Yoga Tribe looks to raise money for yoga mats at Riverside elementary
"Being one year into my business is kind of surreal."
Those are the words of Heather Ritenour-Sampson, owner of Yoga Tribe, which will mark its one-year anniversary this week.
The studio, located on South Broadway in downtown Rochester, is hosting a celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 7. There will be a ribbon cutting with the Rochester Are Chamber of Commerce, followed by a donation-based class led by Ritenour-Sampson.
Related: Rochester yoga studio ranked among Minnesota's 10 best
All the money raised from Tuesday's event will go toward the purchase of new yoga mats for Riverside Central elementary school. Throughout the year, Heather and her team at Yoga Tribe will be teaching classes once a week for first graders.
Last week, about 40 kids participated in the program.
"I try to vary what I teach," says Heather. "So, we definitely have some fun with it — and try to bring big energy. We want every kid there to find something that works for them."
In addition to the work at Riverside, Yoga Tribe has been finding other ways to connect with the community, from offering courses for teachers to holding special yoga retreats at the studio.
So far, Heather says, the feedback has been very positive.
"People love the space," explains Heather. "You know when you come here that you can just relax. Good things happen here, and there's this sense of community. You can show up and not know anybody, and yet you feel the sense of connections."
Looking ahead, Heather is already dreaming up new ideas for year two. A primary focus, she says, will be to expand programming.
"I am always focused on the next thing."
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Cover photo by Corrie Strommen
