ABOUT

Who is Jess?

Hi, I’m Jessica, or Jess or J.

A little bit about me, born in Belgium and raised in South Africa, a traveler, a teacher and an eternal student at heart. Always learning and growing as I go.

I’m currently living in Cape Town, South Africa and loving it. After a few years of traveling and living abroad it feels good to stay still for a while.
 
With an undergrad in psych and a postgrad in education, I have a love for working with and creating connections with people. I have worked with children for most of my life and have been teaching for the past few years, though I must say, I often feel as though I am the one learning from them. Child-like wonder and curiosity are where it’s all at.

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Yoga has been part of my life since 2012. This love grew over the years and has taken me on the most magical journey of self-love, self-acceptance and opened up space for all the curiosity. Yoga isn’t something I simply practice on my mat, it is a way of living, breathing and being.

I believe yoga is medicine for the mind, body and soul. Learning to breathe, move and explore the world and ourselves from a place of mindfulness and awareness is where the magic lies. Knowledge is something learnt, wisdom is when you embody that knowledge into your being.

I would like to invite anyone to this platform. It is a space where you can feel safe to be yourself. To learn self love, self-acceptance and to be curious about yourself and the world. Ultimately to connect to your most authentic self. Happy and balanced.

Through movement, breath play, meditation and creating awareness of self, I will support you on your journey to finding balance in mind, body and soul.

We rise by lifting others.

MISSION & VALUES

This space is about connection, collaboration, curiosity, learning and personal development. Soul Moves with Jess offers yoga sessions in a variety of ways. It’s not just yoga, but a place to be seen, held and heard through movement, breath work, meditation and conversation. Yoga retreats will be more bespoke in style, exploring ourselves in magical places. I am also planning on creating a safe space for women to learn about themselves, exploring women’s health around menstrual cycles, hormones, body awareness and sexuality.

CONNECTION

To support you in creating a healthy connection with yourself to find balance in all aspects of your life.

CURIOSITY

A desire to learn. To explore life and our experiences through the lens of curiosity.

EDUCATION

Through the sharing of knowledge, finding empowerment, freedom and an ability to transform that knowledge into embodied wisdom. 

OFFERINGS

For more information on any of these offerings and pricing, please contact us to enquire.

STYLES OF YOGA

Vinyasa

Vinyasa is a type of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body. From the Sanskrit ‘to place in a special way’, Vinyasa aligns a deliberate sequence of poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow. This practice enhances core stability, improves mobility and range of motion, calms the mind and reduces stress.

Yin

Yin yoga works deeply into our body with passive, longer-held poses. It targets the deepest tissues of the body, our connective tissues – ligaments, joints, bones, the deep fascia networks of the body and the meridians. This is in contrast to a Yang yoga practice such as Vinyasa yoga which targets the muscles. Energetically, Yin yoga improves the energy flow, enhancing the flow of chi in the organs. To be healthy, we need healthy organs as well as healthy muscles. Yin yoga also offers wonderful emotional and mental health benefits too, it is a wonderful antidote to our modern day, fast paced living. It allows us to slow down and pause.

Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation also known as ‘yogic sleep’ or ‘effortless relaxation’. It’s practiced lying down with a teacher guiding the session. The practice draws our attention inwards, and we learn to surf between the states of wakefulness and sleep, where our body finds its natural state of equilibrium (homeostasis) – the breath balances and becomes quiet, unconscious and conscious aspects of the mind reveal themselves, and we drop into an innate state of deep, blissful awareness.

Aerial

Aerial yoga utilizes a silk hammock that is suspended from the ceiling. The hammock is to provide support through your yoga flow, while also improving flexibility and range of motion. Aerial yoga is very theraputic and works deeply into the muscles and helps decompress the spine. This practice is different from your traditional yoga and opens up space to be playful and explore some fears (mental and emotional) in a safe space.

EVENTS & RETREATS

CURRENT EVENT

Aerial Yin & Yoga Nidra

Aerial Yin & Yoga Nidra

Theme: Acceptance

“Acceptance doesn’t mean that life gets better instantly. It means that your relationship with what is already here begins to soften.”

There is something profoundly healing about no longer needing to resist the moment.

Acceptance is not giving up. It is not approval or resignation. It is the quiet willingness to meet ourselves exactly as we are, with honesty, compassion, and curiosity.

In this practice, the aerial hammock becomes a place of support—a gentle reminder that we don’t have to hold everything on our own.

We’ll begin with a slow Aerial Yin practice, allowing long-held postures to soften the body, release stored tension, and invite spaciousness into the fascia and nervous system. There is nothing to force and nowhere to rush. Simply an opportunity to listen.

From there, you’ll be cocooned in the hammock for a guided Yoga Nidra, where the body rests deeply while awareness remains gently present. This meditative state allows the nervous system to settle, inviting restoration, clarity, and a profound sense of ease.

Together, we’ll explore what becomes possible when we stop resisting our experience and instead soften into acceptance—making space for peace, healing, and the quiet wisdom that has been within us all along.

Benefits

•⁠ ⁠Releases physical and emotional tension
•⁠ ⁠Regulates the nervous system
•⁠ ⁠Encourages deep rest and better sleep
•⁠ ⁠Supports emotional resilience and self-compassion
•⁠ ⁠Creates space for clarity, ease, and inner acceptance

No previous experience is needed. Simply come as you are.

