“The studio is unique in the Valley because of our drop-in
classes as well as its experienced teacher staff,” Levine explains.
Their upstairs studio is
sunny and peaceful. Natural light warms the wood floors and soft (and sometimes
loud) music fills the space with music that celebrates and reveres the freedom
of each body’s movement.
Incredibly, the dedicated
staff of eight yoga teachers shares between them 100 years of experience. It’s
looks like with their enthusiasm and drive, partners Julie Samuels and Ellen
Levine, as well as the remainder of their staff, have many years of yoga
instruction in the Valley ahead of them.
The staff is qualified and
certified in each of several specialties. Class sizes are generally small, thus
offering personalized attention.
The yoga classes are offered
in the mornings as well as on several evenings and on the weekends to
accommodate the schedules of residents. The Sunday yoga class rotates teachers
and styles and provides a glimpse of different styles and teachers.
SolDance also offers NIA classes, which consist of dynamic,
fluid moves that flow with fun world music using both structured and free movement
to help participants sweat, strengthen and increase their joy.
Mat Pilates
classes focus on toning core muscle groups and creating a fusion between mind
and body. Also on the weekly schedule are a wide variety of mind-body oriented
classes ranging from belly dancing and the martial arts to kids yoga and
meditation.
We visited with Ellen Levine this week to talk about
her business. Here’s what we learned.
Why did you start this business?
Julie and I started the
business together because we both love yoga, and we were sick of traveling to
Santa Barbara to take classes. We had a group here in the Valley that had been
practicing together for over five years, but we constantly moved from place to
place. We decided that the Valley could support its own yoga studio.
What is your business background?
I have a marketing
background, and Julie comes from the counseling field. We both have families
and live here in the Valley.
What is the best piece of business advice you have
been given, and who gave it to you?
Don’t start a business out
of your hobby or the hobby will become the business. Obviously, we didn’t take
the advice, but we have to work very hard to keep it fun and still leave time
for yoga.
What is the biggest challenge your business faces today?
The economy has hurt our
business as many people have cut back on what they consider to be unnecessary
or luxury spending. We maintain that a person’s health and mental focus are
never a luxury but always a necessity.
What is the simplest thing you’ve never learned to
do? Meditate.
What sets your business apart from your competitors’?
We have no competitors. That’s
the nice thing. There is no other studio that offers yoga, NIA, and Pilates on
a drop-in basis. There are no other locations in the Valley that offer the
expertise in yoga that we do. We offer yoga classes for every level, from
beginner to advanced.
What books are on your bedside table?
Always novels. Right now, it’s
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” by Stieg Larsson
and Reg Keeland.
Why did you choose to set up your business in the
valley?
Because we live here and we
love it here!
Where do you see your business in five years?
We hope to be in a larger
space with high, vaulted ceilings, natural light and bamboo floors. We envision
adding some Pilates equipment and possibly a retail
operation.
Finally, what is on your to-do list?
Our
upcoming Introduction to Yoga Weekend with Laurie Burnaby Oct. 16, 17 and 18. This workshop is ideal for anyone who has never done
yoga before, and we are hoping to fill it up with people who are brand new to
the studio.
Business:
SolDance Studio
Owner(s): Ellen
Levine and Julie Samuels-Metheany
Address:
485 Alisal
Road
Telephone:
(805) 686-YOGA
Hours:
See Schedule of classes
online
Email address:
info@soldancestudio.com
Website:
soldancestudio.com