09-25-2022 Capital Style - Flipbook - Page 13
Teachers set their own prices
and each student pays them
directly.
Though Birnes had heard
yoga instructors express
concerns about not making
money as teachers, she decided
to challenge that narrative. As
Yoga Barn’s manager, she allows
teachers to set their own class
value and get paid directly.
“We explain to our students,
‘This is how our teachers create
a sustainable living, teaching mindfulness education. So
you have to pay them directly,’”
Birnes said.
Though she admits it’s a
bit of an initial adjustment for
students accustomed to signing up for classes or dealing
with a “front-desk person,” they
become excited by Yoga Barn’s
approach.
“I really love the connection
between the teachers, the space,
and us as students. It really has
become my little safe haven,”
said Abigail Smith, 26, who has
been taking Yoga Barn classes
since March.
Though it takes tactful
Carleen Birnes, manager and teacher at the Yoga Barn, participates
in a yoga flow class for all levels of students.
marketing and keeping one’s
own books, the co-op style is
working for teachers, who are
also appreciating the personal
touch.
“From the teacher’s perspective, it feels like you have a
deeper relationship,” Birnes said.
Then there’s the barn’s style,
which lends itself to a unique
environment for practicing
yoga.
“There’s no mirrors,” Birnes
said. “People can just come in
and close their eyes to be with
their breath and body and just
not have to see themselves or
compare to other people or any
self-judgment.”
Classes have grown since
they began in October 2021
and the space is rented out for
special events. The barn also has
received improvements like a
new floor and air conditioning. What started as a place to
store automotive parts, is now a
spot for people to practice their
downward dog and tree poses.
“They have transformed what
was essentially an empty space
that didn’t turn heads, into a
space that brings together such
an amazing community,” said
Smith, of Pasadena.
This fall, Yoga Barn hopes to
offer more cardio-based classes
and programming for young
yogis.
“The community is asking for
more children’s yoga, so teen
mindfulness and then kids yoga,”
will be offered, Birnes said.
“We’re really working for
anybody who walks in to feel
welcomed.”
Yoga Barn
44 W. Earleigh Heights Road,
Severna Park. yogabarnsp.com
Join us for breakfast or lunch, 7 days/week from 7:30am - 3:00pm
www.breadandbutterkitchen.com | 410-202-8680 | 303 Second Street, Annapolis, MD 21403
Fall 2022 | CAPITAL STYLE |
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