Finding Balance and Joy: The Story of Yoga With Mikenze

 

Mikenze Pearsoll never imagined that a leap of faith and a love for yoga would evolve into a vibrant and growing business that’s become a local favorite in Belleville and beyond. As the founder of Yoga With Mikenze, she has combined passion, purpose, and a deep entrepreneurial spirit to create a space where yoga is not only accessible—but fun, freeing, and full of connection.

Mikenze began practicing yoga in 2018, drawn to the grounding presence and transformative energy of the practice. When she came into some money, she saw an opportunity not just to travel, but to travel with intention. That journey led her to complete her 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training in the Ashtanga/Vinyasa tradition, later expanding her education with a 50-hour Yin certificate and a 50-hour Meditation certification. What started as a personal adventure quickly evolved into a professional calling.

“I honestly had no idea what would come of it,” Mikenze shares. “But I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, so this was a good way to do that.”

Mikenze officially opened Yoga With Mikenze on January 1, 2020, just after she began teaching in December 2019. With over 1300 hours of teaching experience to date, she’s developed a reputation for inclusive, creative, and joyful yoga experiences. Her offerings include regular yoga classes, private sessions, and unique events like Puppy Yoga, Goat Yoga, Doga With Mikenze, Yoga on the Rocks, and immersive retreats.

Although she doesn’t operate a traditional studio, Mikenze thrives by renting space for her events, collaborating with farms, and traveling to clients’ homes for private sessions. This flexible model allows her to meet people where they are—literally and figuratively.

Entrepreneurship runs deep in Mikenze’s family—her father, uncle, and grandfather all blazed their own business paths. For Mikenze, the freedom to be her own boss, create her schedule, and oversee every part of her business (from marketing to customer service) is empowering.

Her entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She’s weathered financial uncertainties, learned the ins and outs of running a business, and even pursued side ventures to make ends meet. But through it all, she’s stayed committed to her vision—and to trusting the process.

“I have learned so much—about marketing, accounting, networking, website building… and about myself,” she reflects. “I’ve learned to trust the Universe and follow my passion, always.”

Along the way, Mikenze has celebrated exciting milestones—from her first Puppy Yoga event to television appearances and sold-out sessions. Perhaps most meaningful are the relationships she’s formed and the community she’s built. She’s been dubbed “the famous Yoga lady” in Belleville and continues to inspire students with her authentic, down-to-earth approach.

At the heart of Yoga With Mikenze is a belief that yoga is truly for Any Size, Any Level, Any Body. Whether it’s flowing through a Vinyasa class, giggling with goats, or finding peace in meditation, Mikenze’s classes create space for healing, joy, and genuine connection.

“I absolutely love teaching Yoga and helping people have fun and release stress and tension,” she says. “Everyone can do Yoga.”