Jessamyn Stanley is a renowned yoga teacher, author, and social justice advocate who has become a leading voice in the movement for racial equality and body positivity. As a high-energy vinyasa flow instructor and founder of The Underbelly Yoga, she uses her platform to challenge societal norms and uplift marginalised communities through wellness. Jessamyn’s personal experiences navigating life as a queer, plus-sized Black woman in an industry often dominated by narrow beauty standards deeply inform her activism and speaking. Her talks, such as Every Body Yoga, The Oath of Authenticity, How to Defy Boundaries, What Mental, Emotional and Physical Wellness Means, and Embracing Diversity, are powerful, raw, and unapologetically honest explorations of identity, inclusion, and empowerment.
Jessamyn’s journey into yoga began with her training at the Kimberley Puryear Yoga Centre, where she completed a 230-hour certification. Initially using yoga as a personal outlet for emotional healing and self-acceptance, she soon realised the transformative power it held for others, especially those who felt alienated by mainstream wellness spaces. Her early blog chronicled her experiences and quickly gained traction, attracting thousands of followers with its authenticity and relatability. As a contributor to platforms like Elephant Journal, Mind Body Green, and Wanderlust, Jessamyn began to gain recognition for her candid approach to dismantling stereotypes of the ‘typical yogi’.
In recent years, Jessamyn has garnered widespread acclaim. Her debut book, Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get on the Mat, Love Your Body, became a bestseller and a vital resource for those seeking inclusive wellness guidance. She followed this with the publishing of has been featured in major outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, BuzzFeed, and Yoga International, and is celebrated as an icon of body positivity. As an entrepreneur, she has built a global following through her yoga masterclasses and social media presence, consistently using her platform to advocate for social change and racial equity.
Jessamyn’s speaking engagements go far beyond wellness. In talks like Embracing Diversity and The Oath of Authenticity, she connects her work to wider discussions on racial justice, equity, and representation. Her ability to speak truthfully about the intersections of race, body image, and mental health makes her a compelling and necessary voice in contemporary conversations. Audiences seek Jessamyn not only for her expertise but because she brings lived experience, passion, and relatability. She is a powerful choice for any event looking to inspire real change, encourage inclusivity, and break down systemic barriers.
