A Squamish yoga facility is repositioning itself as a co-op.
The Yoga Studio's owners, who opened four years ago, are seeking new ways to make their business economically viable, Sarah Manwaring-Jones said.
"It's hard to have a small business in Squamish," she said.
The idea behind the studio at 37776 Second Ave. has always been to grow it into a community hub, fellow instructor Lydia Zamorano added. Over the years, the facility hosted various community events and fundraisers for local causes. Now they're opening its doors further to invite health practitioners to share the space, instructor Annie Martinello said.
"It feels really fresh," Manwaring-Jones said. "In some ways it is not that much of a shift."
The trio has had positive feedback on the co-op idea, Zamorano said. So far, the studio's time slots has been shared with 5 Rhythms dance classes and there's interest from people wanting to teach everything from emotional freedom technique courses to climbing injury prevention workshops.
The summer is looking busy, as people from across Canada and internationally are signing up to teach courses in the studio. On July 23 and 24, Sama Fabian, founder of Independent Yoga network U.K., will conduct a yoga weekend workshop. Sarah Orlowski of Grand Forks is scheduled to check in at some point this summer to teach Qigong - the practice of aligning breath, movement and awareness for exercise.
"Even with the few changes we have already made, [the studio] feels like a learning centre," Zamorano said.
The studio will continue to offer its by-donation women's yoga classes. Run every Thursday morning, the program offers child care.
Time slots are still available for people interested in adding workshops to the co-op. The space rental is $20 an hour. The co-op's official opening is today through Saturday (July 12 to 14). As a celebration, the studio will be offering yoga classes by donation.
"Squamish is a growing community. This is about making [a business] sustainable," Manwaring-Jones said. "It is nice to be outside the box."
For more information on the co-op visit www.theyogastudiosquamish.com or call (604) 892-9476.
