When Jeni Pendl first pressed play on a yoga video 17 years ago, she couldn’t have imagined it would one day lead her to open a thriving yoga, Pilates, and barre studio of her own. What started as a way to stay active after the birth of her son evolved into a deep love for yoga and a life-changing career path.
Jeni began teaching yoga in 2018, working in a variety of studios locally. But when one of the popular studios in her hometown of Morton closed, a dedicated group of students encouraged her to continue teaching. She began renting space at a local dance studio, but limited time availability for studio space prevented her from offering the evening classes her community needed.
Though she had never planned on starting her own business, Jeni saw an opportunity to create something special. In February 2025, she opened the doors to Collective Flow Yoga, Pilates, and Barre, rebranding her offerings and expanding her class schedule to include Pilates and barre. What started as a necessity quickly became a passion project—and a resounding success.
Since launching her studio, Jeni has grown her client base from just over 200 to more than 540 loyal customers. With six regular instructors and a few substitutes, she now offers 25 weekly classes in a welcoming, light-filled space that reflects her personal vision. “Teaching in a studio that I created from the ground up is an entirely different, deeply fulfilling experience,” Jeni shares. “It’s more than a business—it’s a community.”
At Collective Flow, mindfulness meets movement in a space where every student, regardless of experience level, is embraced and empowered. Jeni has built a sanctuary where laughter is welcome, progress is celebrated, and self-discovery is part of the journey.
To help bring her vision to life, Jeni turned to the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University for guidance. She worked closely with Eric Sampson, SBDC Director, who helped her better understand the financial and operational sides of business ownership. “Eric was a wealth of knowledge, especially when it came to accounting and planning for long-term success,” she says.
Jeni also participated in Bradley University’s Senior Consulting Project, which provided valuable feedback and strategic insights. The students administered a client survey, analyzed her website, and delivered actionable recommendations for improvement—all of which will help her refine her offerings and strengthen her business presence.
From humble beginnings to building a vibrant studio and wellness community, Jeni’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose—and when the right support is there to help make it happen.
The Turner Center is proud to support Jeni and Collective Flow Yoga, Pilates, and Barre and we can’t wait to see what’s next on her journey.
Contact Information
(309) 369-1000