We had the good fortune of connecting with Jami Lee Avery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jami Lee, how do you think about risk?
Life is risky, baby… but I’m all about it.

Risk-taking is an integral part of both my life and my career philosophy. It always has been and I would not be who I am today by playin’ it safe.

I wholeheartedly believe that embracing risk is necessary for personal and professional growth, and it has been a guiding principle throughout my journey. Life itself is inherently risky, from the simplest day to day actions to more significant decisions… it all depends on your perspective.

My Grandparents raised me and both were guiding lights on my journey, encouraging me to always follow my dreams and that anything was possible for me! My Grandmother especially played a significant role in shaping my perspective on risk from as long as I can remember. She instilled in me the value of trying new things, even when it feels daunting or frightening. She encouraged me to shape my own reality and let work be something that I love to do.

From a very young age, I knew I was here to help people, but for so long I did not know what that meant. I had to figure it out… by taking risks.

Risk brings with it much reward, but it also brings a lot of lows. A lot of uncertainty. And a lot of mystery. It’s how we overcome these ups and downs that truly shape us as human beings.

My motto has always been, try everything once and if you don’t like it… don’t do it again. I share this with my team, my clients, and the ones I love the most. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow, knowing that we won’t have to repeat it if it doesn’t align with our passions or goals.

In my role as the CEO of DEN Meditation, I encourage a culture of experimentation and innovation. I believe that trying new approaches, even if they carry some level of risk, is essential for the growth and success of our business. It’s crucial for our team, teachers, and facilitators to explore new ideas and we do our best to always take calculated risks. If something doesn’t yield the desired outcome, we view it as an opportunity to refine our strategies, pivot, and adapt. This mindset has led to the discovery of countless magical opportunities that would have remained hidden if we had played it safe.

Ultimately, I see risk as a vital component of growth and progress. It keeps me motivated to explore uncharted territories, both in my personal life and my career, enabling me to push past boundaries and reach new heights. As we continuously take risks, the possibilities become limitless, empowering us to unleash our full potential and discover the extraordinary possibilities that await us.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by trial and error, determination, and unwavering passion. As an entrepreneur from a young age, my love for what I do has always been the driving force behind my ventures.

I got my first job at my favorite surf shop when I was 13 years old. Fast forward… I put myself through college and started a yoga company with a dear friend where I began hosting retreats, world wide. My partner and I later co-founded The Cauzmos, a healing and wellness-focused consulting firm and then on 1.1.22, we took over The DEN Meditation, a truly special community that has captured our hearts.

When we acquired DEN, it had two beautiful physical locations in Los Angeles, but DEN’s incredible founder was closing both studios – due to the pandemic. Fueled by our belief in the company’s heart and my mission to be of service, we chose to carry on the legacy. Today, we have transformed DEN into a vibrant virtual platform, offering 30+ live classes each week with teachers from all corners of the world, along with a vast on-demand library of replays. We currently conduct trainings, workshops, pop*up events, and retreats worldwide, making our offerings accessible to people of all ages and styles.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is to stop caring about others’ opinions and to focus on ‘being’ my authentic self. Overcoming challenges involved deep breaths, self-belief, and challenging my inner self-talk. I’ve realized that as humans, we possess immense capabilities beyond our imagination. The healing and wellness space became my calling due to the traumas I faced, coming from a background of parental drug addiction, abuse, and loss. Though it has been a process, I continue to work on healing every day. It’s a process!

I owe tremendous gratitude to my therapists, teachers, mentors, and healers who have played a pivotal role in my journey. Witnessing my parents’ struggles, I knew I wanted a different path for myself, one filled with love. I knew I never wanted to create that level of heart ache for the ones I loved the most. The darkest time in my life came after the loss of my grandmother, which plunged me into the depths of my soul. My mother killed herself one year before, but that was what really made me take a step back and make some serious shifts in my life. It truly is amazing to look back and reflect… Within that darkness, I found a profound light that has illuminated my path ever since.

Today, I am here to inspire and be inspired by others. Life’s beauty lies in perspective, and I am committed to reminding everyone of life’s preciousness. Each day, I strive to create a positive impact and bring light to others’ lives. I believe that our experiences shape us, but our perspective shapes our reality. Embracing life with love, passion, and an open heart, I am dedicated to making a difference, touching hearts, and leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and inspiration.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohh, I love this question! So many incredible things to do and see in LA.

I’m a Westside girl, so bikes and beach are for sure my go-to! I love riding the boardwalk and stopping at Great White in Venice Beach for some breaky! Tbh, I am totally obsessed with food – so we’d have to hit up Scopa Italian Roots, Sugar Fish, Fishing with Dynamite, and/or Crossroads for dinner at some point.

I love music and dancing. I’d look up a fun concert or dance party and we’d all groove the night away.

For relaxation, the ladies and I would enjoy a day at Olympic Spa! If we had all our friends together, we’d unwind and get massages at Voda Spa.

We’d hike, go to yoga, and possibly head up to the Observatory. It’s so beautiful up there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
With heartfelt gratitude and immense love, I dedicate this shoutout to someone who has been the anchor of my life, my partner-in-crime, partner-in-love, and partner-in-business… Justin Ballatore (aka J).

J’s heart radiates pure love for all humans, all creatures and all things. I can honestly say that I have never encountered another soul as exceptional as his.

Our connection is profound, and the openness in our communication has created a safe space where we can share our deepest thoughts and emotions. In a world where relationships can be challenging, honesty, openness and a lot of adventure are the keys to our success.

J truly gets me – whether it’s during moments of excitement, confusion, sadness, or even when I’m at my craziest. We stand united, and together, we are unstoppable.

This dedication also extends to my cherished Soul-Family, both on this earth and in the ethers. Their boundless love and unwavering support kept me going, even when all odds were against me. Their presence in my life has been a source of strength and encouragement, propelling me forward on this journey called life. I humbly acknowledge that my achievements and growth would not have been possible without the love, mentorship, and encouragement of all those who have touched my life. Y’all know who you are… and THANK YOU.

Website: https://www.denmeditation.com/jamileeavery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamileeavery/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-lee-avery-666738b1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamileeavery/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-den-meditation-los-angeles-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@denmeditation

Other: https://www.threads.net/@denmeditation

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