“My professional Motto is: ‘Self discovery in process.’ I am not perfect. Yoga is a practice and I am just beginning.”

Jenay Aiksnoras lives and breathes yoga as the owner/director of the award-winning studio, Lake Tahoe Yoga. With her background in psychology, knowledge of the body, and understanding of the philosophies of yoga, Jenay offers her clients both a spiritual and physical practice. When she’s not teaching, she is investing in the community by volunteering and supporting a variety of organizations including TAMBA, the Tahoe Chamber, Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, and many more.

Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Jenay Aiksnoras!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

Since 2008 I have passionately shared the practice of Yoga with thousands of people hailing from the local area as well as around the world.  Yoga is a lifestyle and I strive to live it in the best way I can.  I enjoy teaching Asana (physically focused) classes on the beach, on the paddle board and on-location.  The studio has become a classroom in which we dive deeper into the practices and philosophy of Yoga. Lake Tahoe Yoga has become a second home for me and many of those who regularly join the practice.

Over the past decade, I have developed LTY into a space that provides health and healing.  By incorporating my training in counseling, knowledge of the body and understanding of the philosophies of Yoga I have developed programming that addresses more than the body.  I offer individualized therapeutic practices and unique private sessions for groups of all sizes.  Those interested in learning how to teach Yoga are trained in a 1:1 setting customized to honor their time and learning style.

LTY has been recognized as Best of Tahoe, has received the Blue Ribbon Experience Award through the Tahoe Chamber, is registered as a Women Owned Small Business and has the most reviews and highest ratings in the area on Yelp and Google.  I have hosted professional groups including Nike, Adidas, Pernod Ricard, Cannondale and others.  I’ve even been on television’s Total Divas.  With the help of a few teachers who trained at the Lake Tahoe Yoga School LTY offered practices at REI Outessa.

To show my love and value for the community I give back through monetary donation, volunteering, gifts and events.  I think that every small business should support their local community in any way that they can.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

I cannot choose just one moment.  My favorite moments are the ones in which I see someone discover that there is more to Yoga than poses.  Whether celebrating a bachelorette party, floating out on the water during Paddle Yoga, honoring the sunset during a beach practice or working on themselves in the studio, those of us who stick with the practice eventually have a “yogapiphany” and we realize how much more there is to experience.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

So, the word “Mantra” means “Mind Training” and is the practice of reciting sacred words in order to shift the quality of Prana and redirect your thoughts to a singular focus.  I apply the practice of Mantra at various times in order to redirect my energy and thoughts toward that which I need to cultivate.

My professional Motto is: “Self discovery in process.”  I am not perfect.  Yoga is a practice and I am just beginning.

Who is your role model?

Amy Pearce-Hayden is my dear friend, teacher and guide on the path.  She is an incredible teacher, amazing human and supportive guide.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

Tahoe has all the things: mountains, valleys, beaches, water I can swim in, snow to ski, trails to run, dirt to bike, roads to ride, good vibes, good people and tons of potential.  Every day is beautiful and everyone I meet offers me something that I need.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

Yes!  I support TAMBA by volunteering my time to help out with events and trail build whenever I can.  I belong to TRYP and am a Tahoe Chamber Ambassador.  I was a member of the Wedding and Honeymoon Association.  I also offer free or donation-based practices whenever asked.  Some groups I support include Boys and Girls Club, Live Violence Free, Big Brothers Big Sisters, League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Bear League, Tahoe Wildlife, as well as many other local, national and international non-profit organizations.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

That depends upon the season.  Autumn & Spring: Running, Summer: Biking and Beaching, Winter: Skiing.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds

Nevada Beach, Lakeview Commons, Brooks Bar at Edgewood, South Lake Brewing, Revive Coffee and Wine, Aloha Ice Cream.

Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here.