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

Hi Julia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta. I come from a family who was and is still heavily involved in the church. I was homeschooled until the ninth grade, and attended a Christian school for high school. That is where I met my husband.

Growing up, I was a dancer and also did horseback riding. My childhood is full of memories playing with my best friend, my sister, and my cousins. I was raised to be independent, hardworking, to look out for my family and friends, and to be generous with my time, talent, and resources. Today, I feel that these values still play out in my life and relationships.

What should our readers know about your business?
Embrace Joy was born during my journey of healing from disordered eating and compulsive exercise. Yoga became a very important practice during this healing process, and I decided I wanted to become certified to teach. After I earned my 200 hour certificate, I decided that I wanted to help others who were going through the same journey. I also want to create change in the Western yoga space, which has become very inundated with diet culture and Eurocentric beauty and fitness ideals. I wanted to create an accessible platform where people could feel safe practicing yoga in whatever way resonates with them. I obtained a trauma informed yoga certification and I am in training to become a yoga therapist, My ultimate goal for my business is to help people heal their relationships with food, their bodies, and movement. My business is still very young, and I am still figuring out what exactly I am doing, but I am excited to create this brand and spread a message that I believe a lot of people need to hear.

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.
I would take them downtown to the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coke. I would also take them to the Yard Milkshake Bar near Centennial park. I would then suggest we do a yoga session and Wine Tasting at Qualusi Vineyards. Then follow that up with dinner at Bernie’s in downtown Kennesaw.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, credit goes to my amazing support system. My husband, my kids, my parents, my sister, my lifelong friends. These are people who have always believed in me and cheered me on in my endeavors. I also want to shout out to my amazing gym community at Burn Boot Camp Kennesaw. This is where I taught my first yoga class and where I feel empowered daily. My church family at High Point Atlanta has been amazing! I also want to shout out to my former dietitian who was crucial in helping me recover from disordered eating and compulsive exercise, Alyssa Pike, RD. To the wonderful ladies at the Anna Crawford Children’s Center for allowing me to volunteer teaching them yoga and mindfulness. And to my two dear fellow yogis and friends who have become inspirations and mentors to me in my intuitive eating and intuitive movement journey: Amanda Marks (Resilient Counseling) and Cristina Johnson (Honor Your Path Studio).

Website: www.embracejoyyoga.com

Instagram: @embracejoyyoga

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-townsend-4a604060/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8sNhDBfluoMOpNIDJ6OqIQ

Image Credits
headshot – Jenn Conner Photography Yoga studio photo – Elli+Row Photography

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