Thank You for Helping Us Turn 10!
We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Ahimsa Yoga Studio’s opening in Oak Park!! We both wanted to share our personal thoughts about this momentous occasion with you. Please read on!
Kelly:
I had only started the studio’s lease May 1st and my family and friends and I busted our butts to get the studio ready as quickly as possible. I remember Masin urging me to take a little break and open June 1st, but, as always, I was too eager. We had 4 classes on Thursday, May 4th. The first was a Hatha class at 10:15am taught by a wonderful teacher named Gosia. My dad, Chuck, and I were the only people in class. The next class was Hatha taught by myself at 3:30pm and I had two students – one friend and another soon-to-be-Ahimsa teacher, Steph Kardos, and then we had two no-shows at 5:45pm and 7:30pm. Over the next few weeks people started trickling in, and we gradually added more teachers including Teresa Heit-Murray, whom I’d known from the Tennis and Fitness Centre, and Kim Wade that fall.
As a business major in college, I could have never imagined how rewarding it was to meet “customers” and try to provide an amazing service for them. Masin and I frequently discuss how grateful we are to work with such kind, thoughtful, smart, special people. COVID has knocked us down, but we’re slowly getting back up, and we feel as though our community is there with us. It’s been wonderful to see some of you returning to classes, but we’re also grateful for those of you who are still taking classes from home. Thank you for a wonderful 10 years!
Masin:
10 years ago when the studio opened I was still in school for engineering. I was in Kelly’s inner circle at that time, and that meant she counted on me for support to help her dream materialize. She was so determined to bring the studio to life that if I missed any work days, it was hard not to see her disappointment. We both learned and grew over the next few years, and I have since wholeheartedly embraced Kelly’s drive and enthusiasm and she’s embraced my showing up from the heart. When the time was right, Kelly knew I was a worthy partner in the crusade to spread authentic, community-centered yoga throughout the land and we have never looked back.
It’s been an incredible ride. I’m overwhelmed by the support our Ahimsa Family has shown in easy times and challenging times. Kelly and I hold an immense appreciation for all of the people that have made the Ahimsa movement happen. Special thanks to our incredible management team (shout out to Christiane Broihier, Carol Buer, Chuck Merydith, Christina DeCillo, Coco Brey, Mona McDougall, and Ashley Merydith), all of the amazing teachers (we are so lucky to have crossed paths with you), the volunteer staff (hearts of gold), and this kind community that shows up to practice yoga and shape the studio. All of you have brought a piece of sincerity and meaning to my life, and I’ll always feel deeply humbled and grateful for it. With Humility and Amazement.
