On August 18, the Way Home Studio will open next to the Way Home Shop as a rentable event space for classes and gatherings. The four studio co-owners joined forces because of a shared need for flexible space for their sessions. The group’s community-building business approach includes the ability to rent the space at an affordable rate to other educators or people who need space for gatherings. The shop, located at 8435 SE Stark Street, offers a long multi-purpose room and a back area for smaller groups.
The space formerly housed an alarm system that moved to a larger storefront next door. The Way Home Studio team replaced the flooring with a shock-absorbing pad and a durable laminate surface. A 20-foot-wide full-length mirror will be installed on one wall with a ballet barre for those who need space to dance. Groups renting the studio will also be able to use 30 company-provided chairs and five folding tables in various configurations to accommodate their specific needs. Participants will have access to coffee, tea and free Wi-Fi. The spaces will be rented together by the hour, with rates sliding based on the time of day. Weekday rates range from $10 to $25 per hour and weekend rates range from $15 to $30 per hour. There are full-day rates and there is a 10% discount for seniors 65 and older, first responders, veterans and people from the BIPOC community. The current rate list and calendar are available on the company’s website, thewayhomestudio.com.
This space grew out of the success of the Way Home shop next door. “I had a dream in February when this space next to my shop became available,” explains Gergana Kirilova, the shop owner and partner in the studio. Her limited gathering space in the back of the Way Home shop was often full, but expanding into the vacant adjacent shop would not have kept it as busy as she envisioned. “I emailed all my people and asked, ‘Who’s in? Let’s build this healing center where we have more space for our gatherings.’ Little by little, I started connecting with these wonderful women,” Kirilova says. Her visions resonated with Amanda Cheer, Ida Cavewoman and Lindsey Peck, whom she knew from the community that had formed around her shop. “I think we all came together because we recognize the need for a real community space that brings people together for a healing center. “We are all practitioners, artists or healers of some sort and we were looking for a space for ourselves, but at the same time wanted to make sure that other practitioners in the area had a space where they could do the same and that it was reasonably priced,” notes studio partner Ida Cavewoman.
Based on the group’s shared interests and expertise, the Way Home Studio will focus on renting to people who promote individual and community healing. These uses include community gatherings, educational workshops, health and wellness classes, cultural events, support groups, healing circles, seasonal celebrations, craft groups, and offering self-care resources. However, they are open to other potential uses as long as renters follow their principles of equal access and respect for participants. Public events in this space are viewable on the Way Home Studio website or via a calendar link. The studio team invites interested community members to view event descriptions and follow the registration links available in most listings.
In addition to the core group of partners, other practitioners have shown interest in the space, securing multiple time slots. Co-owner Amanda Cheer noted that the early interest is already rounding out the types of activities planned for the studio. “We already have some (people) who are excited. I know we have a few yoga and Reiki practitioners. So we already have quite a bit on the calendar.” There are also people who want to use the space for book signings and other one-off events. Since the rental price includes the back room with upholstered armchairs, a couch and an undercounter refrigerator, they expect some people will reserve the studio for consultations and small groups that need a private space. Eventually, the Way Home shop and studio will be connected by an existing door, allowing event-goers to move between storefronts without having to go outside and giving people a place to retreat to after their scheduled session.
Anyone who would like to see the space and learn more about the group that runs it can attend the grand opening event on Sunday 18 August from 1pm to 5pm. Entry is free with no need to register and light refreshments will be served.
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