At Yoga Spot Meadville, the atmosphere invites you to slow down the moment you walk through the door—a calm, welcoming space designed for movement, mindfulness, and connection. For this installment of Meeting Meadville, Kelly Rhoades, of Kelly Rhoades Photography, visited owner Lindsay Henry at the Chestnut Street studio to learn how a leap of faith, a passion for wellness, and a commitment to inclusivity have shaped a community-centered space where people of all backgrounds can feel at home on and off the mat.
Meeting Meadville with Kelly Rhoades
Upon arriving at the studio, I felt immediate warmth. Lindsay was so welcoming and the space was clean and beautiful. I’m going to let the interview speak for itself, but I’ll add that I have not stopped thinking about my time there all week. I can’t even explain the sense of comfort and belonging I felt there. I sort of just wanted to hang out all day.
Tell us a little about your business!
“Yoga Spot Meadville is located at 252 Chestnut Street in downtown Meadville. As a women and LGBTQ+ owned yoga studio, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening a long-standing practice, Yoga Spot invites every individual to explore movement, stillness, and self-connection in a non-judgmental space. We offer a diverse range of practices with a regular weekly schedule of over 19 classes, including Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Yoga for All, Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Restorative, and Yin. Yoga Spot has become more than just a yoga studio by serving as a community hub for both mindfulness and connection. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of special events and workshops such as the Beginner Series, 108 Sun Salutations, Glow Yoga, Partner Yoga, Pranayama Exploration, Journey Through the Chakras, and Kids Yoga. Yoga Spot Meadville is about more than just physical movement—it’s about creating space to slow down, tune in, and feel better in your body, mind, and spirit. By prioritizing inclusivity, authenticity, and wellness, we’re honored to be a vital and empowering part of Meadville’s small business community.”
What inspired you to start your business?
“To be honest, opening Yoga Spot Meadville was a big leap of faith. When we opened our doors in September 2021, I didn’t feel completely ready—and I had plenty of moments of doubt, asking myself, “What in the world am I doing?!” My yoga journey began in 2018, during rehab after reconstructive ankle surgery. Years of chronic sprains from playing sports had taken their toll, and I turned to yoga as part of the healing process. I quickly fell in love with the practice. Unlike athletics, yoga wasn’t about proving anything or competing—it was about calming my mind, self-regulating, and simply feeling better in my body. In 2020, during the pandemic, I earned my first 200-hour yoga teacher certification—not with the intention of teaching, but as a way to deepen my personal practice after the studio I frequented closed down. Yoga had changed my life, and I wanted others in the community to experience its transformative effects too. With no studio left in town, I realized the only way to share this practice was to create a new space myself. Even though teaching wasn’t originally part of the plan, I had an MBA and knew how to write a business plan. So I did. Before I knew it, I had a mission statement, a logo, and a space to rent—and I quickly realized that I had to teach almost every day to make it work. It was a “learn by trial and error” kind of beginning, but four years later, I can confidently say it was one of the best risks I’ve ever taken. Starting Yoga Spot Meadville has brought its share of challenges, but it’s also been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve met so many amazing people along the way and am grateful for the opportunity to share this practice with a truly supportive and inspiring community.”
What is something that makes your business unique?
“The community of people who practice with us are truly the heart and soul of Yoga Spot Meadville and an integral part of what makes our studio such a special place. In a time when we are all frequently staring at screens and constantly inundated with so much information, it’s deeply meaningful to gather in a space where people are intentionally prioritizing their health and well-being. There’s something powerful about a room full of like-minded individuals choosing to slow down, breathe, and move together. Watching people come in for that first class, start to feel the benefits of the practice, and then grow into a consistent routine is incredibly rewarding. Over the past four years, we’ve witnessed real connections and lasting friendships form among our students—supportive, uplifting relationships that extend well beyond the studio walls. That sense of community is something we’re endlessly proud of.”
In your opinion, what is the best thing about Meadville?
“The best thing about Meadville is all that it has to offer! You get that warm, small-town feel where you’re likely to run into a friendly face at the Farmer’s Market, Second Saturday, or just walking downtown—but you’re also just a short drive away from cities like Erie, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Cleveland if you’re in the mood for a concert, festival, or professional sports event. I love that Meadville is surrounded by so many lakes and hiking trails for spending time outdoors and connecting with nature. It’s the perfect balance and provides a wide variety of things to do.”
Which Meadville business, aside from your own, is your favorite?
“It’s so hard to choose! I love Cattail Cafe inside Hatch Hollow. Both businesses are awesome! Dietrich’s food at Cattail Cafe is incredible (highly recommend), and the co-working space and art supply store Heather has created at Hatch Hollow is warm, cozy, and so well-appointed. I enjoy grabbing fresh foods and local handmade goods from the Meadville Market House and great coffee from French Creek Coffee and Tea Co. LLC. I also really enjoy popping over to Voodoo Brewing Co. for a good beer.”
Lindsay, thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me!
You can scroll through the visual story using the gallery below. You can also see the original post on Kelly Rhoades’ Facebook Page here. (Be sure to Like and leave a nice comment too!)
Kelly Rhoades is helping to Make Meadville through her work on this project. If you’d like to see Kelly’s full portfolio of work and book a session, go to her website at www.kellyrhoadesphotography.com
