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jen valdés

yoga teacher and sound bath facilitator

Hey there! I'm Jen, a yoga teacher and sound bath facilitator with German-Cuban roots, now based in the beautiful Meanjin (Brisbane), Australia.

My personal yoga and wellness journey began in 2011. During my first year of uni, I stumbled into my first yoga class at a local gym. Seeking balance in my fitness routine, I unexpectedly found myself drawn back to the yoga mat, a decision that would profoundly shape my path forward.

While graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Journalism from the Universities of Leipzig, Germany and São Paulo, Brazil, I embarked on many journeys through South America and Southeast Asia. These travels deepened my appreciation for ritual and practice, further enriching my understanding of different yoga traditions.

Splitting my time between Berlin and New York, my approach was shaped by the wonderfully inspiring teachers I encountered along the way. I finally decided to follow my heart and embark on my first yoga teacher training after settling in Australia in 2018 and have been sharing my love for the practice since.

My own teachings today, are a happy blend of ritual and mysticism mixed with practical and accessible movement. I believe in keeping things real - an accessible practice tailored to modern bodies and life with it's ups and downs. In the words of my teacher Carling Harps, "feel-good movement for (kinda) normal people".
✺ Move Better
✺ Feel Better
✺ Rest Better
✺ Live Better
✺ Breathe Better
✺ Move Better
✺ Feel Better
✺ Rest Better
✺ Live Better

why yemayá?


The name Yemayá holds deep significance in Cuban culture and reflects the essence of our yoga practice. In Afro-Cuban traditions, Yemayá is the powerful orisha (god) of the ocean, embodying motherhood, protection, and the nurturing power of water.

She represents the ebb and flow of life, the strength and fluidity we cultivate in our yoga practice. Just as Yemayá is associated with healing and renewal, my classes aim to provide a space for rejuvenation and self-discovery.

By invoking her spirit, we honour the universal themes of nurture, strength, and transformation that resonate in yoga practices worldwide.

some questions & answers...

Do you have any certifications or special training?


Absolutely! I've invested significantly in my education to provide the best possible experience for my students. My certifications and special training include:

  • 350-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Stretch Yoga, Brisbane
  • Embodied Philosophy Training with Soul Studies, Brisbane
  • Creative Sequencing with Creature Yoga, Byron Bay
  • Advanced Sequencing with Stretch Yoga, Brisbane
  • Restore & Recover Training with Awakening Yoga Academy, Seattle
  • Meditation & Breathwork Training with Awakening Yoga Academy, Seattle
  • Sound Healing Level 1 + 2 with Light Castle Sound Healing, Brisbane

This diverse range of trainings allows me to offer a well-rounded approach to yoga and wellness, blending traditional practices with modern techniques.

I'm committed to ongoing education to ensure I'm always bringing fresh insights and effective methods to my classes.

How would you describe your teaching style?

My teaching style is grounded, practical, and adaptable. I believe in making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of your experience or fitness level.

I draw from my diverse training to create classes that blend traditional yoga practices with modern body awareness.

Whether it's an energising Hatha flow or a grounding restorative practice, I emphasise mindful movement, breath work, and techniques you can easily incorporate into your daily life.

I offer plenty of modifications and encourage students to listen to their bodies. Expect a welcoming, judgment-free zone where you're invited to explore what works best for you.

Above all, I aim to make each class both nurturing and practical. You'll leave feeling refreshed, centred, and equipped with tools to navigate your day with more ease and awareness.

What's your favourite yoga pose and why?

My favourite yoga pose is Child's Pose (Balasana).

There's something beautifully humble and nurturing about this simple posture. It's a pose of rest and surrender, allowing us to turn inward and find a moment of peace in our busy lives.

I love Child's Pose because it gently stretches the back, hips, and ankles while promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system. It's a pose that reminds us it's okay to rest, to take a break, and to nurture ourselves.

It's a posture that invites us to check in with ourselves and honour our needs in the moment. Child's Pose embodies what I believe yoga is all about - finding stillness, connecting with our breath, and giving ourselves permission to simply be.

It's a physical reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause and turn inward.

say hello!

Do you want to ask me a question, leave a comment or work with me? I’d love to connect with you! Fill out the form or shoot me a little email and I'll be in touch.

Get in touch via the form below or send an email to hello@yemayayoga.com

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