Get to Know the Locals: Jenay Aiksnoras of Bliss Experiences

Nestled in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, Bliss Experiences is not just a business, it's a passionate ode to nature, mindfulness and community. Owned by the dynamic and nature-loving Jenay Aiksnoras, Bliss Experiences is a unique venture that seamlessly blends the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe with transformative and holistic practices. With a mission to facilitate connections to nature and oneself, Jenay and her team curate an array of classes, events and workshops designed to provide locals and visitors with unforgettable moments of mindfulness and outdoor exploration.

Photo: A moment with Bliss Experiences.

Through collaboration with other small businesses and professionals in the Tahoe area, Bliss Experiences opens doors to rediscovering the wonders of the great outdoors and nurturing personal well-being. Whether you're seeking to celebrate, reconnect or simply escape the daily grind, Bliss Experiences offers a gateway to profound experiences from forest bathing to paddleboard yoga all while supporting local enterprises and helping you experience Tahoe like a true local.

In our exclusive interview with Jenay, we delve into her deep-rooted connection with Lake Tahoe, why she loves calling it home, her favorite spaces and places as well as the inspiration behind creating this exceptional wellness-focused venture.

How long have you lived on Lake Tahoe?

I moved here in 2008 after a cross-country trip through the Southern states in the middle of August.

Where did you grow up and live before you came here? 

I grew up in rural Connecticut, moved to Boston for college, hung out in Cape Cod for a bit, then spent some time in Putnam County, New York.

What inspired you to create a local business?

I spent my first eight years in Tahoe dividing my time between being the counselor at Zephyr Cove Elementary School (ZCES) and teaching yoga at my first location in Roundhill, behind the Safeway. When I was put in a position that forced me to choose between continuing as a counselor (a position I truly miss) and becoming a full-time business owner (turning my passion into my career), I chose the latter so I could have a more effective impact on the community and the freedom to choose how to do so.

What’s your favorite Lake Tahoe town or village?

I love my little town of Stateline, Nevada. We are a community that cares about each other and loves Lake Tahoe. Our neighbors are amazing people who are resilient and generous. We keep an eye on each other and our neighborhoods in a way that demonstrates our mutual desire to take care.

What is your favorite thing about living in Lake Tahoe?

Everything! Every morning I wake up with views of the mountains. I commute by bicycle and get to gaze at the beautiful lake. The air is clean. The water is beautiful. I can hike, run, ski, paddle and bike to my heart's delight. There are moments of peacefulness and quiet, then others that are filled with friends, neighbors and others who are here to experience the magic of Lake Tahoe. 

What’s your favorite season in Tahoe?

I am a summer lover. I love being able to open the doors and windows, soak up the sun and jump in the lake every day.

What’s your favorite Lake Tahoe beach access?

I have been to almost every beach in the basin and will always say that Nevada Beach is the best. It has the most shoreline and gets a ton of sun. It is easy to access (from my side of town), is clean and has incredible views of the West Shore.

One of Jenay's favorite pastimes is paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe's calm water.

Do you have a favorite trail or area to access the mountains?

We have some lovely user-made trails at the end of our street that I enjoy walking daily with my dog. We get to cross bridges, wander by a stream, stroll through beautiful meadows and scramble through the trees. If I had to choose a public trail, it would be The Flume. You just can't beat the views from up above Sand Harbor.

What do you do for fun?

All the things! I ride my bike, standup paddle, boat, water ski, run, downhill ski, cross country ski, go to live music, drink wine and gin, go to plays and mixers, volunteer my time and eat tasty foods.

Describe your perfect day off.

Rise before the sun and soak in the morning, paddle or water ski for a few hours, get brunch at Maggie's, hop on a boat and cruise up to D.L. Bliss to float and swim, go to Sunnyside for lunch, head back to land, spend some time at the dog beach with my pup, grab dinner, go see some live music and have a cocktail, then cozy up at home with my husband and pets.

Do you see more sunsets or sunrises?

I think I get a pretty even amount. I love mornings and get to see the sunrise over the Eastern Sierra every day. In the afternoons I am either on Nevada Beach or I can see the sun setting in the west from my kitchen.

What’s one thing you wish more Lake Tahoe visitors knew?

How to be better at leaving no trace. Visitors come to Tahoe and forget that there's no one here to clean up after them. I wish that they were more responsible with their personal belongings, children and pets. Carrying out what you carry in and double-checking that you have left your space or place cleaner than it was when you arrived truly makes a difference.

Where do you go on vacation?

I go to hot, humid, salty islands in the Caribbean like the Bahamas and Curacao. I have a whole list of spots where the water is warm and the sand is white.

For a celebratory dinner, would you rather order take-out, go out to eat or cook something at home? If you go out, where do you go?

Well, it depends on the celebration. One of our favorite things to do is family dinner wherein we gather with friends and everyone chips in with a portion of the meal. We also love to do lobster boils because we miss the East Coast sometimes. If we're going out, our favorite spots are Jimmy's at The Landing, Edgewood Bistro, Maggie's, Boathouse on the Pier and The Lake House.

What’s your favorite meal of the day, and where in Lake Tahoe would you get it?

My favorite meal is breakfast. It gives me the fuel I need to enjoy my day. I usually cook at home, but if I am going out, I'll grab an egg and cheese bagel and a lavender chai from Tahoe Bagel Company.

Jenay loves Tahoe throughout all the seasons.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I get to meet the most incredible people! Not only have I been able to connect with amazing professionals and small business owners in the Tahoe Basin, but also I have gotten to meet celebrities (Real Housewives, Total Divas, Pitbull), CEOs, creatives, influencers, beautiful brides, rowdy bachelors, adorable families and others. The network of interesting individuals I am a part of is amazing!

Do you have any side hustles?

You know I do! On occasion I host the Tahoe Club Crawl, which may seem like a complete departure from wellness tourism, but truly is just an extension of being a school counselor. Plus, I get to dress cute and check out the Tahoe nightlife. I also do graphic and website design. I have been an M.C. and am all about volunteering at ZCES and for SOS.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

In the summertime, I like to go to the beach with my doggy. In the wintertime, I like to sit in the hot tub with my husband. I'm not against cozying up on the sofa for a good movie, either.

What’s one item on your bucket list?

Well, I just checked off a ride with Lake Tahoe Balloon rides, so I'm onto sky diving or glider riding.