Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Finks & Ruth Darrow Shala Yoga Loft
Hi Tina Finks & Ruth Darrow, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Nestled in the heart of Plano, Texas, Shala Yoga Loft has quickly become a nurturing haven for yoga practitioners, embodying the Sanskrit meaning of ‘Shala’: home, community, and growth.
Co-founders Tina Finks and Ruth Darrow’s paths converged a decade ago during yoga teacher training, leading to a friendship rooted in shared passion and purpose. Both women transitioned from successful careers into the world of yoga, each driven by personal motivations. For Ruth, yoga offered balance in her life as a busy mother, while Tina’s journey began in 1998 in Western Canada, evolving as she moved to the US and explored various yoga disciplines.
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic became the catalyst for Shala Yoga Loft’s inception. People needed to get back together, form communities, get offline, and return to the studio. There were yoga teachers who had lost their studios and communities. “We wanted to provide them a place to call home.”
Today, Shala Yoga Loft thrives as a hub of wellness and community connection. The studio’s popular free outdoor yoga summer series has become a local favorite, attracting a diverse array of students. From beginners to advanced practitioners, the tight-knit community at Shala Yoga Loft continues to grow, a testament to the founders’ vision of creating a welcoming space for all.
“Our original vision was for studio owners to have a home,” reflecting on the Sanskrit meaning of ‘Shala’. “We aimed to give back to the community that had given so much to us.”
Since opening their doors in September 2022, Tina and Ruth have remained steadfast in this mission, cultivating a space where yoga transcends physical practice to foster genuine human connections.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is rarely smooth, but the challenges teach us the most valuable lessons.
Our primary focus was finding a space that embodied the look and feel we envisioned for Shala Yoga Loft. The scarcity of historical buildings in DFW presented a significant challenge in our search for the perfect location.
Securing a lease proved to be a formidable challenge. We faced rejections for two main reasons:
1. There was a misconception that yoga studios aren’t profitable, making landlords hesitant about long-term rentals.
2. Without our previous corporate incomes, many property owners were reluctant to consider us as tenants, citing a lack of financial ‘backing’.
The turning point in our journey came unexpectedly. While having lunch at a local restaurant, we spotted a ‘For Lease’ sign that had been put up just 24 hours earlier. The space had been vacant for two years and seemed to tick all our boxes. Ruth and I felt that if we couldn’t secure this location, it might be a sign that our vision wasn’t meant to be.
In a pivotal meeting, we presented our business plan and vision to the landlord. Our passion and sincerity must have resonated with him because, with just a handshake, he entrusted the space to us. It was a moment of validation that reaffirmed our path and the power of human connection.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
– Follow Your Passion: Let your genuine interests guide your path.
– Embrace Challenges: Obstacles are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities for growth.
– Stay True to Your Vision: We had a clear idea of what we wanted Shala Yoga Loft to be. This clarity helped us make decisions and persist even when faced with setbacks.
– Be Open to Unexpected Opportunities: Stay alert and ready to seize opportunities when they arise.
– Build Genuine Connections: Authentic relationships can open doors that formal processes cannot.
– Serve Your Community: Our mission was always about giving back to the community. When your goals extend beyond personal gain, you’ll find more meaning and support in your endeavors.
– Be Adaptable: The post-pandemic world presented unique challenges and opportunities. Being able to adapt your vision to current circumstances is crucial.
– Trust Your Instincts: Learn to trust your gut feelings, if it does not feel right, it is not,
– Create Value: Focus on creating something meaningful. Our goal was to provide a ‘home’ for yoga practitioners and teachers, which resonated with our community.
Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay committed to your vision, be open to evolution, and always strive to create value for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shalayogaloft.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalayogaloft/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shalayogaloft
Image Credits
www.lucytphotography.com
Lucy Thornton Photography
