Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Epps.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began practicing yoga in 2010. I became an avid runner during college and found crossfit after college. It wasn’t until October of 2013 when I tore my hamstring while running a marathon that I began to embrace the yoga asana practice on a consistent basis. Yoga was a key element in my rehabilitation and healing. As a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner student I knew the importance of rest and recovery when treating physical and emotional injuries. I went from running 30 miles a week and going to the gym or Crossfit 4-5 days a week, to having difficulty with the basic function of walking. I was in pain physical and emotional pain. I was unable to run or lift and felt unsure of myself and my abilities.
It was in this time of pain and uncertainty that I dove into the yoga practice. The yoga postures, meditation, and breathwork assisted in my recovery from the inside out. As my practice evolved, I chose to deepen my knowledge of yoga and share the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits with others. In 2015 under the teaching of Graham Fowler, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training. I am currently pursuing my 500-hour certification in Power Yoga.
I was pregnant during my yoga teacher training and working 60+ hours a week as a Nurse Practitioner. After completing YTT I taught mostly private sessions and small group classes. In December 2016, Indigo Soul Yoga was born. I made a career change which allowed me to be able to delve further into teaching yoga and expanding my own personal journey. I began teaching small group yoga classes from my home; I specifically focused on hatha and restorative yoga. Restorative yoga is one of my passions as I know this practice is needed; a practice of resting, letting go, and embracing stillness and peace.
The people who attended classes in ISYs infancy expressed gratitude and reported how their life was changing for the better. Students reported improved sleep patterns, decreased anxiety, and improved self-awareness. As classes grew and I desired to offer for more classes, I collaborated with my crossfit gym and began teaching yoga classes at Crossfit Essentials in March 2017. Throughout the spring it was on my heart and mind to open my own free standing studio on the Southside. In November 2017 Indigo Soul Yoga opened its door in its doors in Locust Grove. One year later, we relocated to a larger space in the heart of the historic district.
During this process of opening a yoga studio, I completed my Doctorate of Nursing Practice. My research focus was the Effects of Chair Yoga on Balance and Quality of Life in the Older Adult. I have a passion for working with older adults and exposing disenfranchised cultures to the practice of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. My research findings concluded that chair yoga improves balance and quality of life in older adults. Health promotion, prevention, and wellness are important for all people. Yoga is practice that has been shown to improve health outcomes. I will continue to share this work with men and women to help them reach the next stage of healing, happiness, and peace.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been many challenges and stumbling blocks throughout my personal yoga journey and in growing Indigo Soul Yoga. Where do I start with listing all the struggles and hurdles? I was teaching classes at my house with zero overhead to now paying rent, salaries, utilities, marketing, and more at my studio. My classes at home were usually at capacity but my studio currently is not full. We have a beautiful community of students and teachers, but just keeping it real, we aren’t making money. I have not taken a salary from my studio since we opened in 2017. Owning a studio is a lot of work. People say “oh that’s so great, I wish I owned my own business.” However, they do not realize the personal and professional sacrifices an entrepreneur has to make remain open and continue to grow. I have sacrificed time with my family, personal finances, and aspirations outside of yoga to do this work.
There have been times I have opened my doors and no one showed up to class. BUT I didn’t give; I won’t give up. Yoga is a journey, it’s my journey, it’s a practice that I know this community needs; therefore, I keep pressing forward. I choose to stay, I choose to stand, and I choose to be here for men, women, and children who need us and those who have yet to realize they need yoga.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Indigo Soul Yoga we are a diverse community of friends and family who come together in the practice of yoga. We provide yoga, meditation, sound healing, and workshops for the Southside of Atlanta. The mission of Indigo Soul is to help people embrace the brilliance and power that lie within their soul on and off the mat. Indigo Soul Yoga is an alignment-based studio. ISY offers vinyasa, power, restorative, and yin yoga. Indigo Soul believes that yoga is for everyone. The practice of yoga is not about what you look like or how physically fit you are. Yoga is holistic self-care. It encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of wellness.
At ISY we serve the community. We believe in the selfless act of giving. In addition to our weekly schedule we offer free community yoga classes, donation-based workshops, and provide donations to charitable organizations throughout metro Atlanta. I am most proud of our outreach and generosity. What sets ISY apart from others is our commitment to the community, to service, and to our student’s yoga journey.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been friendly, energetic, and outgoing. As a child, I would initiate conversations with random people or seek out those who were loners in order to cultivate a since of community, inclusion, and friendship for all. I enjoyed reading, social sciences, and spending time with others. As a child, I was the youngest of my friends but often times the one nurturing others and trying to ensure they were okay. Maybe my personality set the foundation to teaching yoga and finding a career in healthcare.
Pricing:
- Indigo Intro New Student Special: 1 month of unlimited yoga for $40.00
- Unlimited Membership: $95.00 per month
- Class Passes: $10-$140
Contact Info:
- Address: 3835 Hwy 42, Locust Grove, GA, 30248
- Website: www.indigosoulatl.com
- Phone: 4703329409
- Email: stephanie@indigosoulatl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigosoulyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigosoulyoga/
Image Credit:
Exodus Photography
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