Jazuela #mixedmonday

Jazuela grew up in a small countryside village in Bath & North East Somerset. When she was 18, she moved to London to study Psychology at University. She remained in London for 8 years, working in Specialist Education, before moving to Bristol.

Jaz is a yoga teacher; with the majority of her work offering accessible yoga to those with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities.

Jaz recently co-founded a Community Interest Company called @sendsenses; which offers outdoor mindful nature connection to those with SEND and their families. Jazuela is also currently training as a Play Therapist.

How would you describe your ethnicity?

I would describe my ethnicity as mixed raced. Both of my parents are of mixed heritage and born in England. My paternal grandfather was Guyanese and my maternal grandfather is mixed raced (Nigerian and Irish). With both my Grandmothers being white British.

Has your mixed-ness influenced your career in any way?

Definitely. I think that my experience of growing up being the ‘other’, in a predominantly white area has put inclusivity at the forefront of my career. It has also given me this inner drive to break down stereotypes, misconceptions and barriers. My hope is that the children I work with experience acceptance and understanding.

I’m sure it also affected which careers I felt were available to me and the spaces I felt comfortable to work in.

If you could describe your mixed identity in one word, what would it be?

Dynamic

What is the best thing about being mixed heritage?

The best thing about being mixed raced is experiencing a range of different cultures and being able to bring them together. It is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and connecting to your roots.