Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Olds and Samantha Corbit
Hi Maggie and Samantha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Haslett studio, operated under the guidance of Samantha originally opened Feb of 2016. Maggie oversaw the Lansing location, which first opened in 2018. Yoga Connect developed out of a ‘re-brand’ during the Covid pandemic studio closures in Michigan. We had previously been a group of 4 studios under the MI Hot Yoga name and when the pandemic hit, we all separated and Yoga Connect was born.
We took the time to develop and focus on a vision, mission and 6 Core Values to reframe and re-establish the two spaces–focused on physical, mental and emotional well-being.
“Every individual is seen, heard, and supported where they are. We all are encouraged to watch and observe ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally. Our studio is where we connect – a brave environment that feels like home; where inclusion is embraced and supported; where we as community of clients and staff mutually serve to create a shared experience of learning, growth & transformation.”
Yoga Connect has sought to serve & practice togetherness — creating an excitement to build & encourage growth and connection within the Greater Lansing community. The studios operate as separate businesses, but maintain a constant connection on the two sides of the city. Yoga Connect also has developed a successful teacher training program for those who want to take their practice to a deeper level–and potentially even share themselves! The program offers both a 200 and a new 300 level training.
We have been so grateful to have the continued support from our community. We feel so fortunate to share, to help others grow and to continue to expand our studio offerings!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha-ha…I’m not sure we’ve met any business owners that had a completely smooth road. We do believe that the pandemic was definitely the most challenging part of our adventure-financially within our business walls, but also on mental and emotional level for Maggie, Samantha, many of our staff and our clients too!!
It’s crazy to look back at — there was a lot of maneuvering happening. We had to wear a lot of different hats that we never imagined having to wear as a “yoga studio owner”. Learning to connect with people in a different way was extremely challenging. We had to learn to teach and provide classes virtually and outdoors! And when restrictions were placed on gyms, fitness centers and the like, we also had to get very creative in order to financially keep our doors open.
It’s also hard to accept change. Something we talk about within the yoga practice is that nothing is permanent. Everything is always changing–either growing, or dying. It takes much time and patience to create change. And when change happens, it takes some time for others who are willing and accepting to come along for the ride. It was hard to see some people who we had practiced with and learned more about, to make choices to go elsewhere to continue their yoga life. It was very important for us though to determine the values that would support longevity of our community. We are continuing to evolve and develop that, but feel like it really was a positive change in the way we offered this practice.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Maggie: As a graduate from Michigan State University (Marketing), I always knew I wanted to do ‘something’ in the business field. But to be honest, I did not imagine that I would practice yoga, become a yoga teacher and then eventually own my own business. I do believe that every person has a purpose (in yoga, we sometimes refer to this as dharma)–and some of us spend our life (or many lives!!) searching for what that is.
As women, I think we have a lot of roles to fill. I spent a lot of time fighting some of those roles, and feeling like I had set myself apart in each one. The pandemic put many of us in a space of ‘forced’ stillness and it was HARD! Along with re-branding the studio, the stillness encouraged me to look personally at what was most important to me and develop my own personal values. I was able to take that short list and focus my studying and training during the pandemic. I eventually came to see myself as a ‘lifelong student who feels compelled to offer that opportunity to others’. It’s a big mouthful–and it still is evolving and developing! But it has brought so much more joy to what I get the opportunity to do every day!
I often joke that I love to share and teach–and strongly dislike being seen as a ‘business owner’. I’m still working on some of those ‘behind the scenes’ roles I need to fill. Our bodies, minds and breath are so complicated–but so simply show us so much about how we are moving through our everyday lives! I love to connect things we notice when we are moving through a yoga practice, to something you might experience in the middle of your workday or family life at home. I love to create a theme and weave it together in a creative way for students to interpret individually. My role as a mother comes out now in everything I do–as a real mom, as a business owner, as a teacher and as a student. I’m always learning, sharing, listening, caring– and once in a while throw a little sternness in. LOL!
I’ve been very fortunate for some wonderful teachers, mentors, family and friends. I’m so grateful for them. They have shown me that I can continue to learn, grow, change, ask for forgiveness, love and just be me.
Samantha:
Yoga grabbed my attention while I was a student at Michigan State University where I graduated with a degree in Hospitality Business. I enjoyed practicing yoga while I studied and gradually realized that it was core to my physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
Upon graduation, my initial intention was to pursue a career in the restaurant industry in another city or state. Life had other plans & with the support from my now husband & family, I took a leap of faith and opened the Haslett studio.
I quickly immersed myself in all things yoga – workshops, speciality classes, trainings & more! However, as a new small business owner, I experienced the imposter syndrome. Now that I reflect, it isn’t surprising that the practice provided me the determination to keep going.
I am so lucky that found this gifting practice at a young age and was so amazed by everything it had to offer. After taking a deep dive into a 300 hour program instructed by Jonny Kest and I immersed myself into Vipassana meditation. However then my life then turned in a different direction again when I was given another hat to wear called Mama! I became a mom with 3 daughters born back to back to BACK!
Juggling my role as a mom and small business owner was not surprisingly challenging. My yoga practice became more important than ever as it helped me manage my hectic life. It also brought me into different aspects of my practice that were able to serve me through the early years of motherhood. With the experience and gratitude for the gift of yoga through pregnancy, home deliveries, and postpartum, I continued additional education in Prenatal/Postnatal yoga studies.
I am grateful for where this path has taken me and always looking towards new chances to continue growth & serving the community!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Maggie: I was a very structured and studious kid–straight A’s (3rd in my tiny little high school class), rule follower, daughter of two school principals. I like to think I had a little wild side–but I really hate breaking rules–at least the ‘important’ ones!!!
Samantha: Something that may not surprise others, but definitely surprised me was that I decided to change course and stay in my hometown, working just 2 blocks from my family home! So much for moving away! 😂
After completing my studies at MSU, my husband and I bought our first home near my family home. Remaining in Haslett was my fate and I am so grateful for it. I love the community and still live a few miles away and am now able to raise my girls here!
Pricing:
- Introductory Offer (2 Weeks Unlimited Yoga $25; limit one per customer per studio; can practice at BOTH locations)
- Connect Club ($149 Unlimited Yoga BOTH locations; automatically renews monthly; includes other studio discounts/perks)
- Lansing Monthly ($99 Unlimited Yoga at Lansing location only; automatically renews monthly)
- Haslett Monthly ($99 Unlimited Yoga at Haslett location only; automatically renews monthly)
- Various PunchCard style passes at each location
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yogaconnectlansing.com
- Instagram: @yogaconnect_mi @yogaconnect_lansing @yogaconnect_haslett
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogaconnectmi, https://www.facebook.com/yogaconnectlansing and https://www.facebook.com/YogaConnectHaslett
