This summer main street will be host to a new business fostering bodies and minds. Amber Hunt, owner, will be opening Heart and Hara Studio on Barclay Avenue to offer yoga and movement classes, massage and more.
The name of the new studio and wellness center pays homage to both the heart and the "hara," a Japanese word for the physical body.
Hunt and her husband, Ryan, will soon close on the purchase of Hovey's Studio, sandwiched between Antiques & Uniques, and Pine River Insurance. Leo Hovey will remain in his photography studio until the end of May, when he'll retire. Heart and Hara Studio will open in June.
"I've always known I'd open a studio and combine my work into one location," said Amber Hunt.
Hunt is a certified massage therapist with more than 800 hours completed. She's also a registered yoga instructor with 200 hours of certified yoga training.
She's provided massage from her home for the last eight years and has taught yoga for five years at several area locations.
According to Hunt, the space was ideal for her business and is within walking and biking distance from her home.
Instructors Quinn Swanson and Becky Stanton will also be offering classes out of the studio.
The building holds four rooms plus entry space. The yoga room will be located in the back of the building - optimal for privacy. Massage and healing rooms will be located in the interior of the building as well.
"It's cozy, perfect for what I need," Amber said.
The Heart and Hara Studio will offer weekly classes in yoga and body movement. Some will be general interest classes; other classes like "Happy Feet Yoga," focus on children and their parents.
Massage will be by appointment only; Hunt typically provides massage on evenings and Saturdays.
The new studio will be open to class participants and by appointment only.
Namely, Hunt wants the studio to be a space to "learn, grow and be." "It's a place to be yourself as you are," she said.
