Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • January 2018
HEALTH CARE
45
Steel 3 Yoga to open third studio after taking over 11Exhale Yoga Eight instructors work between Richland, Kennewick studios BY LAURA KOSTAD
for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business
The owner of Steel 3 Yoga plans to open a third studio to eager Tri-City yoga enthusiasts for “workshops, training and some classes to come” this month. Brenda Steel, an ex-corporate worker turned yogi, took over 11Exhale Yoga’s two existing studios in Richland and Kennewick in August. Eight instructors work between the Richland and Kennewick studios, collectively teaching 40 classes per week. “I’m really happy to be right where we are,” said Steel, though she admitted the path to owning the studios has not been without its strife. She took over the business from Julianne Arce, the yoga instructor from whom Steel received her formal training two years prior. “It’s mainstream, but still soulful yoga,” Steel said. “We’ve got your yoga — that’s our tagline.” Originally, Steel had planned to open
her own studio but decided to partner with Arce to cooperatively cultivate the budding Tri-City yoga community. Pre-existing financial trouble left Steel holding the bill when Arce abruptly moved to California. Steel said she felt fortunate to have a business background as she navigated management of the two studios solo. “I have paid and paid in the name of yoga, because I believed in it. … But I came through it and came to know this is where I’m meant to be. … When things are less than perfect — which is life — you really have to look at everything,” she said. Steel said she built upon the foundation and environment established by 11Exhale. “They’re amazing studios now and built on a culture that’s all about love and true foundation,” she said. The Richland studio is at 140 Gage Blvd. in suite 104 and the Kennewick studio is at 4528 W. 26th Ave. in suite 140. The third studio is just down from the Richland one in suite 100. It’s used for special classes and trainings not on the
Brenda Steel took over ownership of the former 11Exhale Yoga studios in Kennewick and Richland in August and renamed it Steel 3 Yoga. She plans to host workshops, trainings and other course offerings in a new studio, just a few doors down from the existing Richland location. (Courtesy DonnaG Photography)
regular class schedule. As Steel 3 continue to grow, regular classes may end up being scheduled in there. Steel 3’s studios feature a warm, welcoming, modern vibe that’s tastefully
eclectic. Multiple sources of lighting and soft, meditative music provide a relaxing ambience as the pleasant smell of woody incense and sage permeate the air. uYOGA, Page 51