Strong Women are Stronger Together series - Jennifer Dodgson Edition

Meet Jennifer Dodgson.

The owner of Feral Yogi, Jenn encourages her students to embrace their wild. She is a RYT-500 yoga teacher and also works for WMEAC (West Michigan Environmental Action Council). She was a private investigator for the US government for 9 and a half years and recently hung up her badge. Jenn believes in natural living and protecting our planet. She is one of my favorite yoga teachers and hosts badass hiking and yoga workshops.

I first met Jenn through Instagram. She commented on one of my posts, I commented on one of hers, and then I proceeded to stalk her account. I decided that I wanted to meet her because she seemed cool AF. I went to one of her classes in early January and when we talked after class, she told me that she’d love to collaborate on something. I was humbled, flattered, shocked, basically all of the emotions and I tried to keep my cool while making plans to meet for coffee the following Friday. I told her I had a crazy idea to host a retreat in Costa Rica. She told me that she didn’t think that was crazy and said she’d love to come along on the scouting trip that I had planned. We didn’t know each other very well before we left for Central America but we were besties by the time we landed back in Michigan.

Jenn is incredible, she has a big heart and a natural thrill for life. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Although she had a really tough childhood and early adult life, she still believes that people are inherently good. I find her incredibly inspiring and think she is one of the most driven people that I know. She truly immerses herself in everything that she does and you can feel that when she teaches. When we were traveling together, she would stop dead in her tracks, completely moved by things that I would have easily walked by and never noticed. I love that she makes me slow down, pause and celebrate.

If money were no object, what would you spend most of your time doing?

Jenn: I would buy a rooftop tent,“pack up the family”, and take off without a map. I’d spend my days immersed in nature, yoga, kayaking, hiking, and writing. My nights would be spent under the stars or soaking it all in at a local bar. I’d roam...rest when needed, and stay for as long as it felt right.

I’d also build a gigantic adult tree house.

What inspires you?

Jenn: Mountains, gigantic trees, seas, and vintage southwest bracelets and rings...all full of stories. Loud music, sunshine streaming through my hair, and people who dare to show their soul.

Jenn and I are hosting the very first Feral Roots Retreat in Northern Michigan this October, re-treat yourself and join us!

My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am a certified yoga instructor with a passion for yoga, travel, and connecting with others.

I believe in trying everything once. My values lie in collecting memories over things. Though we desire adventure and authentic experiences, naturally our fear holds us back.

My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.

Anna VanAgtmael | Yoga Enthusiast | Travel Designer