The Noble Team

As I’ve been working on the launch of our new photography project, I’ve been reflecting in gratitude for all the incredible women in my life. I’ve learnt so much from every single one of them, the levels of love, trust and friendship mean the world to me.

As well as in my personal life, I have women in my business life who are showing up in extraordinary ways. So, this month I’m writing a dedication to three wonderful women who are contributing so much to our Noble Yoga mission, and whom I adore creating with. They are experts in their disciplines, and together we have created these pockets of freedom and expression, friendship and humour, but ultimately trust, vulnerability and collaboration.

I am grateful for their love, dedication and for teaching me how going together is so much more fun than going alone. I consider these women part of my tribe.

And I trust them empirically.

In our manifestation of Noble Yoga, Lee and I always wanted to be able to employ people full time. To create roles that were meaningful, the roles that we ourselves had searched for in our early careers. Roles where you were collaborating, making incredible products that had purpose, and doing all that alongside great people in a team.

In the early days of Noble Yoga, I often felt overwhelmed at how much ‘stuff’ sat with me. We knew we needed to get more hands-on deck, but who? And how?

Three women came into my life quite organically; a gentle reminder how life always offers you exactly what you need, if you’re paying close attention that is.

We didn’t formally search for these women, with defined job roles as such. I’ve led big teams in businesses and have experience in developing talent, succession planning and cascading global business vision all the way from intern to department heads, but with your own business it’s very different. There’s no high salary and benefit package to attract big talent to your business, and very often you’re working in a much more agile and flexible way, so the individuals you need on board are particularly unique. You’re looking for experience and knowledge, but also at the way that people think and some evidence (or just gut instinct) that they believe in your mission too.

On top of this, as you’re working in such a small group, the dynamics must be right, this is the jewel in the crown. It’s a big list of requirements.

And then of course, there is the other perspective; that of the freelancer. When you’re working with a founder of a business their vision is strong. Often there isn’t any space to propose your ideas or suggestions. As a founder you live and breathe the business 24/7 so I understand how you can become a little, well, crazy. For freelancers it can be a really challenging gig.

But these three women all came onboard. Their journeys different, but their mindsets very similar. I’ve learnt that if you begin from a values-based proposition, you really do know when the connection is authentic. And everything that begins there, is built on a foundation of understanding.

Scarlett,  Noble Yoga Social Media & Digital marketing manager.

We were introduced by a mutual friend Chris, a dear friend, ex-colleague and part of the team who was onboard in the early days of Noble Yoga. Lee and I were unfamiliar with social media, (confession, I have never had a FB account!) we knew what we wanted to share with our community, but it turns out that building and maintaining an Instagram page is a full-time job.

I liked Scarlett instantly and I knew I wanted her on the team, I was thrilled when she said yes. Scarlett was able to take our vision and build a social platform with it.

She was (and still is today) patient and meticulous in her approach.

Scarlett is the longest serving member of our team. I can pass Scarlett anything and she catches it. She can take a thread of an idea (or a waffling voice note) and make it so much more dynamic than I could myself. Scarlett has grown her role and engagement with us, starting off almost behind the scenes, to now creating campaigns, stories and newsletters, and works front of house liaising directly with yoga studios, event managers, PR and marketing partners.

Scarlett and I are both nerds for organisation (true story) and we have created a system that is structured, but also wide open for creativity. We have a magical calendar that helps to create space and a flow of information, we have recently really found our groove.

I’ve learnt from Scarlett to trust and fully let go. Her fresh eyes and perspective inspire me immensely, and I also know a thing or two about social media these days too. Our daughter Theia refers to Scarlett as the ‘Mermaliad’ (mermaid) , like some kind of mythical being. In my reality that’s a pretty apt description.

Scarlett, thank you for saying yes, all those months ago. Noble Yoga just wouldn’t be where it is without your contribution. And we’re really enjoying watching you grow.

Alicia, Noble Yoga Events, PR & Brand ambassador

We laugh about our story often. We met because Alicia sent a DM when we first launched Noble Yoga. I remember her email, she wanted to know how she could help us. I said to Lee, ‘There’s a girl who wants to get involved’. I thought, she’s either a total loon, or has exactly the high vibes we need. Needless to say, it was the latter.

After trialling pop ups and events together on an informal basis, when the business gained some momentum eventually, we created a role for Alicia. Fast forward 18 months and Alicia now focuses on events and PR as well as being a brand ambassador. Behind the scenes we refer to her role as ‘The Generator’; -competitions, events, connections, you name it, she just makes s@@t happen.

I’ve learnt from Alicia to believe, believe in it all. She is selfless, incredibly funny and has the most infectious energy. She’s an incredible mother and role model and is someone I feel like I’ve known for years. I’ve also started leaving far more voice notes on WhatsApp than I ever have in my life because of her influence. If you know Alicia, I’m sure that statement will make you smile.

Alicia, thank you for reaching out to us. I am truly grateful for you appearing in our world. Your commitment to Noble Yoga and to me on a personal level is something I marvel over.

Gemma, Noble Yoga photographer

We met via a mutual friend. Gemma was working a full-time accountancy job whilst pursuing her love of photography as a side hustle on the side, building her business in her free time. Fast forward two years and Gemma has quit her full-time job and is flying high in creative projects. Gemma even has a wellness studio that will open soon.

Like Noble Yoga, every penny she earns is reinvested into her business. I love sharing inspirational images with her, and very often language isn’t even required when we work together, she just ‘gets’ it. The shoot that we will launch in October, is a natural evolution of our collaboration together. I’ve learnt from Gemma about the real and raw beauty in capturing moments in time, not just in Noble Yoga, but in my life.

Gemma is free spirited, a wonderful mother, and a woman of the earth. If she’s not at her desk, she is usually outdoors in a pool of wild water, the colder the better. She arrived at my house for the shoot, head to toe in Noble Yoga, a bunch of flowers and a sough dough starter in hand, I mean….

Gemma, thank you for bringing so much of our vision to life. You inspire me more and more each time we shoot together. There’s an ease and effortless relationship between us and I value it deeply.

To all the women. Thank you. You are all contributing so much to Noble Yoga and shaping how and where we grow.

And as always, if you have your own thoughts and feedback to share with me, I’d love to read them and have a conversation with you. You can reach me here.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Love, Jodie x