I’ve been working since January to open a yoga & wellness studio in the Heights. Santosha Yoga & Wellness (please ask me about the name!!! I love to share why)

For those that aren’t local - I live in an area of Billings Montana that is slightly isolated geographically. (Thank God for a new road) Most of the wellness amenities and services are across town 20-30 mins away depending on where one lives in the Heights. 

My idea was born out of a massage with Nickole Ellestad where we both bitched about not being able to carve out the time in our busy schedules to get our butts over to the west end to attend hot yoga classes. Thanks girl for that nudge 😘 the more I’ve talked to Heights people and done Facebook surveys many feel the same way. It’s not just for class or services you have to carve out time for. You have the drive there. The drive back. Showering and getting back to life or work. It’s a 2 hour chunk to carve out. That’s a lot. 

In recent years I have discovered the health benefits of yoga (heated and non heated), hot&cold contrast therapy (cold plunge & hot tub), infrared sauna, steam sauna, foot detox, and so many more services. Having struggled with normal aches and pains of aging, anxiety, extreme stress from work and my parenting schedule, a bum shoulder blade from a car accident, recovering from explant surgery and whatever else life wants to throw my way I found all these activities good for my mental health in addition to my physical health. I started my yoga journey with an exercise perspective. Which is great and I love that. As I dug deeper my eyes have been opened to a whole world of connecting with my breath and mind that has brought peace to this human life that can be chaos. I’ve learned about how yoga is literally for every one.. Yoga poses can be modified. Yoga can be done in a chair. Yoga can be done in a wheelchair. Yoga can be done laying on the floor in the same pose for 5 minutes. Yoga can be done with blocks, blankets, straps, and more. Yoga can be done vigorously with weights. Yoga can be done in humid 100 degrees. Yoga can be done by those not flexible. Yoga can be done with barre or Pilates (my fave). Yoga can be done with reiki. Yoga can be done with sound baths. Yoga can be done with prayer….. are you picking up on the theme?

I have a mission to show that yoga and  wellness services are for everyone. No matter your beliefs or religion. No matter your diagnosis. No matter your experience level. No matter your past, present, or future. My services will be all types of yoga (hot yoga too), infrared sauna, cold/hot plunge aka contrast therapy, foot detox, and I’ll even offer space for Courtney Bryant to operate Ponderosa Perk Cafe 😱🙌🏻. Where you can relax with WiFi and drink your coffee, lotus, tea, and have some grab n go food. Stay and work just like at any coffee shop. Read some of the provided wellness books. Or just come hang before class. I have the space identified. I have a verbal agreement with a landlord. I’ll sign the lease when the bank gives approval. 

I could not be more excited to bring this passion to my community. But it’s not cheap. The space I found needs extensive remodel (look at the link cover photo!). Just the utilities remodel alone is about $100,000. I’ve been working diligently to secure contractor bids. I have a business plan. I have a very robust projection spreadsheet for 2 year of revenue and start up expenses. Thanks Ian Ullman. Literally could not have done this without you. I’m pursuing a business loan, but still need additional funds to make this happen. Thank you to my family & friend donors who have already supported me! 

I’m asking for a donation to make this possible. I want this to be built from the community and feel like we are accomplishing something together. If you feel lead or called to donate you’ll be what I like to call a founding member. I plan to do this really cool custom made wood burning wall decor with founding member names. And I would like to offer founding members a discount towards yoga or services of their liking, if local. Founding members will have an entire week of the space to themselves before it opens to the public. $10,$25,$50,$100….whatever you can do would be so appreciated 🥰 if you want to donate without participating you’ll be a founding friend! 

If you can’t donate financially to be a founding member or friend I understand. Trust me. Your well wishes, prayers, and good thoughts are received and appreciated. If you’re interested in donating please use this link (https://givebutter.com/0PLJkx). If you don’t want to use this link please contact me directly. 

And yes, I’ll still be in real estate. Life is too short to suppress this passion. Multi-preneur here I come 🙌🏻

*Disclaimer: this is a donation with an exchange for discounted services and a sneak peek. This is not a loan and is not refundable (unless the space does not open). There is no equity or interest in the company being offered. If you would like any company business info to include plan, bids and projections please contact me directly. 

Santosha Yoga & Wellness 
[email protected]

Feel free to share with any of your Heights loving friends who want to be a part of something HUGE for this community! 

Thank you
Namaste 🙏 🧘🏻‍♀️ 
-Alyssa