We had the good fortune of connecting with John San Juan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Risk has played a tremendous role in my life path. I have an MBA (Masters of Business) from Cornell University and I worked at Warner Bros. in theatrical finance. I was deeply unhappy with American corporate life that values salary over well-being. So I did a hard pivot and became a wellness entrepreneur. In my opinion, life is going to be difficult no matter what path I chose. The difference is that I could choose – either stay with a career I loathed with the certainty of a spiritual death at the benefit of a good paycheck, or risk the uncertainty of being financially unstable for the certainty that I would at least be free and happy to live a life I was creating. I think many people live lives of quiet misery because they are scared of risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As I mentioned, I have an MBA from Cornell University yet did a hard life pivot to became a yoga instructor. I simply could not subscribe to the 1% wealth mentality much less work to be a part of it. My role as a Wellness Activist and yoga instructor is to guide my students toward the clarity they are seeking. Yoga is more than aerobic meditation or a cardiovascular workout. On some level, everyone who comes to the mat is seeking something more profound than the physical body. There is a life trying to live itself through us that sometimes we deny or push aside. My yoga practice helps people get more in tune with that highest self, the one that knows our purpose and is waiting for us to access our God Gifts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

We would do yoga in Malibu first – connecting to self via scenery is a magical and mystical practice. It’s one of the best ways to breathe in a city. Then we would do the same on magic mushrooms in Joshua Tree – which is basically LA’s vacation suburb. Same activity – do yoga on shrooms in the desert. Magical.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Tribe. When the pandemic hit, social connection and inner peace became some of the most valuable commodities in our society – ones I could deliver. My Tribe, my friends, my students, needed me and the yoga practice weekly, and gave me the purpose which guided me to where I am today. I am so grateful to all of them for needing me. It ignited the fire of service within me.

Website: www.john-sanjuan.com
Instagram: john.san.juan
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsanjuan/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/johnsanjuan7

Image Credits
Park Yoga Class during time of Pandemic (yoga studios and gyms shut down) Facemasks by John San Juan (upcycled from designer dust bags) Upcycled designer dust bags turned into stylish dog clothes for my dog fashion label – Pancake & Godiva

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