Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Mannigel.
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?
After the pandemic closed my beloved yoga studio in Bellaire, Texas, I started teaching in a park close to my community. Many of my students followed me on social media so after a few classes, our park practice blossomed except in inclement weather! I was approached by the landlord of my current location (which was a previous Define yoga/spin/barre) and he offered to have my park classes moved there until a permanent tenant was found. Timing is so critical for around that same time in August/Sept 2020, several previous students of mine (and few folks that I didn’t know!) approached me to open my own studio. The fact that so many folks believed in me and wanted to have a brick and mortar space in Bellaire was the sign I needed to move forward! Truly was a step of faith and belief in our fabulous community to go ahead and open in-studio yoga during a serious pandemic. A huge risk indeed and as of December 14, 2020, we have been able to offer and sustain a beautiful, calm, space for many of my precious students and new!
One of my park participators, Graphic Artist and Y2G inspiration, Tracie Fleming @tv4design is the brainchild in creating our name’s sake – Yoga2gather. We brainstormed early on and agreed to rewrite my/our/Bellaire’s story and to step away from any possible negative connotations. “Gather” has various meanings – to gather oneself and to gather as a unit or community. The starburst represents spark, light – radiating in and OUT depending on your own/need/ perspective. We have to accept what has happened from our past, learn and rewrite our next steps. There is meaning and purpose for we all need to be soft yet vibrant, alive and welcoming. We are about opening new doors and building on possibility. Wherever we land together it is beautiful and awesome. We have created a very unique name and space like no other and it’s called hOMe.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has not been predictable at all especially from a business plan perspective and in understanding fear of practicing away from home. Having 6 years of experience in running a yoga studio “pre-pandemic” does not completely prepare you for all the operational difficulties for there are a multitude of unknowns. How to predict and how people will react to multiple COVID variants is a huge factor. The shift in at home gyms, online access 24 hours to fitness & yoga videos is a challenge as well. We have embraced “re-invention” i.e. shifting and transforming to the needs of our community quickly, timely and patiently, has been key to our success. In addition, we installed a state of the art air purifying system in our entire studio to add an extra layer of protection and peace. Ultimately, we offer unique, premier services to a very deserving community and access is safely available regardless of physical level, size, and age.
As you know, we’re big fans of Yoga2gather. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Yoga2gather is the premier destination for Yoga and Barre attentive on promoting endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being. We strive to foster complete balance and harmony in the body, mind, and environment. At Yoga2gather our instructors are uniquely qualified and educated on the latest techniques and proper instruction. Personal care is dedicated to each of our students to guide them on their journey through calm breathing techniques, relaxation assistance, and the mindful meditation process. Our studio injects fun, adventure and powerful personality into our service delivery model while maintaining individuality and promoting connection via community. Every journey of self-discovery, personal growth, prosperity, and perseverance differs widely and our commitment to both the individual and community sets us apart from our peers.
We currently offer a wide arrange of classes for all levels: Hot Yoga (100-104 degrees) and for those that heat is not ideal we offer Warm alternatives! Our Barre classes are unique, inviting and the only hot in Bellaire! We have fitness classes such as Barefoot Bootcamp and Step that will elevate your heart rate AND give you space to find your ZEN! We are open 7 days a week, including holidays and offer classes in the early am, (6 a.m. to be exact) morning and evening.
I am most pleased that we understand what the spirit of yoga is all about and we live it. We encourage and lift up all our students so we can be better people, parents, co-workers, friends and most of all, we are family. We are surrounded by people that see value in what we do and we are reminded everyday of the great work we have done together! It makes me want to be better and bring the best experience EACH and EVERY TIME someone steps into our space. We want to surround ourselves and all those that seek refuge pure love, grace, integrity and friendship.
Yoga2gather is a sanctuary; just like home- warm, inviting, radiates positivity, and calm. We appreciate each of our students and we use words like love, courage, compassion, to describe everyday what happens within our walls. WE just want to make folks smile, feel good with warmth, sincerity and most of all stay the healthy course in movement by doing what we do best! We all have a story and can make a difference by sharing. We are committed to accessibility to all and by adding yoga to our community, THAT is the true gift.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We also support teachers and students with monthly workshops to enhance your yoga experience beyond 60 minutes. We are offering Gentle Flow, Restore and Yin Workshop on Sunday, April 30th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. We also are one of the only yoga studios that offer Recovery Yoga – Yoga for 12 step recovery once a month – next offering is Sunday, April 10th at 9:45 a.m. We offer women’s retreats twice a year locally and we are looking to explore world-wide options in the very near future. We offer private offerings for students, families, birthdays, and corporate wellness.
We are huge supporters and a big partner with the Friends of Downs Syndrome, Bel-Inizio and offer donation classes for special causes. We contribute monthly to silent auctions for local vendors, schools, charities and world causes. We support local artists and vendors with quarterly markets – Fall, Winter and our Spring market set for Saturday, April 30th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Pricing:
- New Student Offers – each month is different – April is 10 days for $20!
- $99 monthly unlimited; contract required
- 5 classes for $110 expire 6 months; no contract
- 10 classes for $200 expire 6 months; no contract
- 20 classes for $350 expire 6 months; no contract
Contact Info:
- Email: yoga2gatherbellaire@gmail.com
- Website: www.yoga2gather.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoga2gather.bellaire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yoga2Gather
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yoga2gather-bellaire-2
