Today we’d like to introduce you to Bristol Maryott.
Bristol, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been a yoga teacher for over twelve years and when I moved from Boston to Providence, RI I decided to open my own studio. I teach Jivamukti and Ashtanga yoga, neither of which were offered in Providence, and decided to give owning my own space a try. I found a beautiful spot overlooking the river and I’m thrilled that we just celebrated our third anniversary.
Jivamukti Yoga is a vigorous vinyasa style of yoga with an emphasis on yoga philosophy, meditation, hands-on assists, uplifting music and creative sequencing. I also teach a Mysore-style Ashtanga program where students work through the Ashtanga Yoga set sequences and I circulate through the room helping everyone one-on-one. Mysore is difficult because every student has to memorize their sequence but it’s a great way to practice yoga because each student is doing their own practice. I can individualize how much each student does of the sequence to their ability and needs. It’s a great way for more advanced students to be able to continue to progress.
We also are an art gallery featuring about four shows a year, mostly by local artists. Many of our artists are also practicing yogis who are exploring presence and awareness in their work. We try to show art that is complementary to the yoga practice so that the art on view inspires our practice. My background is in art history so I’m grateful to be able to combine the two disciplines I love for my career. I previously worked at Sotheby’s in London as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
I spend most of my time teaching yoga and running the business but in my free time I love to be around the water with my wonderful family. Rhode Island is truly the ocean state and there are tons of great beaches. I am also a vegan and love cooking and exploring all of Providence’s fantastic vegetarian restaurants. I also adore travel and go to India regularly for study as well as teaching retreats and exploring the chaotic Indian cities and gorgeous countryside. I’ve recently also taught in Shanghai, China and am hoping to do more travel just for fun in the next few months.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the challenges of running your own business is that you have to be able to wear many hats well. I am still trying to improve at marketing as well as being technologically savvy. It can also be overwhelming to be a business owner, as there is always more work to do! I have to listen to what I say to others during yoga class and just do the best that I can in that moment.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jala Studio: Yoga & Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a yoga studio and art gallery on South Main Street overlooking the river in Providence. We offer three to four yoga classes a day and specialize in Jivamukti and Ashtanga yoga. We are a boutique studio specializing in intimate classes in a beautiful atmosphere. We keep our class sizes small so that students receive plenty of attention and personal instruction, as well as hands-on assists. We offer various levels of classes, from vigorous and advanced to more gentle and restorative. Our classes encompass all aspects of yoga, not just the physical, and students learn yoga philosophy, meditation and breathing techniques.
Our art gallery specializes in local artists and we exhibit about four shows a year in a variety of mediums. The artists we represent often tend to be yogis and their work often explores themes of consciousness, awareness and connection; however, their work is usually not obviously yogic, such as images of asanas, instead it can be anything from abstract to landscapes.
We aim to be a creative space where the complementary disciplines of art and yoga can intersect and inspire.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Like: Persian cats, vegan food, vegan baking, yoga, reading, travel, electronic music, tea
Dislikes: Cold weather, living far away from so many of my friends, scary movies, current politics
Pricing:
- $15 drop in yoga class
Contact Info:
- Address: 285 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
- Website: www.jala-studio.com
- Phone: 508-566-2524
- Email: bristol@jala-studio.com
- Instagram: @jala.yoga.art
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jala.yoga.art
Image Credit:
Phoebe Neel Photography, Daniel Francisco Valdez Photography, Cara Brostrom Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
