HELLO LOVELY COMMUNITY,
I hope you are well despite the circumstances. Thank you to everyone who has done their best to support us over the pandemic by purchasing retail, coming to classes, workshops and booking massages. Your contribution means the world to us. We know that this pandemic has been very difficult on everyone emotionally, physically, financially, mentally and spiritually. We get the opportunity to see people everyday and by hearing their stories the reality is that for many, life has felt impossible with so many obstacles being presented everyday. Our heart is with you and I hope for all our sake this nightmare ends sometime very soon.
As you know, small businesses have been impacted SO incredibly hard by Covid19. Many have been shutting down with each passing day. The fitness/recreation/wellness industry has undoubtedly been hit the hardest with the pandemic. Ironically, the industries who have helped thousands of people with their health and well-being, were the first to be closed and the last to be opened and somehow in turn have not been adequately supported by the government in a meaningful way.
None of us could have anticipated how long this pandemic was going to last or the damage it bring, so we all held on hoping things would change. But with no end in sight, recovery at this point becomes more difficult everyday.
In addition to these unforeseen hurdles brought by the pandemic, Buddha Belly’s building has also been sold in recent weeks and unfortunately with our lease being at the end of its 5-year term, and our new landlord significantly increasing the rent to an unmanageable amount, it is just not feasible to continue to run a business here. We considered moving elsewhere, but the reality is that it would be too financially burdensome to create something from scratch during a pandemic where things are so difficult and the future is so uncertain.
I have done countless hours of soul searching and there is simply no way to continue to offer what we do, in these circumstances. So, after much deliberation, prayer, meditation, grief, and sleepless nights… I have made peace with the decision to embrace letting go. Buddha Belly Yoga and Wellness will be closing its doors permanently, effective December 15, 2021. I believe it’s the best way to gracefully end this chapter in my life and move forward on my own individual path before a new year begins.
As an alternative option, I do welcome the opportunity for someone to purchase Buddha Belly over the next 6 weeks to keep it running. If it is meant to be, I am sure it will happen. If you or anyone you know would be interested in owning a yoga studio, please let me know. *
At some point when things have cleared up, I will undoubtedly launch a new business that I would love for you to be a part of. If you would like for me to keep you posted, please let me know and I will add you to my email list so that you can be a part of that journey when the time comes. I have so much hope that I will again be able to create something as heartfelt as Buddha Belly.
Buddha Belly has been my ENTIRE life for the last 5 years. I have truly loved sharing my creation with you all but the time has come where I am going to have the opportunity to put all of that attention back into myself and my well-being. I am nowhere near the same person I was when I started Buddha Belly and it only makes sense that my time would come to an end eventually. Buddha Belly was a gift, while it lasted. It has been a catalyst for my growth, healing, transformation and expansion in ways that I could not have ever anticipated. The journey had many ups and downs but will forever have been worth it.
Buddha Belly has been such a loving home to us all. For many of you it is a place of connection, healing, rest and inspiration. Each of you have contributed to the collective space that we have created together and it has been nothing short of brilliant. It has been a true honor to serve all of you and to witness your kindness, love, growth, bravery, tears and laughter. Your presence has been so impactful. Thank you for all of your time and dedication. For your commitment to your health, to our community and to the journey of finding peace in your heart.
The team and I would love the next few weeks to be a real celebration of the time we have spent together. We are hopeful that you will be able to participate in as many yoga classes and massages as you can over the next 6 weeks and say your final goodbyes. It is certainly going to be the most emotional 47 days of my entire life and I know it will be for many of you too.
We will miss your presence greatly. I am grateful and feel so fulfilled for all that Buddha Belly did for our community over the years and for all of the heartfelt connections that were made. What a beautiful loving community of students and team members we have. I couldn’t have picked anyone better to share + serve with. My deepest gratitude goes out to you. I hope you know how much you have meant to me. Thank you for the memories. You will always be in my heart.
I wish you so much health and happiness.
May your future be abundant and blessed.
Namaste,
Melanie
xo
P.S. I know this is a lot to take in at once and so, in the upcoming days I will offer more information about other important logistics that will come with shutting down.