January 8, 2017

Meet Anna Kennedy of Empower Yoga in Marietta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Kennedy.

Anna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Rachel Goldberg (my business partner) and I both have a background in psychology (social worker and licensed professional counselor). We loved our jobs, but we wanted more. A place to be able to connect the psychology to physicality. We had a vision to create a heated yoga studio in east cobb. We opened our doors in August 2014. We have grown from having very few people in our classes, to filling many. Our mission is for people to leave class empowered in their practice as well as their life. We believe in using the Baptiste methodology. We believe in our teachers and our community. We pride ourselves on knowing as many people’s names and stories when they walk into our door (we are a little like Cheers in that respect). Rachel and I have always wanted to share our vision with more areas than just Marietta, so we are in the process of opening a second studio in the Druid hills area- emory point. We are scheduled to open early 2017. We are also working on expanding the scope of our business by adding nutritional consulting (we are both in the process of getting certified).

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a completely smooth road! To begin with, we struggled with some of the buildouts of the first location. Lots of stress! But we got it opened. We had to work tirelessly (and continue to) to get people in our doors. I believe that we have done a great job of keeping people once they step through our door, but we definitely have to work to get new students each and every day!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Empower Yoga – what should we know?
We specialize in heated vinyasa yoga using the Baptiste methodology. We are known for hot, sweaty, powerful, kick-butt classes. One thing that I love about our classes is that they are geared to all levels of practitioners. From beginner to advanced, we have something for you. We also have yin, pilates, and kids classes on our schedule. I also believe we are known for our teachers. In the 2 years of being open, we have completed 2 teacher training programs, with another one on the way starting in January. Each of our instructors has been trained through our program to create consistency throughout the studio. I am so proud of Empower yoga in general. I believe in our product and our community and I am proud to say that I helped create this amazing place. I am proud that we do at least one fundraiser a quarter to raise money and awareness for local charities. The instructors at Empower are what I believe sets us apart. They are passionate about what they do and they are excited to be there. They then share that enthusiasm with all of our clients, which keeps people coming back!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband for supporting me through this whole ride! He encourages risks and challenges me every single day to think of ways to improve my business. My family has also been extremely supportive in so many ways ranging from helping with build out to attending all of our workshops. Rachel’s father, Ron, has also been incredible with business ideas.

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