Everything is welcome.

🗓 Date: Friday, 14 August 2026
🕒 Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
📍 Venue: The Lighthouse
💰 Exchange: R450

Please bring a blanket, an eye mask if you have, a journal and a pen.

Stay curious and see the magic💫

Booking link below:https://www.lighthouseholistic.co.za/event-details/yin-yoga-nidra-evening-side-body-ida-yin-pingala-yang-3

Book Here
CURRENT EVENT
UPCOMING RETREATS: Stay tuned for more info

TESTIMONIALS

What They’re Saying

“What an enriching experience! Jess is a fantastic yoga teacher - calm and caring with so much knowledge. I'd recommend her yoga classes to anyone. Jess' classes don't only contribute to physical wellness, but also creates a space to re-connect with your thoughts. Thank you Jess!”

NicoleneUnder Amour

“Yoga with Jess was amazing, felt rejuvenated and felt inner peace, could feel the positivity and good energy.”

Dharfeur HendricksAdidas Cape Town runners

“I think Jess did an awesome job knowing that the session was once off. She didn’t focus on doing the perfect yoga poses but more on mindfulness and that was perfect for me as a runner and as a business owner during these Covid 19 times. Just to remind ourselves to be more present in the moment.”

Brent JanariAdidas Cape Town runners

“I have been doing a weekly online yoga class with Jess since January 2022.
As a beginner, I am really enjoying Jess' attention to detail and specific instructions on each movement. I appreciate the growth and improvement of body and mind experienced in each class.
Jess is easy-going and friendly, often including her dogs in the class 🙂”

MelissaPrivate client

“As it is my first time experiencing the beautiful practice of yoga, Jess has been a wonderful, gentle instructor. I am part of a work-group where people have different levels of mobility And Jess always encourages only to do what our bodies allow and I love this!”

SherezaanThe ARES Group (Under Armour, Birkenstock & Crocs)

“Jess is such a fantastic instructor; we love each session with her.

She guides the class according to our needs and each session we gain so more confidence and understanding of our own bodies. She has a calmness to her and that spreads so quickly throughout the class, we feel safe and no judgement.
Since starting yoga again – post heavy lock down protocols. I have seen a difference in my overall mental and physical health. One session per week makes such a big difference. I went from having little to no deep sleep to a full hour of deep sleep - post our yoga session with Jess.

We really love having that one day per week to just come and leave all the work stress behind and just be.

Thank you Jess and we want to keep strengthening our relationship with you.”

Love the ARES Group(Under Armour, Birkenstock & Crocs)

“I began yoga sessions with Jess in July 2021. What started as a plan for me to build up some strength and flexibility has been that and SO much more. I never imagined that my sessions with her would soon become the highlight of my week.
Every session is tailored to suit my goals or needs. She helps correct my form and posture but at the same time encourages me to be more comfortable with my body, to step out of my comfort zone and be ok with not being able to do everything perfectly.
She creates a safe space for me to embrace thoughts and feelings that are weighing on my mind and is willing to listen and chat about it if need be.
Her passion and enthusiasm is contagious while her care and support is deeply comforting.
My sessions with Jess have had a huge impact on my life and have become essential in my weekly routine.”

Cath HanburyPrivate client

“Jess has the most incredible way of creating a sacred space that allows you to quieten your mind and move inwards - where you are able to tap into your body and heart space.
She guides with a mindful presence and carefully crafts her sequencers with intention and thoughtfulness. What a beautiful evening of Yin and Yoga nidra. Thank you Jess!”

Kelly Rae

“You owe it to yourself to attend one of Jess’s classes or workshops! Jess’s thoughtful curation to each class she teaches is tangible. Her sequencing creates a safe space for alignment, exploration, and curiosity to flourish. In addition to her technical and robust knowledge of the practice, Jess’ holistic approach creates a warm, caring and uplifting environment in which to practice yoga. Thanks to her gentle instruction during a recent Yin & Nidra workshop, I was able to deeply connect with my mind, body and spirit. Leaving her classes will no doubt leave you feeling blissfully grounded. Gift yourself and Move your Soul with Jess.”

Melody P

“I recently joined one of Jess’s Yin and Yoga Nidra evenings and what a beautiful and magical evening it was. Jess does an exceptional job at guiding and holding space throughout the session. I would highly recommend!”

Tshiamo Mangwedi

“I urge you to check out Jess’ aerial yin and nidra class! You will find yourself on a soulful journey guided by Jess’ smooth energy, calm clear voice, and a supportive swing that helps you float into a meditative swoon. It is a wonderful way to explore yoga and the Self.”

Sarah Miller

“I cannot express enough how much I enjoy the corporate yoga sessions with Jess. She is a truly wonderful instructor who brings a positive energy and expertise to every class. Her commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is exceptional. The small class size allows for individual attention, and Jess is always attentive to everyone's needs and abilities. Her knowledge of yoga and ability to guide us through the practice is simply outstanding. I always leave her sessions feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I highly recommend Soul Moves with Jess.”

Michelle Nieuwoudt

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