Why the Plant?

Once I wrapped my head around the idea of possibly opening a studio, I began my hunt for a suitable space. This was incredibly daunting, having never looked for commercial real estate before, so I did what everyone probably does and asked Dr. Google. Then came the task of trying to decipher what commercial rents really mean. There’s the price per square foot, there’s CAM, there’s TICAM, and no shortage of ways to make one’s head spin. Then there’s location and parking to consider. Would people feel safe there walking out of an evening class? How far did I think people would walk if they couldn’t park right by the studio. There’s uplifts to consider and what it would cost to make a space into a studio that would be warm and inviting. I looked at several places around town, all good in their own way, but none felt right or as importantly, that I could afford.

The Plant didn’t occur to me until my friend Lisa (you’ll meet her soon if you haven’t already) suggested that I come look at a space that they had there. I was skeptical because it FELT a little off the beaten path, but she was very convincing.  So I acquiesced and met her there for a quick peek. I got there, I looked at the space, and it was nice, but I still wasn’t quite convinced. So, like any Capricorn would do, I decided to marinate on it a bit.

And the more I thought about it, the better it sounded. I had to go back and look again, and it was actually the second peek that changed my mind. When I went back to look at it again, I envisioned what could be done with that space and how amazing it would be with just a little imagination. I thought about all the happenings at The Plant and felt the energy that enlivens that space even when no one is there. I saw all the hard work that Tami and Lyle, and their battalion of creative, dedicated people had put into the space. I felt the energy that the other tenants brought with them as the tended their storefronts.  People at The Plant love The Plant, and it shows in the way they care for the space and the spirit that pervades.

And Pittsboro loves The Plant! Anyone I’ve talked to about The Plant says what a creative, fun space it is.

My hope for Pittsboro Yoga is that it will be a warm, welcoming community space rather than a sterile franchise yoga studio. I want it to be a little funky (in a good way of course) and a place that feels comfortable for people to be their authentic selves. So when I picture that vision of Pittsboro Yoga in any of the other spaces I looked at, it doesn’t make sense. But when I picture it at The Plant, it fits right into what is already a vibrant, welcoming community. I think it’s going to be a perfect fit. I hope you’ll agree when you finally get to visit us there!