Jen Handley

I started practicing yoga in 2001, when I took a class for college credit at Ball State University. I fell in love with the movement, the tradition and philosophy and how great each class made me feel. I’ve practiced ever since, and in many ways, I feel like my journey is still just beginning. 

I’m a creative person at heart, a lifelong painter, a curious researcher and an entrepreneur. I’ve built and grown a social media research firm, a creative co-working space, and recently a yoga retreat business with my partner, Jen Xanders. And now I’m so honored to have the opportunity to be the co-owner of Flourish Yoga + Wellbeing with her as well and to help guide this incredible community into its next phase.  

I believe I’ve been able to successfully manage the demands of my career and family life because of the tools I gained from practicing yoga- the ability to turn inward, having enough physical and mental energy, flexibility, strength, balance, focus, and most important of all, Santosha- contentment. 

I am fascinated by and continuously researching the mind-body-spirit connection and our enormous capacity to heal our bodies and our hearts. I have seen immense benefits of this practice in my life. Since losing my husband of 17 years to pancreatic cancer in 2021, I have had an even greater appreciation for the healing power of yoga- through all of its 8 limbs. It is my passion to now help others to find joy, peace, and hopefully some healing through their own practice. 

When I’m not on my mat, I’m spending time with my 2 teens- Quinn, 15 and Darby, 14- my partner, Matt, and my 3 rambunctious dogs. I’m happiest when I’m balancing my time working with being outdoors, painting, gardening, boating, traveling, reading way too many books at once, and learning new things. 

Co-owner, Wild Spirit Yoga Retreats

Co-owner, Flourish Yoga + Wellbeing

RYT200, currently a student in Flourish’s RYT500 program, graduating in 2025