Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Angell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Yogi Treehouse is a story of manifestation. It’s a story of how much power words have when spoken aloud, and are backed by action. We all have dreams and ideas that dance in our heads, the truth is anything is possible when you speak those dreams into existence. I have been dreaming of an outdoor space to practice yoga. I wanted it to be in a nature preserve that can be accessed by the hike and bike trails. I dreamed of a place where I can match my nature with nature. I live in Allen and found this beautiful nature preserve. The Connemara Conservancy was founded in 1981 with an initial gift of 72 acres by Frances Montgomery Williams. Her dream was to have The Meadow forever remain its natural state and an open window to the environment. It remains open to the public from dusk until dawn. Upon visiting the Meadow, I wondered if I could facilitate a yoga class there. I could not get it out of my head.
In January of this year, I started my 300hr advanced yoga teacher training through Christi Tracy’s Grow Yoga program. One of the assignments given was a professional growth project that would be presented at the end of our time together. This served as the catalyst to taking my dreams out of my head and making them a reality. I sent an email to the Meadow Manager and held my breath, waiting for a response. Several times refreshing my screen to see if there was an answer. Bob Mione, The Connemara Meadow Manager, and President of the board responded promptly and said he would like to meet me and show me around. I also met Sue Kacines, a board member at The Connemara Conservancy. She has now become our yoga liaison. Bob and Sue are an integral part of our success. Without their support, the support of the board and the volunteers, Yoga in the Meadow would not be where it is today.
The best part of this story is that The Yogi Treehouse has become this magical place attracting beautiful people that are helping it grow. Every time I ask for something, it appears in what I call living angels. For me, ask and you shall receive has never been more true. I have the opportunity to work with teachers that are committed to their craft, creating a one of a kind teaching tribe. I have had business owners, like Alexandra Powell from Blue Sky Yoga, reach out to help cross-promote and grow brand awareness. I recently had the privilege of working with Cherries and Lemons Photography to help with pictures for marketing as well as Slate Life Style and Media Co. to develop web design and social media platforms. I am also working with Carlos Cortinas, a leader in his industry, to solidify our brand. I am so blessed to have this opportunity. I’m honored to work with everyone that has become a part of my dream, and I can’t wait to see how we impact our community in a positive way.
Has it been a smooth road?
We were all set for our monthly class and then the pandemic hit and we felt it was safer to postpone. I notice that when things started to reopen, there was a lot of uncertainty. I could sense that people were in need of a community since being isolated. I contacted Connemara once again and asked if they were ready to host an event. They agreed it was safe to hold a class and so started our weekly Saturday 9 am classes, since then we have added classes almost daily. We are always looking for how we can improve. Always reflecting on each event and class. Asking for feedback from our new community of yogis. Each class holds its own lesson. We evaluate everything, looking at ways to make registration easier, new class offerings, reaching new markets, safety in the Meadow, and how we can incorporate the Meadow and its love of art. We are always mindful of the experience. We want everyone to leave feeling fulfilled and excited for what’s to come next. There are always some setbacks when it comes to operating and outdoor space, but it takes an innovative mind and we are up for the task!
The Yogi Treehouse – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Yogi Treehouse is a complete mindful experience. We host classes that take place in this beautiful house of pecan trees. You start by entering through a trail of trees that leads you across a bridge with Rowlett creek passing underneath. You walk through a grove of pecan trees and arrive on your mat completely inclosed by a cathedral of loving branches of green leaves that allow the sun to peak through just enough to add its touch of light, but not enough to compromise the temperature.
In addition, we are adding classes monthly to include every type of practitioner. Our yoga practice styles include vinyasa flow, restorative, kids, yoga, and meditation. The Yogi Treehouse is an all-inclusive environment. What sets us apart is that we are creating a safe haven for yogis to practice and experience healing by accessing the benefits of yoga in nature. We take pride in the fact that The Yogi Treehouse is a community that gives back. Our donation-based classes serve as a way to monetarily help the Meadow restoration efforts, as well as make yoga available for all regardless of socioeconomic status.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Yoga alliance partnered with yoga journal to conduct the 2016 yoga in America study and there’s some great news for the yoga industry this study shows the number of US yoga practitioners has increased to over 36 million up to 20.4 million in 2012 and practitioner spending on yoga classes clothing equipment and accessories roast to 16 billion a year up from 10 billion over the past four years. Further, they found Practitioners are highly concerned about their health, the environment and the community. Half of practitioners say they live green, eat sustainably and donate time to their community. 79% of Yoga practitioners report giving back to the community compared to 59% of non-practitioners. Nearly half of all practitioners report donating time in their community.
Pricing:
- Abundance membership $108 unlimited yoga
- Self-care membership $54 a weekly yoga class
Contact Info:
- Website: theyogitreehouse.com
- Phone: 972-804-4626
- Email: theyogitreehouse@gmail.com
- Instagram: theyogitreehouse
- Facebook: The Yogi Treehouse
- Other: linktr.ee/TheYogiTreehouse
Image Credit:
Cherries and Lemons Photography
Slate Life Style and Media Co.
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