✨Check out the first of many in my pet project of highlighting amazing local small businesses in my community.

By working together to create a stronger community we directly help keep our local businesses thriving. ❤️

When we 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪, 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘 , 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧, & 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 posts from our local businesses, it’s goes a long way because it can reach audiences they otherwise would not have access to.

Yoga In Bowness

The common theme we hear about Bowness is “it’s all about community.” The people truly live, breathe and believe in the word community. Yoga in Bowness is no exception, a studio that sets itself apart from your typical yoga studio, this small business puts community at the forefront.

I took the time to connect with Nellie Big Bull, the manager of Yoga in Bowness, to discuss what makes Yoga In Bowness Special. Their unique take on a business motto, starts with providing the community with what they need rather that the typical approach of making the bottom line.

Nellie talks about how Bowness is truly a “community in need,” and what she loves about this studio is that they are “working to make Yoga in Bowness, a place anyone can go.” There’s no judgement about your ability or background, it’s just a place that wants to welcome you and help you in your physical and mental health journey.

I learned that Yoga In Bowness believes in providing Yoga services that are affordable, accessible and approachable to all those who enter their doors.

I asked about what challenges they’ve faced this year with all that has happened and how they’ve adapted, overcome and emerged as a stronger force because of it.

Nellie talks about how vital it is that Yoga In Bowness provides a space for people to nurture their physical and mental health whether it is online or in studio- especially during these challenging times. Some of the things they did to adapt to the current state of society is provide regular online streaming of classes so people can continue to remain connected with instructors and the studio via Zoom.

One aspect of their studio that really stuck out, was their Karma program, where people can volunteer their time in exchange for yoga sessions. They also have a strong focus on prenatal Yoga and provide programs to support mothers.

Yoga in Bowness is a prime example of what small businesses in Bowness are all about. Not only do they provide above and beyond support for the community, they offer a sliding scale when registering for classes so those that are able to afford more can help those that can’t. They also do their part to support other local businesses by offering local goods in their retail space!

Stay up to date with upcoming workshops and community events offered by Yoga in Bowness by following their social media accounts!

When you support small local businesses it makes it possible to build a stronger, more connected community.

Melba Mini Bio

Melba is a local Bownesian and the artisan behind Bowness Soapworks. She creates nature inspired soap, infused with her outdoor passions of foraging, climbing and paddling with the hopes of bringing the outdoor experience to Bowness homes.

Through Bowness Soapworks she’s been able to contribute to building a stronger community. Finding creative ways to collaborate with small businesses, she’s been able to use her soaps to help local businesses engage with people in need.

Melba’s passion for bringing the people of together has allowed for her to provide for her community in ways she never thought possible.

You’ll often see Melba with two little ones in tow with a basket for foraging or perhaps a backpack or two, geared for her next adventure. When she’s not cooking or creating she spends most of her time engaged in outdoor pursuits with her amazing spouse Adam. Don’t be a stranger and be sure to say “hi” if you see her around!

Follow @Melba_Seto @BownessSoapworks to stay connected updates about your local handmade soap!