Meet Kenisha Thibodeaux

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenisha Thibodeaux and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenisha, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is something that I say at the end of each of my yoga classes. “Stay happy, Stay healthy. Stay Hydrated.”
Health is wealth. Staying happy balances out whatever day to day distractions and frustrations we may deal with. We have to stay healthy in all ways possible. Mentally, Physically and Emotionally. Staying Hydrated seals the deal on our happiness and health on a cellular level. Our bodies are our personal temples.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
7 years ago, when I graduated yoga teacher training, there wasn’t anyone from New Orleans, an African American woman who taught 26:2 style of yoga, at my age. That’s the exact thing that set me apart. I am a native of New Orleans. Born, raised and fed, doing something i the city that was out of the norm. I got to where I am by being inclusive, relating to the people who look like me. I wanted to teach yoga to everyone in the hood! I incorporate New Orleans in my teaching every single class. Those who wouldn’t have even thought about yoga, I wanted to show them that this was for them too! The only way I was able to spread my love for it was to become a teacher and the guiding light. I grew up with a strong religious background and yoga seemed a bit far fetched and I wanted people to get rid of that ideology. I met people where they were while showing them this is for them too and no, you don’t have to be physically flexible but let me help you get mentally flexible to pick up what I’m putting down.
I’ve learned that as long as you are honest and patient whilst doing what you love, people will support you. My love for yoga overflows!
I want the world to know- I absolutely can not put my leg behind my head! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE TO DO YOGA! Also, I started practicing yoga without ever thinking I’d be an instructor, that was never the goal. I started my practice to help me cope with life and to find balance without going crazy.
Staying consistent with my own practice, the opportunity to teach was presented to me and I went for it. Now, here I am. I’ve been called a living legend, Miss yoga and I often get told that when someone thinks of yoga they think of Keni.

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?
First, we’d start of with a nap lol Then we’d get some beignets from
Get Stuph’d Beignets and Burgers. We’d do yoga, of course! Bike ride through the city day and night! I love biking. Eat some food cooking from Lil’ Dizzy’s. We’d go kayaking in the bayou and have a nice picnic and some nice tunes playing. Very relaxing. Life is already stressful so I like to relax every chance I get. We’d go to 14 Parishes Jamaican Restaurant- get a drink and vibe out at The Hummingbird Lounge. We’d catch the ferry preferably on bikes and ride around algiers point. Shopping in the French Market. Hang out on Bayou Rd. Visit the Tell Me Lounge on a Monday evening, their selection of Skin Contact Wine is A1. We’d stop by my favorite bartender, Gina S., at Desi Vegas Steak House. Visit Baldwin Books, ‘If Beale street could talk’ is my favorite latte of all time from there. Then end the day wherever my friend, DJ JESS is dj’ing.
It’s New Orleans, something is always going on.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out and thank the entire city of New Orleans, Yes,Yoga and all of my family and friends. There isn’t any ONE person I can all out because every single person who has supported me in any way, made my success what it is today. I’ve taught Politicians, Well known Actors, Musical Artists, Elementary & High School kids, children in Juvenile Diverson programs and so many more.

Instagram: theartsyyogi

Twitter: theartsyyogi

Image Credits
Gabriella Pineda