Life & Work with Renee Watkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Watkins. 

Hi Renee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got my start as a model with Diavontti Productions at TSU and under the advice of DP founder, Dwight Pope, I started yoga to prepare for an upcoming fashion show. I fell in love with the practice because what it did for me mentally was more beautiful than what it looked like. After a year of practicing on my own, I took yoga teacher training at Kali Yuga Yoga. I launched RW Yoga shortly after graduation. From there I got into events and founded Watkins Productions LLC which houses Poetry in Motion Live and Hey Sis Sunday. I was able to do two retreats and a statewide yoga tour. 

Because yoga is the gift that LITERALLY keeps on giving, it has done exactly that! There has ALWAYS been someone pregnant interested in yoga but I was skeptical about teaching yoga to expecting moms soooo I took up prenatal yoga teacher training at Nurture Nashville with Jennifer Derryberry Mann. That winter I completed a doula training with Kristen Mejia and Homeland Heart Birth and Wellness Center. 

Typing this out sounds like pure madness but I LOVE IT HERE lol!!! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. There’s so much I want to do but there’s never enough time, resources, or support. Being a black woman teaching yoga in Nashville is one thing, but trying to teach black and brown women about their birthrights is another. I feel like the cards are absolutely stacked against me. 

On the other hand, events here are pretty great though. There are sooooo many talented people here and I love being able to help them get in front of other people. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Yoga, birth, and events. I teach yoga, RW Yoga 

I’m a doula, Your Grace Doula Services/Homeland Heart Birth, and Wellness Collective 

I create events, Watkins Productions LLC 

People know me mostly for yoga + modeling but I’m a Gemini so I literally do everything 🤷🏽‍♀️. Birth and events are fairly new so I’m still getting my name out. 

I’m most proud of my ability to maneuver through these industries so smoothly. There have been soooo many people saying that I can’t do all three or that I should focus on just one thing, but I’m managing all three beautifully! 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from THE Tennessee State University. I plan to go back to school for my master’s and eventually my doctorate so people can call me Dr. Yogi pahahaha, no I’m playing. But I will eventually get my doctorate in counseling psychology to use with yoga and birth work. 

Pricing:

• My virtual drop-in yoga classes are $15
• You can get unlimited yoga classes for $100 a month
• I offer 4 private (one on one) yoga classes for $200
• My Birth packages start at $900
• Placenta Encapsulation is $200

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.iamreneewatkins.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/iamreneewatkins
• Facebook: Facebook.com/iamreneewatkins
• Youtube: YouTube.com/iamreneewatkins
• Other: www.rwyoga.co

Image Credits
Sarlé Jeffries
La Photographie
Jalisa Ranae Photography
Baby Fontenot
Aidyn and Alfred
Devi Rebecca
Baby Grace