How did your business start?

Providence Apothecary opened in January 2014 with a dream of serving the Glenwood community and greater Western Slope with an interactive way of learning and applying plant-based medicine practices. Customers can view a traditional apothecary at work each day as teas, tinctures and medicines are made and dispensed on-site. This view expanded to a full holistic center once it was determined that the size of the facility could accommodate a wider perspective of offerings. In fall 2014, meetings began behind the scenes with Ally Morrison, a local yoga teacher and popular massage therapis, to develop a full spectrum yoga program to serve the greater Glenwood area.

What do you sell?

We offer daily classes in yoga instruction, monthly events and workshops in special topic formats from local and visiting teachers. We provide yoga instruction in hatha yoga, vinyasa flow, restorative yoga, yoga basics, meditation and injury healing/prevention. We have a popular, new pilot program for area teacher trainees who are looking to gain teaching experience through our Community Yoga program. We also offer private yoga sessions for one-on-one instruction, feedback and guidance.

Why do you like what you do?

All of us enjoy creating and maintaining a healing space. There is a deep need in society for a place for people to come and reflect, to slow down and to be introspective. We are in a unique position in the Information Age to have all kinds of amazing technology working around us at every moment. Quiet places with little to no sensory stimulation are in high demand and low supply. We love knowing that we have built a space where the community can drop in, have tea, take a class and have good conversation.

What strategy do you use to hire good people?

We network among colleagues for personal referrals, and layer a vetting process of meetings with a soft audition. We offer competitive pay rates for our area and have both short- and long-term teaching commitments. Right now, the yoga industry is unique in that there is a high supply of teachers coming out of training programs from the beginner to the advanced level. Our new Community Yoga program is specifically designed to help train these new graduates to teach a variety of class formats. We know that highly trained and dedicated yoga teachers equal great education and instruction for the students.

What is your strategy for growth in the next year?

Consistent, quality yoga classes with highly trained teachers, plus special topic workshops and trainings based on survey requests and a beginner series to encourage a safe and fun introduction to yoga. We will continue our progressive class formats by level of fitness and experience, plus listening to the community input. We plan on increasing our online presence to appeal to the destination traveler to the Glenwood area. We will always engage a cross-pollination with all of our holistic services. Future plans for a continuing student intensives, teacher training modules and, one day, a yoga school.

What is the best thing about running a business here?

Hands down, the people, the students, the customers, including our amazing staff members, who love their jobs and working together as a team.