Today we’d like to introduce you to Alva Clemons.
Alva, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For 14 years, as a middle school teacher and public school administrator, I truly needed a break. Long days, difficult tasks and continual giving of myself to others really began to take a toll on my daily well-being. I initially turned to hair as an outlet. I learned how to install and maintain interlocs. I was a Public School Administrator by day and a Loctician by night. As a part-time small business owner, the extra income and freedom to make my own schedule was quite enticing. I craved for more!
Eventually, I quit my $75,000 “good job” and ventured out to full-time self-employment. It was a risk I was more than willing to take. I became a Licensed Cosmetologist and well respected Master Loctician in a relatively short period of time. With over 125 clients consistently booked on my schedule for every six weeks, I found myself with plenty of cash and the ability to seemingly make my own schedule. Little did I know that what once seemed like a profitable hobby, years later, would, too, seem like insurmountable work! Clients everyday, all day, long days and longer nights. Little time to eat, just enough time to sleep. I needed a new outlet… A friend from church suggested Hot Yoga. I finally built up the courage to attend a class. That class wore me out! I vowed never to go back. But I did go back. Again. And again. And again.
I found yoga at a time I needed it most, exhausted from working two jobs and having little time to take care of my own hair, health and body. In fact, I fell in love with yoga. I became a Certified Hot Yoga Teacher AND opened a yoga studio! I was the proud owner of the first and only dedicated yoga studio in Fayetteville, GA. The Yoga Loom became a refreshing haven for me and others who needed a break from the daily routine and stressors of life. It lasted five years, then Covid-19 stormed in. Honestly, I was already hanging on by a thread. We were a small community of dedicated yogis, seeing new drop-ins but barely enough to keep us in profitable margins. I have always longed for a quaint boutique hotel type of business. One year before the pandemic, I purchased a house on five beautiful acres. My long time dream of having bed and breakfast was looking more and more like reality.
Every step I had taken along life’s journey was leading me exactly to where I am today. I’m still a Loctician with a large clientele, but I’ve added a little spice to the hair business by hosting a variety of beauty-related events and workshops. I also now hold Yoga retreats, Yoga classes, special events, family gatherings, pool parties, host AirBNB guests and corporate meetings on a tranquil oasis I also call home. God has my cup running over and I am sincerely grateful.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly has not been a smooth road. Because I wear many hats; having enough time to do every task is always a factor. It’s difficult for me to translate my vision to others. So I usually end up being a one-woman show. I believe that every individual needs a supportive team of experts to truly reach their highest level of success.
The Ahava Place – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Ahava Place is where we “T.A.P. into Goodness.” Our goal is to help you rest, relax and renew. We take pride in serving you. We want you to enjoy your stay and look forward to your next visit. If you visit for business or pleasure, stay for a few hours or a few days, this oasis is sure to refresh and comfort you. Visits range from beauty to yoga to business meetings or fun gatherings. We love to host personalized retreats and overnight stays.
Our venue is private and perfect for quiet time alone, with family, friends or colleagues. As a company, I am most proud of the fact that I’ve taken businesses from my journey and combined them into one experience for my returning, current and new customers. We are unique because we are here to serve only you. You are our only guest, receiving as much or as little attention as you desire.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Ahava means “to love” in Hebrew. Because most of my business involves serving people, I have to be thoughtful, considerate and kind to others.
Contact Info:
- Email: Theahavaplace@gmail.com
- Website: Theyogaloom.com
- Phone: 4043170747
- Instagram: IG @theyogaloom, IG @theahavaplace, IG @anaturalknockout
Image Credit:
Alva Clemons
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