I remember most: sunshine on my skin, no bills or responsibilities, just the simple joy of being alive.” That sense of freedom and lightness is what she strives to help others rediscover through yoga.
One of her proudest moments came from watching a client grow in confidence and movement. “They started with little coordination or balance, but over time, they began to move with strength and awareness. By the end, they were not just doing the poses, they were embodying them.”
Her sister and partner remain her strongest supporters, always showing up at her workshops and cheering her on through every high and low.
Looking ahead, Kalisse is reworking her schedule after Hurricane Melissa disrupted one of her events. Her goal for 2026 is to host monthly workshops that deepen community connection and offer more opportunities for people to explore yoga in Jamaica.
Through every twist and turn of her journey, one thing remains clear: for Kalisse Kelly, yoga is not about perfection. It is about showing up, breath by breath, pose by pose, and learning to find peace in the present moment.
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