Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Risner.
Tara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I guess I started my yoga journey when I was a young teen, going to a class with my grandmother. It was something that wasn’t as well-known as it is now. I thought it was cool at the time, yet I had no idea how yoga would change my life.
Rewind to years later; I was going through a hard time in my life. I needed something positive to focus my energy on rather than wallowing in my sorrows. I needed something to physically challenge me but also something to help heal & strengthen my mental state. I started going to yoga classes at the Jackson YMCA with my aunt. I instantly fell in love. Yoga gave me everything I needed in that moment. It helped me focus on self-acceptance & self-love, as well as physical strength & self-image.
Yoga Strong opened in Jackson Township. I followed some of my favorite teachers from the YMCA there. They were offering a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. I thought to myself, why wouldn’t I share this practice that has helped me through life with others? I completed my 200 RYT in 2016. For our program, you had to offer “Karma Classes,” which are free community classes. I connected with Topaz Tolloti, who became my mentor. At the time, she was in the beginning stages of opening her own yoga studio in Downtown Canton. She offered for me to teach in her space. I taught at 6th Street Yoga for 7 years. I fell in love with the Downtown Canton Community & culture. I had built a great clientele there over the years, as well as meeting so many wonderful people through yoga. This journey has helped me grow into the person I am today.
Recently, I have taken the big leap of opening my own yoga studio in Bolivar, Ohio. I accomplished this with the love and support of my family, friends, & community. On August 12th, Haven Shala opened its doors to be the first yoga studio in Bolivar. Giving access to health and wellness practices to everyone in the community and surrounding areas. We offer a plethora of classes every day. Ranging from restorative to more challenging practices. Also, providing specialty workshops, health talks, and life coaching.
“During the pandemic, a lot of people needed something to turn to that benefits their mental and physical health. Yoga & meditation was a perfect option that you could do at home. Mental health is an important issue that is recently normalized to talk about. We are more aware of how mental health affects our physical bodies.
Five years ago, I founded a Yoga Program at Jackson School of Arts, which is within Jackson High School. This program brings yoga and meditation into the schools. Allowing time for high school students to disconnect from the expectations, stresses, and demands of their world. Giving them encouragement and support while focusing on connecting their breath to movement. “
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every journey has its peaks and valleys, and this journey has been nothing different. Taking risks is always scary, but how do you know what will happen until you try?
It took a lot of time and work to build up the courage to even have the idea of doing something as big as opening my own business. It took a lot of classes and events to find my teaching that I could comfortably share with others. Some classes, no one would show. Which would make me question if this was what I was supposed to do? It took doing things pro bono just to gain exposure and share my passion.
After years of hard work and dedication to the practice, things were aligning. Confirming that this is, in fact, what I am supposed to do with my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a 200 ERYT Yoga Teacher & owner of Haven Shala in Bolivar, Ohio.
At Haven Shala, we offer a safe space. Where everybody is welcome to practice self-observation through mindful movement & meditation. A place for physical & mental health, as well as connection, & community.
We have a wide range of classes, workshops, reiki energy healing, & life coaching services.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I feel like ever since the Pandemic, people have become more aware of how important our mental and physical well-being are. Yoga is more accessible and familiar now compared to 10-plus years ago. I feel like there is a lot of growth in the future for my business & industry.
Pricing:
- Single Class $15
- 5 Class Package $65
- 10 Class Package $120
- 15 Class Package $175
- Membership options are available as well
Contact Info:
- Website: havenyogashala.com
- Instagram: havenshalayoga_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092851281157&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
David Dingwell
West End Photography
