Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Jo Huelskamp Deb Bagley.
Hi Mary Jo Huelskamp, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Mary Jo has been teaching yoga since 2004, and Deb has been teaching since 2012. We both are extremely passionate about the practice and have found it to be an essential part of our lives especially as we’ve grown and experienced all of the stresses of life. For us, yoga isn’t just a practice, but a way of living. When the studio we both taught at closed down in 2021 following the impacts of COVID-19, we found ourselves and our yoga community at a loss. The practice of yoga was a big part of our lives, and we wanted its impact to continue. We had the thought to start our own studio, unique to our personalities and our practice styles. We’ve created a community that’s full of compassion and care with the desire for each individual honoring their own unique practice.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As with any business, we definitely dealt with adversity. Our primary goal was simplicity and we came back to that time and time again with each decision. One thing that was tough for us was trying to determine a location for the studio. We recognized that the West Chester/Liberty Township area was missing this type of yoga studio, and we wanted to be able to serve an area of Cincinnati that needed us. Because the location was important to us, it took a while to find the perfect spot. It was also a challenge to complete building renovations and stay within our budget. It delayed our timeline a little bit, but we’re incredibly grateful for the space we have and its ideal location.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Yoga Nook Ohio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a welcoming yoga studio that is dedicated to offering a variety of classes for all levels of practitioners. Our offerings include heated and non-heated classes in Vinyasa, Hatha/Slow Flow, Gentle, Yin and Restorative yoga styles. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a space full of compassion, security and that is free of judgment. The studio emphasizes the sensory experience of yoga, focusing on how the practice feels rather than how it looks. Notably, the studio does not have mirrors, reinforcing the philosophy that yoga is about personal experience and presence, rather than performance. Our mission is to honor the meaning of yoga by integrating all five senses, providing a sanctuary where individuals can enter feeling relaxed. Attention to breath and being present is primary to each practice. We consider ourselves a boutique yoga studio focusing on the depth and breath of yoga and its philosophies. The word “nook,” in our name “The Yoga Nook,” by definition means “a corner or recess, especially one offering seclusion or security”. We value so much more than just the physical practice and feel this benefits clients mentally, physically and emotionally.
How do you think about happiness?
It was truly a family effort from construction to painting to decorating and beyond. We had the help and guidance of our kids with website and social media presence. We are extremely grateful to our families for their sacrifices during this process. We are so happy that we created this space to foster community and support of one another. We feel there is a need for individuals to have a place to escape the stressors of daily living and to foster a connection with themselves and with others. We hope that when clients leave, they experience a sense of balance, ease and an energy that influences those they come in contact with. It has been a privilege to work together to create this space and we are so grateful for what we do every day.
Pricing:
- Intro Offer | 14 Days of Unlimited Classes: $45
- Drop-In | $25 / Senior (62+) or Full time student drop in | $15
- 1-On-1 60-Minute Session: $60
- 5-Class Pack | $95
- Monthly Unlimited Membership (single): $109 / Monthly Unlimited Membership (student/senior): $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theyoganookohio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyoganookohio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Yoga-Nook-Ohio/100093520894649/?paipv=0&eav=AfYNHowRn_UEGMI26F0VRLZhhev0onxLUFTtjydJxTqrGHk-dDqyv2puXryhgL0e1io
