Bailey Wess

Hey there, I’m Bailey! My yoga journey started in 2017 when I was a senior in high school, recovering from a year of stress fractures caused by my track and cross-country days (yes, 300m hurdles and 400m sprints – crazy!). After spending what felt like forever in physical therapy, I craved movement, and that’s when yoga found me. Little did I know, it wouldn’t just help me heal physically, but also provide mental clarity and stability—something 17-year-old Bailey navigating high school really needed.

I’d been a ballerina for most of my life, and discovering power yoga was like finding the perfect match—bringing the graceful expression of dance but without the strict rules of ballet. The freedom of flow had me hooked. So, I made a pretty audacious move and completed my first yoga certification in Buti Yoga that same year. At just 17, I stepped into teaching, always ready to take on challenges that pushed me to grow.

My adventurous spirit didn’t just stop at yoga. It was sparked much earlier when I moved to Lyon, France, at 12 years old for my dad’s job. I spent my teenage years attending a French public school, becoming fluent in both French and Spanish, and traveling all over Europe and parts of Northern Africa. Whether it was solo or with friends and family, I fell in love with exploring new cultures. When we moved back to the U.S. when I was 16, that passion for adventure and challenge was stronger than ever.

Fast forward to 2018: I completed my 200-hour YTT at my home studio, Toledo Yoga in Ohio, which had become my sanctuary. I was determined to deepen my practice and share what yoga had brought into my life. Then came college at the University of South Carolina, where I taught yoga for all four years, but it was my sophomore year that really set things in motion. I joined a brand-new studio called Studio Fire, and it became my second home. As the community grew, I grew with it—both as an instructor and as a person. I discovered my love for teaching high-energy, fiery classes—whether it was a spicy, fast-paced Power Vinyasa flow, an upbeat barre class, or a sweaty HIIT session. I was all in.

In the midst of college, I took a break from the studio to study abroad in Taipei, Taiwan. For 8 months, I immersed myself in Southeast Asia, became proficient in Mandarin, and, of course, continued practicing yoga. The adventure and the challenges of living abroad only deepened my love for exploring the world and my own personal growth. It was an unforgettable experience that aligned perfectly with my passion for learning from different cultures.

After graduating, I accepted a job in tech sales with Oracle and packed up for Austin, TX. Nowadays, I work for a global strategy and technology consulting firm. Yes, my days are busy, and some nights (and early mornings) are long, but it’s pushing me beyond what I thought I was capable of! I’m in business development, working with local and state agencies, as well as nonprofits throughout Texas. My corporate job is positioned to make a real impact on the community around us, which is something I’m so grateful for.

It didn’t take long before I found my next yoga home—YTX, a studio I’d had my eye on even before moving. Austin had everything I wanted: a vibrant community, a healthy lifestyle, quirky vibes, and an incredible yoga scene. Shortly after settling in, I started teaching YoStrong (HIIT, yoga, and weights)—a kick-ass class that challenges you physically but rewards you with an amazing sense of accomplishment and fun. And the energy in that room is electric.

Austin has been an incredible chapter in my journey, and in 2024, I completed my 300-hour YTT with the incredible Gioconda Parker, officially making me a 500-hour RYT. I now teach early morning Power Vinyasa classes at YTX (yes, I’m that 6am teacher!), as well as YoStrong, and I occasionally sprinkle in Vinyasa and intentional weightlifting classes. Whether we’re flowing through a dynamic Vinyasa sequence or crushing a YoStrong class, my goal is always to help you tap into your strength, challenge yourself, and most importantly, have fun while doing it.

Beyond the mat, I’m always chasing adventure and new experiences. I’ve been fortunate enough to explore 40 countries so far, always seeking to learn from the cultures around me. To me, yoga and travel are two sides of the same coin—they both help us connect with ourselves and the world in new ways. And when we connect with our bodies, mind, and breath on the mat, we take that clarity and power into everything we do in life.

When you come to my class, expect an upbeat, energetic vibe. I bring my bubbly, bright, and slightly quirky self (with some bad jokes in tow), and my hope is that you leave feeling empowered, connected, and ready to conquer whatever life throws your way. Together, let’s flow, sweat, grow, and maybe even laugh a little.