All-natural Hot Yoga at Hops + Roots by Lexie Wolf
Get your locally sourced, all-natural hot yoga this weekend at Hops and Roots!
Back when we opened in 2017, our tagline was “Practice Locally.” It came out of a very official market research campaign—i.e., I asked about ten Pittsboro yogis where they were practicing. Many were driving to Carrboro or Chapel Hill. At the time, Pittsboro had some amazing yoga teachers (shoutout to Cathy Holt and Kim Calhoun!) but not a full-scale yoga studio with teacher training, workshops, and multiple classes a day.
Fast forward, and now we’re noticing something fun: Chapel Hill yogis are making the trek down here. (I see you, 15-501 carpool crew.)
From the beginning, “local” has been part of our studio’s DNA. Yoga Garden has a strong sense of place. And alongside “local” come words like “creative,” “original,” and—let’s be honest—“a little weird in the best way.” We support other local artists, makers, and businesses however we can.
As Pittsboro starts to look more like Anywhere, USA—with chain stores and corporate sameness popping up like mushrooms—I hope we all keep investing in what’s unique, independent, and real. Because here’s the thing: being small and local is harder. And it’s more expensive. You know this. But also—you know it’s worth it.
Sometimes, yes, I do get a little jealous of the fitness franchise owners. It might be nice if corporate sent me a “yoga studio starter pack” with a weekly marketing plan, pre-written emails, and step-by-step instructions for maximizing ROI and scheduling daily BOGO class pass blasts.
Kind of like how Legos used to be freeform piles of blocks, and now come in kits so you can build a Fast & Furious Nissan Skyline with German-engineered precision.
I get the appeal. But also? No thanks.
Because we like doing it the quirky, hard, lovingly handmade way—just like our friends down the road at The Plant. One of the owners there, Lyle Estill, was a mentor. He taught me how to do things the hard way. Thanks….?
We’re very proud to be a sponsor of the Hops and Roots Festival happening this weekend at The Plant - a celebration of local food & beverage, music, and community. And yes—you can sweat it out with your homegrown, handcrafted, extra-organic hot yoga, brought to you by many of the Yoga Garden teachers you know and love (full schedule below). Note that the 9am classes are accompanied by live music!
I won’t be teaching (minor knee surgery this week), but I do hope to hobble out and cheer from the sidelines. Yes, cheerleading for yoga…why not? Turns out, when no one sends you the rules, you get to write your own—and maybe even sweat a little while you’re at it.
love,
Lexie
