Transition begins when walking into the Emerald Lotus studio in downtown Wylie: with brick walls and a concrete floor, one wouldn’t think the words “warm and inviting” pop into mind … but they do. 

 

The dimly lit, wide open space is sparsely decorated with Asian-influenced antique-store and garage-sale treasures. While waiting for the first students to arrive, the studio mirrors reflect the fireplace in the back and a spectacular showplace kitchen off to the side. Soft screens separate the windows to Ballard Street from the peaceful interior and the office from the studio. 

 

“The pace is set up for a physical, mental and spiritual experience,” said student Jaclyn Crawford. “You walk in and know you can leave your baggage at the door and just have that experience.”

 

World music plays in the background as owner Charlotte Rose greets her students.

 

“Charlotte has a calm persona that makes you feel comfortable,” said Barbara Kostreva. Kostreva was Charlotte’s first student when the yoga studio opened in early 2009 and still attends classes, consistently, three times a week. 

 

“She exudes calm confidence and has an engaging nature. She believes you can do yoga no matter your level, and she gives you the opportunity to do succeed,” Kostreva added.

 

Rose believes so strongly in the healing power of yoga that in October of 2009, she decided to do away with a structured fee rate and implemented a donation-tuition policy.

 

“Anyone who wants to do yoga should have the opportunity to do so. When people are financially stressed, they need yoga even more,” Rose explained. “When my students prosper, then I’ll prosper.”

 

Since moving to the tuition-donation model, Rose has seen an increase in the number of students – and a corresponding increase in revenue. Last week, there were 16 people in her Tuesday night class, and classes overall average 11 students.

“Revenue really increased the first three months, and now it’s somewhat leveled off,” she said. “I never know where the next students will come from. Could be from an article or advertising, or maybe a referral or walk-by.”

 

Donna Jenkins said she saw an article in The Wylie News that quoted Rose as saying yoga was for every age and ability. Recovering from back surgery, Jenkins decided to try it out.

 

“I figured if I could do even a little it would help,” she said. “When I first started coming in April, I was so tight and stiff and couldn’t bend much. But I stuck with it, coming three and four times a week. Now, I can move freer and bend just fine. I didn’t think I could ever do yoga, but I can!”

 

Rose was in law enforcement for 14 years and had a corporate job for 18 years before beginning Emerald Lotus.

 

“I call it my ‘guns ‘n’ poses’ phase,” she laughs. When offered a buyout from her corporate job, Rose took it and began her journey.

 

“I’d been doing yoga for 10 years, and the buyout allowed me the chance to train as a yoga instructor,” Rose said. “I was given an opportunity for self-expression. Most of the things I’ve done have been restrictive. This was an opportunity to do something more open, physically, mentally and spiritually.”

 

Rose trained at Sunstone Yoga, which took 650 hours. Some programs require fewer hours, depending on the program and type of yoga. There are many yoga philosophies. Rose brings in guest instructors with varied yoga backgrounds to expand her students’ experiences.

 

Yoga training allowed Rose to use a different side of herself.

 

“This was more about compassion and understanding, patience and tolerance,” she said. “I had to have an acceptance of others and also myself. Some days, yoga keeps me feeling sorry for myself and keeps me moving.”

 

Rose battles rheumatoid arthritis.“I realized I can do yoga if my body isn’t perfect. Every day is different, even for me as a trained yoga instructor. You’re not always going to make your asana pose every day – you just do what you can for that day, maybe an alternate pose, and the next could be different,” she said.

 

Asana is the final goal for a pose. Besides accepting that she won’t always make asana, Rose also helps students accept they won’t always make asana.

 

“All students need work on something, no matter their fitness level. I have students from 10 years old all the way up to 75 years old. I have a student with MS and a student who’s a marathon runner. Each of them have something to work on, something to achieve,” she emphasizes. “It’s what you can do physically, mentally and spiritually, and that’s different every day.”

 

Besides being Rose’s student, Jaclyn Crawford is a physical therapist and refers clients to Rose.

 

“Yoga works well with some physical therapy patients, especially those who need to focus on posture and breathing while doing PT,” Crawford said. “Charlotte teaches yoga in a way that makes it really palatable and accessible to any age and fitness level. It’s more than a physical workout. It’s also mental and spiritual, all in one place.”

 

“Yoga influences my mood, my breathing and my ability to get through the whole day,” Kostreva said. “Charlotte is very encourage and accepting; you want to come back again and again.”

 

Jenkins encourages everyone to at least give yoga a try.

 

“No matter what ability you have, you can start and go at your own pace,” Jenkins said. “You will get better. Your body will get stronger, your balance will improve. The older you are, the more important it is. You’ll meet new people and find some with your same abilities too.”

 

Rose says she feels blessed to be able to offer her students the opportunity to take yoga at Emerald Lotus.

 

“Jay and Sandra Davis make it possible for me to do this,” she said. “They created this wonderful space, and I am here in this space by their grace. I couldn’t do it without them.”

 

Rose plans to keep the donation-based tuition policy in place. She also envisions offering more classes this fall. 

 

In the end, Rose said, it’s up to the students to walk through the door.

 

“Consistency and practice are key. Your body is different every day. Let go of the ego and do what you can do today. Be grateful you can come,” she said. “Just remember one thing: ‘No pain, no gain’ is not the yoga way. If it hurts, stop. Patience and feeling good about yourself and your world is the way of the yogi.”

 

“Don’t expect to be perfect,” Jenkin adds. “Getting here is a start and that’s what is important.”

 

For more information about Emerald Lotus, visit www.myemeraldlotusyoga.com or call 214-282-9058

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