Partners In New Yoga Venture
by Janis Hewitt
In Sanskrit, “sangha” means a community of people dedicated to encouraging and nurturing the spirit. And that’s exactly what Jenny Baker and Jeannine Logie will try to create at the new Sangha Yoga studio on South Etna Avenue in Montauk that they opened just a week ago.
Six months ago, the two women had no idea they would become partners in a business, but it was a mutual dream they shared. Their friendship began when they met at their children’s preschool program at the Child Development Center of the Hamptons. It was fostered when they began seeing each other in the same classes at Mandala Yoga and Dance Center in Amagansett.
When Ms. Logie found out a space was available in Montauk, where she grew up, she invited Ms. Baker, who lives there, to come check it out with her. They found it a perfect spot, and, in what was a spontaneous move, Ms. Baker asked if she wanted a partner. “That’s a great idea,” answered Ms. Logie.
The space has a light, breezy feel to it. Gauzy curtain panels over the windows shield customers from gawkers walking or driving by. The scent of incense and a stack of neatly folded yoga mats complete the mood.
Ms. Logie explained on Monday that after taking just two yoga classes a year ago, her life was changed. “It changed my life, not only my body, but my mind and spirituality,” she said, while sitting cross-legged on the smooth wood floor. “I wanted to make it not only a hobby but my vocation,” she added.
Ms. Baker has been doing yoga for eight years, and could often be seen at the beach doing poses in the sand. She became certified in Costa Rica in 2001, and is continuing toward an advanced level of certification. She, along with 12 other instructors known to the local community, will be teaching the 90-minute classes.
The women want to share the space with others. “We want it to be more than a yoga studio; we want it to be a community space. We want people to let us know what’s lacking in the community and open it up to everybody,” said Ms. Logie, explaining that they are looking forward to hosting poetry readings, writer’s workshops, and musical performances.
This article was published by The East Hampton Star on July 18th, 2007
