Today we’d like to introduce you to Phoebe Sloan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My personal path in yoga began as a teenager, taking classes with my dad at a local community and nature center in our neighborhood, called 577 Foundation. I immediately took to the practice of yoga, I fell in love with it physically, back then having a gymnast background, but it also sparked my interest to study the history, the philosophy, and all the numerous styles and aspects of yoga. Even though I was by far the youngest in class, I enjoyed spending time each week with my dad and the small community there. I can still hear the words of the wonderful instructor in my head today, she was kind, gentle yet powerful, incredibly knowledgeable and patient. All these aspects I work to emulate today as a teacher.
Moving forward; both my parents, Steve and Nancy, and I, had a similar time frame in becoming yoga teachers. Around 2007, I was getting certified in Seattle Wa., while they were in their yoga school in Salt Springs, Fla. They both acquired advanced training in Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Tai chi and Qi Gong, and soon after would open their home yoga studio. Parting the Clouds is a Qi Gong movement, symbolic of revealing something hidden and bringing about clarity as the clouds separate; and that is when the name Parting Clouds Yoga took fruition.
After I returned to Ohio and taught alongside my parents, at their home, and various venues, we found Deborah Chapman, and her beautiful studio, Tonic, she opened in Maumee in 2012. I had been hired to manage the studio with all three of us teaching alongside a wonderful staff of employees. We had found a home in Tonic, and a beautiful community was built around Yoga, Barre, and Pilates classes.
Fast forward, and after 10 years at Tonic, Nancy and I found ourselves full circle with an incredible opportunity to open our own wellness studio. Despite the unfortunate passing of Steve, the dream to open a family yoga studio lives on, as we honor him with the name Parting Clouds Yoga. We also honor Deborah, as she since passed away, with the spirit of her vision to create a thriving wellness community continuing with us. My mom and I have been able to employ many of the same instructors, and have been blessed for the community of clients that have followed us to PCY. We most recently were able to transform the space with updates, and to add Barre classes, where we have grown the community even more.
I feel such gratitude for all that has brought me to this place today, where Parting Clouds can reveal the path for those in this new community to discover and explore their wellness journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to get where I am today has had it’s ups and downs, but I would say all in all things have fit well into place. I think the tough decision to branch out on our own and open a business was very daunting and there were definitely times that I wasn’t 100% sure if it would work. Although remarkably, once the ball started rolling, the seemingly difficult tasks like renting (the right) space, obtaining licenses and legalities, choosing software, building a website, decorating the space and purchasing equipment (the list could go on and on), but every task had an ease about it that reaffirmed everyday that I was doing what I was supposed to do.
I still feel that everyday, that I’m where I need to be after 2 years of running the business. It’s been challenging with the economy, city construction, and just figuring out what people want in a class; what times to offer, and keeping our offerings new and fresh. I think that there will always be challenges and road blocks, but I feel strongly that if I’m offering an authentic service that I truly believe in, that will help people feel good, and to build a community of like minded individuals, that it will thrive no matter what.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a wellness studio offering a variety of classes for every body, where all feel welcome. No matter if you’re an experienced practitioner, or never tried a class before, we have at least one that will fit you. Our classes include a variety of styles of yoga from relaxing to energizing. We also offer Barre classes that are fun, challenging, and will give you a full body toning. Throughout the year we provide special events like soothing sound baths, and this season we’re gearing up for some fun outdoor classes in the area including at local parks, and the new Maumee Farmers Market.
I’m especially proud of the community that is being created at the studio. I hear it everyday in the classes I teach and the classes I take; the support of one another, the friendships being built, the gratitude for a safe an positive environment. I look forward to what I do everyday, and I look forward to continuing to grow our community.
Pricing:
- Intro Offer for your first 30 days Unlimited Classes only $50
- Monthly Membership- Unlimited Yoga $89
- Monthly Membership- Unlimited Yoga and Barre $109
- 10 Class Pass $170
- Use code “FREEBIE” for one free class
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.partingclouds.yoga
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partingcloudsyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partingcloudsyoga/
