Eight years ago, Elevate Yoga opened its doors with a heartfelt mission: to create a nurturing space where individuals could find balance, connection, and transformation through the practice of aerial yoga. Our vision was to build a true commUNITY—a place where you could be yourself without judgment and where authenticity thrives, all bodies were welcome no matter what. Today, as we prepare to celebrate our 8-year anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared with our commUNITY and the countless lives we've touched along the way.
The Early Days (circa 2016) . . .
As we celebrate the 8-year anniversary of Elevate Yoga, we want to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this point, and share it with our current commUNITY. Our story began in 2016, when we embarked on a humble yet exciting adventure, driven by a shared passion for yoga and a vision to create a unique community space.
In the early days, Elevate Yoga operated on a simple but powerful principle: accessibility for everyONE and everyBODY. We started as a donation-based studio, offering classes that allowed anyONE to experience the benefits of aerial yoga. This approach was more than just a business model; it was a reflection of our commitment to building an inclusive community where everyone felt welcome.
Pop-Up Classes at the (original) MonOrchid
With no permanent location to call our own, we found a temporary home at the MonOrchid, an eclectic art gallery and event space in the heart of Phoenix. Here, we hosted two classes per week, transforming the vibrant gallery into a serene aerial yoga sanctuary. Our classes quickly became a favorite among those seeking a unique and uplifting yoga experience, and the MonOrchid provided the perfect backdrop for our growing community.
Brandi and Amber: A Dynamic Duo
Elevate Yoga’s early success can be attributed to the dedication and passion of its co-founders, Brandi and Amber. As the driving forces behind the studio, they co-taught every class (yep, every single one of them), bringing their diverse skills and energy to each session.
Their complementary teaching styles created a harmonious balance that resonated with our students, fostering an environment of growth and transformation. It's the foundation of how their partnership has continue to blossom and grow over the past years alongside one another creating what Elevate is today.
The Evolution of the Elevate Brand
Our original logo was simple, exactly what we were all about when we first started. It took just 9 short months to outgrow the pop up, donation based model we were operating and we realized that there was a bigger need for what we were building within the community.
From there we decided to do a rebrand and begin the path to moving into full-time studio mode. We launched our new branding, logo and colors which better represented what we were offering - a unique, and playful form of your traditional mat based practice - we were elevating the practice!
Fast forward five years, we had just emerged from the challenging pandemic period, still navigating the aftermath of being forced to close for five months. Despite the difficulties, we were determined to reenergize and refresh things. The time was ripe for a brand makeover, and we aimed to create a new, edgy, and captivating look that symbolized our resilience and readiness to thrive (insert our fun, bright, lively neon pink era). Our full brand refresh brought a fresh breath of air into our identity, much like our post-COVID comeback, symbolizing strength and a renewed spirit for growth.
Brand Evolution
(Left to Right: 2016 OG Logo, 2017 Brand Launch Logo, 2021 Brand Refresh Logo)
Building a CommUNITY
In 2018, we took a significant step forward in our journey by moving into our current location, which today is known as our Earth Room (after co-founder Brandi's astrological sign). This move marked a pivotal moment for Elevate Yoga as we began building out a diverse class schedule that catered to the varying needs of our commUNITY.
Our goal was not just to create a studio but to foster a community space where individuals could gather, connect, and thrive together. From the beginning, our mission was clear: community first, studio second and moving into our own space allowed for us to focus on this. One of the first things we did was contract local muralist, Taylor Victoria, to create this beautiful mural that encompasses everything we stand for and what we envisioned embedding into our community.
This philosophy guided our growth as we worked to build a space where everyone felt welcomed and supported, regardless of their background or experience level. We wanted Elevate Yoga to be a place where people could come as they are and be celebrated for who they are. This commitment to community inspired us to develop our first Aerial Yoga Teacher Training (AYTT) program in 2021, empowering and equipping new teachers to join our growing family. As the demand for classes and the desire for a broader range of offerings increased, we expanded from our one-room studio to a second room, now known as our Air Room (named after co-founder Amber's astrological sign), in 2022.
