Today we’d like to introduce you to Janine Forte.
Hi Janine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sure!
Nearly two decades ago, in the heart of New York City, I walked into my first yoga class—not knowing what to expect. But that single moment ended up shifting the trajectory of my life. What started as a one-off experience quickly grew into a deep passion, eventually leading me to enroll in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training—not to teach, but simply to better understand this transformative practice.
At graduation, someone asked when I’d start teaching. I laughed and said, “Oh, I don’t plan to teach.” A woman nearby smiled and said, “You will. You have something to share with the world.” At the time, I didn’t believe her—but she was right.
Soon after, I had what I can only describe as an intuitive nudge while walking through Santa Monica. I felt drawn to step into a senior center and ask if they needed a yoga volunteer. That simple “yes” turned into over three years of weekly classes. It grounded me in the joy of service and opened doors to private clients—one of whom had multiple health challenges and reminded me that yoga isn’t just physical; it’s a path to emotional, mental, and energetic healing.
At the same time, I was running an events business, designing crystal jewelry, and immersed in spiritual studies on the West Coast. After seven meaningful years, I felt called to move closer to family. New York still felt too intense, so I chose Miami—drawn by its warmth, nature, and vibrant energy. When I couldn’t find the kind of yoga community I was looking for, I decided to create it myself.
Shortly after arriving, I began teaching at a boutique studio. Then the pandemic hit, and I pivoted to teaching online. Like everyone, I adapted—and so did my students. When in-person classes returned, the momentum had grown. That led to my first mini retreat in the Florida Keys, which sold out and sparked what would become a much larger vision.
Since then, I’ve led sold-out international retreats, guided multiple teacher trainings, and built a global platform: One Yoga International™️. It offers classes, trainings, and mindful retreats around the world. Along the way, I’ve also had the honor of being featured in publications, podcasts, and collaborations with incredible brands—including being named a Lululemon Ambassador, which has been a fun, immersive community experience.
Looking back, I didn’t plan to become a yoga teacher, start a yoga business, or lead retreats—but each step felt right. At the heart of everything I do is the belief that yoga and meditation should be accessible to all, and that we’re all capable of deep transformation when supported by community.
And this is just the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My answer is both yes and no.
The yes comes from a deep knowing that I’m walking my Dharma—my true path. When I teach classes, lead trainings, workshops, or retreats, it doesn’t feel like work. I’m fully present with myself, my students, and the moment. It often feels as though the Universe and I are co-creating meaningful, transformative experiences. That sense of alignment and purpose continues to fuel me every single day.
The no comes from some of the financial challenges that have come with this path—especially in the beginning, when I was teaching public classes, often for little pay, while trying to build a community from the ground up. It takes time, patience, and a lot of trust.
Still, despite the uncertainty and the stress that comes with taking bold leaps of faith, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The joy of teaching, the growth I witness in others, and the feeling of being part of something greater than myself make it all absolutely worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of One Yoga International. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
One Yoga International™️ is a global platform offering in-person and online yoga and meditation classes, mindful workshops, transformative retreats, and comprehensive 200- and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. We’re known for creating inclusive, heart-centered experiences that empower students to explore, grow, and truly connect—with themselves, with each other, and with the world around them.
Our tagline, “One Yoga International: A Community Space Where We Are All One,” reflects our mission to create accessible, welcoming spaces—whether you’re joining a retreat in a far-off destination or practicing from home. We believe yoga should be for everyOne, everywhere. That’s why we offer free classes on our YouTube channel, @OneYogaInternational, led by myself and graduates of our teacher trainings.
Our programs don’t just certify teachers—they empower confident, compassionate leaders. Every trainee has the opportunity to teach, and I personally mentor a select group of graduates each year to help them grow into their fullest potential.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to leading with heart. We care—about our students, our community, our animals, our planet, and the collective whole. That care is our heartbeat. It’s something people often say they feel when they step into one of our spaces—whether physical or virtual. It’s authentic, and it’s the foundation of everything we do.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that One Yoga International™️ has grown organically—through connection, word of mouth, and the energy of a shared mission. We’re not just offering classes; we’re cultivating a global community rooted in mindfulness, service, and soul.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Oh yes—said with a smile! I definitely consider myself a risk-taker. I believe that’s how we grow. I once read a meme that said, “Being an entrepreneur is like diving off a cliff and hoping the parachute opens on the way down.” That pretty much sums up how I’ve lived my entrepreneurial life.
To me, fear often signals an invitation to grow. If something scares me—but feels aligned—I take notice. I trust my intuition deeply. It’s my superpower. And when she says, “It’s time to leap,” I leap.
I’ll share two pivotal moments. Years ago, I created an eco-friendly jewelry brand that ended up being featured on The Today Show during the 9 o’clock hour. I stood there, mouth wide open, watching thousands of orders come through the website. And then… I decided to close the business.
Why? Because The Voice—that quiet, inner knowing—whispered, “It’s time to move on.” And I listened.
Shortly after, what was meant to be a short trip to Santa Monica turned into a seven-year chapter. I rebranded the jewelry line and, at the same time, immersed myself in yoga, meditation, and a deep spiritual path. That intuitive shift ultimately shaped everything I’m doing now.
So yes, I take bold, intuitive leaps. I trust those inner nudges, even when they defy logic. And in my experience, when I follow that guidance, the parachute always opens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oneyogainternational.com/
- Instagram: @OneYogaInternational
- Facebook: @OneYogaInternational
- Youtube: @OneYogaInternational
- Other: https://www.janineforte.com/
