Small Biz: Balance Studios serves as a comfortable atmosphere for art and yoga

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

photo Denise Collins, right, and Melanie Ferguson are co-owners of Balanced Studios.

• Name: Balance Studios, LLC.

• Owners: Denise Collins and Melanie Ferguson.

• Location: 11 Peak Street in Chattanooga.

• Opened: Collins and Ferguson began teaching classes at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in fall of 2013 and opened the new studio on March 28.

• Service: Art and yoga classes, camps and birthday parties for children, teens and families.

• Staff: 11 full- and part-time instructors and other employees.

• How it got started: "We worked together at Highland Plaza Preschool, which follows the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education where children are seen as capable and competent learners," Collins said. "We wanted to bring this philosophy of learning to a larger audience through our love of art and yoga."

• Initial investment: $45,000 from loans and personal contributions. $12,000 raised through our Kickstarter campaign.

• Five-year goal: Expand the number of classes offered and retail items to include a variety of locally hand-made items, unique American-made clothing, art supplies and toys. The owners also want to connect to Hill City neighbors through community outreach.

• Why Chattanooga: "Chattanooga has a true love of arts and a community spirit," Collins said. "Chattanooga is also a very health conscious city with several successful adult yoga studios." Balanced Studios brings such yoga and art resources to children, teens and families.

• What is unique? The new business offers classes families can take together. "We offer a comfortable place for family members to hang out and relax while they are waiting," Collins said. "Our art and yoga classes offer non-competitive, self-esteem building activities for children of all ages."

• Contact: www.thisisbalance.com or 423-805-4789

Compiled by Alex Green at agreen@timesfreepress.com.