Our rapid growth didn't stop there. In early 2024, we eliminated our lobby space to make more room for classes, underscoring our commitment to accommodating our thriving community. From the humble beginnings of just two people, Brandi and Amber, co-teaching every class, we have since expanded to a vibrant team of 21 passionate individuals: 15 talented and diverse teachers, 3 dedicated front desk staff (our beloved flight attendants), and a meticulous stewardess who ensures our space remains welcoming and pristine (the true angel behind the scenes).
Over the past eight years, Elevate Yoga has blossomed from offering a single aerial yoga class style to a comprehensive array of class styles and levels. We now provide everything from flow and restorative yoga to aerial silks, sound baths, and strength classes. We’ve introduced specialized programs like Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTTs), BIPOC scholarships, and Tarot card readings, along with so much more. In addition, we are proud to have welcomed a physical therapist (Tracy of Better Fit Therapy) and an esthetician (Linda of Mood Studios) on-site, further enriching the holistic wellness experience we offer.
All of these changes and additions over the years have been driven by our unwavering commitment to creating a space where people can simply be themselves, surrounded by a community that celebrates them for who they are, and having access to practices that meet them where they are each and every given day. Whether you’re a seasoned student or a newcomer looking for a place to belong, Elevate Yoga is built on a foundation and history driven for and by you.
Looking Ahead
At Elevate Yoga, our commitment to innovation and excellence is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to bring you a vibrant community and a welcoming space to practice, grow, and connect. As we move into another year, we're excited to continue evolving our class offerings, expanding our training programs, and forging meaningful collaborations, starting right now!
We're excited to announce that we're collaborating with State Forty Eight with a fun and stylish T-shirt! We will soon open pre-order sales for this exclusive, limited edition design. This shirt will be available during this pre-order so be sure to get your hands on one while you can!
We owe our success and what this commUNITY is to our wonderful members, who are the true heart of our journey. Your support, enthusiasm, and energy inspire us daily, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our commUNITY. As we celebrate our 8-year anniversary, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for being with us every step of the way. Here's to many more years of shared growth, transformation, and joy at Elevate Yoga!
Member Appreciation Event - Sunday, September 8th
To kick off our 8-year celebration, we're hosting an exclusive member appreciation event on Sunday, September 8th. Join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone together. As we celebrate eight remarkable years, we are filled with gratitude for the community we have built and the journey we have shared. Here's to many more years of growth, transformation, and connection at Elevate Yoga & Wellness!
Date: Sunday, September 8th
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Agenda:
3:00pm - Check in, enjoy some refreshments and get to know other commUNITY members.
3:30pm - Enjoy a special Summer Showcase Encore! Our students that participated in this amazing event over this past summer are coming together one more time to showcase their unique pieces one more time!
4:00pm - After the showcase, our students and creative directors (Jess and Heather) will participate in an FAQ panel.
4:30pm - Enjoy a FREE sound bath with Gregory to wrap up the day.
Secure your spot, connect with fellow members, and be part of this unforgettable event.
CommUNITY Celebration Day - Saturday, September 14th
We’ll close out the week with a morning jam-packed with 80s-themed fun and excitement! Join us for a special class schedule featuring your favorite 80s tunes, and don’t forget to wear your best 80s attire to get into the spirit.
Beyond the groovy music and rad outfits, you can enjoy a pop-up cold plunge, a braid bar, and trigger point therapy sessions. Plus, we’re offering amazing giveaways worth nearly $1,500 in each class! Join us for an unforgettable celebration filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a fantastic community vibe!
Class Schedule
Class registration is just $8. Members and package holders may opt to use their membership or pay the $8 and save your class credits for other classes. Spots are limited so be sure to sign up early. Please limit your registration to 1 class so everyone that wants to attend is able to.