Inspiring Conversations with Jackie Reece of Elevated Living Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Reece.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I discovered yoga in my mid-thirties, and it quickly became more than a practice to me. It became a calling. In 2010, I completed my yoga teacher training and spent that summer teaching friends, simply sharing something that I loved. That passion led me to open my first studio, Balance Yoga: Mind Body Spirit in 2011. It was an immediate success, however it required a huge time commitment and after having my third child, I knew I needed to take a step back for my family and closed the studio in 2013. The call to yoga grew strong again in 2018, when by popular demand, I began teaching one class a week at a local Pilates studio. Simultaneously, I began taking on a larger teaching position at Hard Yoga in Orange County, teaching Yoga Flow and Sculpt classes. During my time at both studios, I refined my own personal style and approach and my sculpt classes naturally evolved into the hybrid mat Pilates/yoga sculpt style I am known for today. As we all know, the Pandemic affected the wellness world, and Hard Yoga was no exception. At the time Hard Yoga was closing, I was going through a divorce. These two chapters coming to a close at the same time inspired me to take another chance on myself, trust my instincts, and open up my own business once again. I founded Elevated Living Collective in November 2021 with Paula Vasin. Together we built the business into a multi dimensional wellness community including Private Reformer Pilates, group yoga and Mat Pilates, retreats, and special events. 2025 was a pivotal year for me, I bought out my business partner, turned 50 and got married.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Initially, our struggles came from finding a new yoga normal in the post pandemic world. Redefining safety protocols, class sizing, addressing people’s comfort levels and making sure we were safe and healthy together was top priority. As with most small businesses, making sure we were legally and business wise compliant with all Federal, State and Local laws must be carefully navigated. At the same time, figuring out how to navigate technology platforms,, creating an appealing class schedule, hiring skilled instructors, managing staff and day to day business operations takes a lot of juggling. Not to mention marketing and sales. I like to joke that I wear many hats,, including making our non-toxic cleaning supplies and washing our organic bamboo reusable cleaning cloths. I truly have my hands in all aspects of the business.

We’ve been impressed with Elevated Living Collective, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Elevated Living Collective is Orange County’s premiere boutique wellness studio, we specialize in small group classes that deliver a personalized, high-quality experience. Led by expert instructors and grounded in a supportive, close-knit community, our space is designed for those who value excellence and connection.

Elevated events set our collective apart from other yoga and Pilates studios. We are a community, and we love to learn and play together. We regularly hold events ranging from Charcuterie making, to floral arranging, to non-toxic beauty product making. We old holiday open houses and wreath-making classes. We also take one to two retreats per year to beautiful destinations in southern California.

We have two spaces: a dynamic yoga and Mat Pilates room within the Huntington Harbour Athletic Club and our clients have access to the changing room and full bathroom. Our beautiful upstairs space is available for private sessions in yoga and Pilates and is outfitted with 5 Balanced Body Reformers a Cadillac, a Wunda chair, a Ladder Barrel and any and all props one would need for teaching. Experienced, Certified and Insured Instructors are welcome to share our upstairs space on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think it is super important to surround yourself with inspirational and like-minded individuals. Throughout my life, I have always had women I admire and look up to as guideposts along the journey. I founded Healthy with a Side of Wine in 2019. These were events for women business owners where we combined wellness and networking. Many of the relationships formed there helped women business owners navigate the challenges brought by the Pandemic. When I opened Elevated Living Collective, I stopped having events under that name, however I am always supportive of other women business owners and frequently collaborate with and allow others to use my space for their own businesses. We all look to each other for inspiration and support.

Pricing:

• Your first unlimited week is free if you try the studio.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theelevatedlivingcollective.com
• Instagram: @elevated.living.collective
• Facebook: @elevatedlivingcollective
• Youtube: @elevatedlivingcollective3017

Image Credits
Danica Scales