Maria Lages Worked to Build a Thriving Yoga Community
Maria Lages has always had an innate drive and passion to create something of her own. As a child growing up in Brazil, Maria sold water to hikers who used the trails by her house. At 17 years old, Maria started her own house-cleaning business while taking night classes at CPCC. Her business took off. With three employees working under her and a full schedule of clients, she saw how profitable her hard work could become. The only problem was glaring: Maria wasn’t passionate about what she was doing. She sold that business and began teaching yoga, with no idea what would come next.
“I was at a big turning point in my life. I was 22 years old, just graduated, ready for a fresh start, and thinking about moving somewhere far away. After taking one of my yoga classes, my brother asked, ‘Why don't you just open your own yoga studio?’ It just takes one person to light a spark in you,” said Maria. “The fact that he believed that I could open my own studio made it all possible. From the minute he lit that spark, I became obsessed with the idea. I had no doubt in my mind that I would do it. It only took 4 short months before the studio doors opened, and I’ve never looked back.”
The road wasn’t always easy, but the results are life-changing, for Maria and for the members of the Om Yoga community.
As a young woman entering a new business venture, Maria overcame sleepless nights and self-doubt to open and build a welcoming, community-focused yoga studio in Fort Mill, SC. Just as her brother lit a spark in her during a time of need, Maria built Om Yoga as a place to shine light into the lives of every person who rolls out their mat in her studio. Maria explains, “You can still hold space for others to grow, even when your own life isn’t exactly where you want it be. You can still inspire and uplift others.”
For six years now, Om Yoga continues to be a bright light and a peaceful place to practice yoga for many members of the Charlotte and Fort Mill communities. With a wide array of classes from Deep Stretch to Power Mixed, workshops to promote back health, encourage meditation, and glow-in-the-dark yoga, Om is a community open to absolutely anyone. If you’ve ever thought about trying yoga, Om is a judgement-free, inspiring place to do it!
Om Yoga Studio
Om Yoga is a community of dedicated yoga students and teachers who are passionate about sharing the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. Om offers slow flow, hot yoga, power yoga, prenatal yoga, kids yoga, and $9 Happy Hour classes. Om Yoga’s relaxing ambiance and convenient location provides a sanctuary from the daily pressures of a busy life. For more information about Om Yoga, please visit www.omyogasc.com. Follow Om Yoga on Facebook and Instagram: om_yogastudio.
