This journey began almost 6 years ago, I was 17 years old and starting my final year of high school. My yoga practice was starting to develop- after having struggled with anxiety and negative body image, an art based on body awareness was something that I desperately needed. Slowly, I found myself more accepting of myself and limitations. When my family decided to open our own studio, I was ecstatic. We looked for a space and found it.
268 Manitoba was completely empty, but it had potential. It was mid-Summer, when we began constructing the space that would shape the person I am today. We put up walls, new floors, changed the lighting and painted our essence into the space. Every single person in the family had a part in the Grand Opening, but our toughest obstacle was yet to come. In August 2011, Mystic Pointe Yoga was opened.
The day had finally come, all the hard work and planning was going to be tested. Not knowing what to expect, we threw ourselves into this adventure and hoped for the best. Mistakes were made, but we kept going. Slowly, I learned more about yoga through the teachers. I was still shy and unsure of myself, but Sunday mornings were quiet and there was something comforting of being in our space.
It wasn't long after the inception of MPY, that my family was hit with something unexpected. While it's not my story to tell, our main priority was no longer this business but supporting those members who desperately needed it. It was 2013 and the owners decided to give the reigns to someone else, it was the rebirth of this community and the beginning of something great. I had just started University, yet I found myself drawn towards the new Mystic Pointe Yoga. I became more involved and I learned so much about what it means to be an entrepreneur.
The kindness of the community kept me coming back, and helped in my process towards confidence. The effect was so great, that I did what I never would have done, I began to dance again. I decided to get Zumba certified and mustered up courage to teach a class. It was two days after my 19th birthday; I had been practicing for over a week, learned 13 different choreographies and taught my first class. At first, I wasn't great. I was self conscious of how my body moved and tried to imitate someone that wasn't myself- yet, my lost love of dance had come back and I was willing to put in the work. It wasn't long after I began teaching that circumstances lead me to take on the great responsibility, which was Mystic Pointe Yoga.
I am now 22 years old and a completely different person, from when our doors first opened. There are not enough words to thank every single person, who has ever practiced in our space, for being a part of this adventure. For teaching me so much about human nature, yoga and business. The people who reached out to me and made me feel special, and the community that kept me fighting and persisting to keep our doors open. I am grateful for this opportunity and the experiences that got me to the person I am today.
I am heartbroken and bewildered. After almost six years of business, MPY will be closing. We'll be saying goodbye to the space that we built, the community that accepted us and the teachers who joined us on this great adventure.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Love& Light,
Natalie
