Yoga studio opens downtown

SANDPOINT — WE Yoga boasts a warm, friendly atmosphere, with its large open space, the aroma of essential oils and a number of large windows lining the walls, letting the natural light flow through the studio.

“Our focus is really on hospitality, and that sort of drives every decision we make,” said Christine Matt, WE Yoga co-founder, adding they want clients to come in and feel “cared for, seen and nurtured.”

Matt, along with Kelly Thielbahr officially opened the studio on New Year’s Day, though they held a series of pop-up classes in December.

“Those pop-up classes were a nice way to do a soft opening and get people interested in what we were doing here,” Thielbahr said.

Also during that time, she said, they offered a promotion called the “founding 40” to grow their membership base.

With six instructors, WE Yoga now offers three to four class every day of the week, as well as classes on Saturday and Sunday. Matt said there is a variety of classes, from traditional vinyasa flow to slower flow classes geared toward the beginning student or those who want to just slow down. There is a candlelight flow on Sunday afternoons, she said, which is a “gentle, soothing flow” set to candlelight.

One of the “unique” things about the studio itself, Thielbahr said, is the kitchen space. The intention, she said, is to go beyond yoga and incorporate cooking workshops and nutrition seminars.

“Our vision is to really have this place be sort of a hub for the community to gather outside of yoga, to gather for workshops and a variety of different wellness-centered classes,” Matt said.

The studio has a men and women’s changing rooms, with storage for yoga mats so people don’t have to pack them home every day, as well as spots to store items during class. They also rent “quality” yoga mats, which the pair said can really make a different for those starting out, to have a good first experience rather than a mat that slides around.

“It just lends to the whole, overall experience of making people feel comfortable and supported,” Thielbahr said.

There is also two full bathrooms with showers, supplied with organic shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, and a hair dryer. Students can rent towels as well. An essential oil hand towel warmer has become their “signature,” Thielbahr said, adding the the students “love” it.

The studio also serves as a place for local artists to display and sell their work. Kelly Price’s artwork is currently decorating the walls, and the pair said they plan to change artists every three months.

“It’s a nice way to kind of promote and support the community,” Matt said.

For information, scheduling and pricing, visit weyogasandpoint.com. The studio is located at 104 Pine St., Suite A.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.